No-Bake Chia and Coconut Seed Pudding
A light, effortless pudding made by soaking chia seeds overnight in creamy coconut milk, naturally sweetened and topped with fresh fruit. This american-inspired desserts (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 5 minutes layers chia seeds, unsweetened coconut milk, maple syrup into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup, for topping fresh berries
- 2 tbsp, for garnish toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 2: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, stirring once after 2 hours to prevent clumps.
- Step 3: Before serving, stir the pudding well and divide into serving bowls.
- Step 4: Top each serving with 1/2 cup fresh berries and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chia and Coconut Seed Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chia and Coconut Seed Pudding?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chia and Coconut Seed Pudding?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chia and Coconut Seed Pudding for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is No-Bake Chia and Coconut Seed Pudding vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.