No-Bake Chia Seed Coconut Pudding
A smooth and light vegan pudding combining coconut milk and chia seeds, naturally sweetened and perfect for an easy, healthy dessert or breakfast. This vegan (vegan) ready in about 5 minutes pairs unsweetened coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk, 1/3 cup chia seeds, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 2: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring once halfway through to prevent clumps, until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Step 3: Serve chilled topped with 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes and 1/2 cup fresh berries if desired for a fresh contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chia Seed Coconut Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chia Seed Coconut Pudding?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsweetened coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chia Seed Coconut 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 Seed Coconut Pudding for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Seed Coconut Pudding vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.