No-Bake Coconut and Lime Chia Pudding
A creamy, tropical chia pudding infused with coconut milk and zesty lime, perfect for a light summer dessert or breakfast. This general-inspired desserts (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 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 180 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp, for topping toasted shredded coconut
- optional, for garnish fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice until well combined.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup chia seeds, mixing thoroughly to prevent clumps. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to evenly distribute the chia seeds.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Step 4: Before serving, stir the pudding well and divide into 4 serving glasses. Top each with 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Coconut and Lime Chia Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Coconut and Lime Chia 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 Coconut and Lime Chia 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 Coconut and Lime Chia 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 Coconut and Lime Chia 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.