No-Bake Lemon Chia Pudding with Blueberry Compote

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and tangy no-bake dessert combining zesty lemon-infused chia pudding with a sweet blueberry compote, perfect for warm summer evenings. This general-inspired desserts (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes layers chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, finely grated lemon zest 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 150 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp maple syrup until well combined. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumping.
  2. Step 2: Cover and refrigerate the chia pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight until it thickens to a creamy pudding consistency.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries break down and the compote thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Step 4: To serve, spoon the chilled lemon chia pudding into bowls or jars and top with a generous 2-3 tbsp of the blueberry compote for a refreshing summer dessert.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Lemon Chia Pudding with Blueberry Compote take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Lemon Chia Pudding with Blueberry Compote?

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 Lemon Chia Pudding with Blueberry Compote?

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 Lemon Chia Pudding with Blueberry Compote 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 Lemon Chia Pudding with Blueberry Compote gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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