If you are looking for a delightful, healthy, and indulgent treat, this Chocolate Chia Pudding with Strawberries, Cacao Nibs, and Peanut Butter Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It combines creamy cocoa-flavored chia pudding with the fresh burst of strawberries, the satisfying crunch of cacao nibs, and the rich smoothness of peanut butter. Each spoonful is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that feels both nourishing and absolutely delicious. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert, this recipe offers simplicity and nutrition wrapped in a luscious, chocolaty experience.

Chocolate Chia Pudding with Strawberries, Cacao Nibs, and Peanut Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a vital role—from the creamy base to the flavorful toppings—creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color that’s as inviting as it is tasty.

Unsweetened soy milk (1 ½ cups): A smooth dairy alternative that keeps the pudding light and creamy while adding protein.
Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds a tangy richness and boosts the creaminess and protein content.
Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Gives the pudding just the right touch of natural sweetness without overpowering the cocoa.
Pure vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Fine sea salt (⅛ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolatey flavor.
Chia seeds (⅓ cup): The superstar ingredient that absorbs liquid and gels into a creamy pudding texture, packed with fiber and omega-3s.
Cacao powder (3 tablespoons): Provides rich, deep chocolate flavor and a hint of natural bitterness for contrast.
Chopped strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and vibrant, these brighten up the pudding with their natural sweetness and color.
Cacao nibs: Crunchy little bursts of intense cacao flavor to add texture and an extra layer of chocolate goodness.
Peanut butter: Smooth or crunchy, it adds decadence and a nutty richness that perfectly complements the chocolate.

How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding with Strawberries, Cacao Nibs, and Peanut Butter Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Liquid Base

Start by whisking together the unsweetened soy milk, plain Greek yogurt, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This base is what gives your pudding its creamy, luscious texture and balanced sweetness.

Step 2: Add Chia Seeds and Cacao Powder

Next, sprinkle in the chia seeds and cacao powder. Whisk them thoroughly to prevent clumps from forming. The chia seeds will begin to absorb the liquid and swell, creating the pudding’s thick texture, while the cacao powder infuses every bite with rich chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Chill and Thicken

Cover your bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least four hours or, better yet, overnight. During the first hour, stir the mixture once or twice to evenly distribute the chia seeds and keep the texture smooth and creamy. This step is essential for achieving that perfect pudding consistency.

Step 4: Stir Before Serving

When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding, give it one final good stir. This ensures a perfectly even texture and gets rid of any minor clumps that might’ve formed during chilling.

Step 5: Top and Enjoy

Spoon your pudding into bowls or glasses and pile on the fresh chopped strawberries, sprinkle cacao nibs generously, and finish with a drizzle or dollop of peanut butter. Each topping adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this simple dessert feel special and indulgent.

How to Serve Chocolate Chia Pudding with Strawberries, Cacao Nibs, and Peanut Butter Recipe

Garnishes

The chopped strawberries add vibrant natural sweetness and juiciness, perfect for balancing the chocolate richness. Cacao nibs provide a delightful crunch with a bittersweet punch. And peanut butter lends luxurious creaminess and a nutty undertone that ties everything together. Feel free to experiment with the amounts to match your taste buds!

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs wonderfully with a simple green smoothie for a refreshing contrast or alongside a warm slice of banana bread for a cozy weekend brunch. Its versatility means it can shine as a light breakfast or a healthful dessert, complementing many menu choices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering your pudding in clear glasses or mason jars alternating pudding, strawberries, and peanut butter for a stunning parfait effect. You can also top with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of extra cacao powder for that extra touch of elegance. Serving it in small dessert cups makes it perfect for entertaining or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chia seeds continue to thicken the pudding slightly, so you may want to stir it gently before serving again.

Freezing

This pudding isn’t ideal for freezing because the texture of chia pudding can become gel-like or separate after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled pudding, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Simply give it a good stir and enjoy cold for maximum taste and texture enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk instead of soy milk?

Absolutely! You can swap soy milk for any milk you prefer, such as almond, oat, or regular dairy milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and protein content may vary slightly, influencing the pudding’s creaminess and nutrition.

Is it necessary to stir the pudding during the first hour of refrigeration?

Yes, stirring a couple of times during the first hour helps distribute the chia seeds evenly, preventing clumps and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture throughout.

Can I substitute the peanut butter with a different nut butter?

Definitely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work wonderfully and provide a slightly different flavor profile while keeping that rich, nutty touch.

How sweet is this pudding? Can I adjust the sweetness?

The recipe uses pure maple syrup for a moderate, natural sweetness, but you can easily add more or less depending on your preference or dietary needs.

What if I don’t have cacao nibs? Is there an alternative?

While cacao nibs add great crunch and flavor, you can substitute with chopped dark chocolate, crushed nuts, or even toasted coconut flakes for a different but delicious texture.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert or snack that feels like a treat but is packed with nutrients and incredible flavor, this Chocolate Chia Pudding with Strawberries, Cacao Nibs, and Peanut Butter Recipe is the answer. Simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely scrumptious, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all to yourself. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you deserve that perfect bite of chocolaty, fruity, nutty bliss!

Chocolate Chia Pudding with Strawberries, Cacao Nibs, and Peanut Butter Recipe

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4.2 from 66 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy Chocolate Chia Pudding perfect for a nutritious breakfast or guilt-free dessert. Made with plant-based soy milk, Greek yogurt, cacao powder, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this pudding is packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Topped with fresh strawberries, cacao nibs, and peanut butter, it’s a delicious and wholesome treat that requires minimal prep and no cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 ½ cups unsweetened soy milk (or higher protein milk of choice, such as dairy milk)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% preferred)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, more to taste
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

Chia Pudding Mix

⅓ cup chia seeds
3 tablespoons cacao powder

Toppings

Chopped strawberries
Cacao nibs
Peanut butter

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Instructions

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Chia and Cacao: Stir in chia seeds and cacao powder, whisk thoroughly to combine and prevent any clumps from forming, ensuring an even consistency.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. During the first hour, stir once or twice to avoid chia seeds clumping together for the best texture.
Stir Before Serving: Give the pudding a good stir to fully combine ingredients and achieve a creamy texture before serving.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the pudding chilled, topped with chopped strawberries, cacao nibs, and a drizzle or dollop of peanut butter for added flavor and texture.

Notes

For a creamier texture, use a higher protein milk like dairy or enriched soy milk.
Maple syrup amount can be adjusted based on preferred sweetness.
Stirring during the first hour of refrigeration helps prevent clumps and gives a smooth pudding.
Chia pudding can be prepared the night before for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Optional toppings can be customized, such as nuts, seeds, or other fresh fruits.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American