Description
This refreshing Lemon Chia Seed Pudding is a creamy, tangy, and naturally sweetened dessert or snack made with full-fat coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, and nutrient-rich chia seeds. It’s a vibrant, no-cook, vegan-friendly treat that thickens overnight for a smooth, spoonable texture and offers a delightful zing of citrus paired with customizable toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk (from a can, well stirred)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/16 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for natural yellow tone)
- 1–2 drops yellow gel food coloring (optional, for enhanced vibrancy)
Chia Seeds
- ½ cup chia seeds
Suggested Toppings
- Extra lemon zest curls
- Coconut flakes
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream or coconut yogurt
Instructions
- Whisk the Base Together: In a mixing bowl or large jar, whisk the coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, sea salt, and optional turmeric together until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. If you choose to add yellow gel food coloring, whisk it in at this stage until the color is evenly distributed.
- Add the Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the liquid. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps as the seeds begin absorbing the liquid.
- Chill to Set: Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate the pudding for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. During this time, the chia seeds will swell and thicken the mixture into a creamy, spoonable pudding.
- Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the chilled pudding a final stir to achieve even consistency. Spoon it into serving jars or bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings such as lemon zest curls, coconut flakes, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream or coconut yogurt for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the maple syrup or honey to your taste preference.
- For a more vibrant yellow color, use the optional turmeric and/or gel food coloring.
- Make sure to stir the pudding after it sits for a few minutes to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
- This pudding stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead breakfast or dessert.
- For a nut-free and vegan diet, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure toppings comply with dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon chia seed pudding, vegan dessert, no-cook pudding, coconut milk pudding, healthy snack, make-ahead pudding
