Bear Chocolate Chia Pudding (with Protein Powder!)
High protein chocolate chia pudding, full of fiber and healthy fats. It’s a super quick and easy snack-prep idea to keep you satiated between meals!
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About this chocolate chia pudding recipe
After making my duckie mango and froggie matcha chia puddings, I just had to make a bear version!
This chocolate chia seed pudding is made with chia seeds, almond milk, chocolate protein powder, and cacao powder. I topped it with hemp seeds, granola, shredded coconut, and whipped cream. Not only was this combo super yummy, it was made in less than an hour and packed full of protein (~30g/serving depending on protein brand + toppings!), fiber, and vitamins.
So if you’re looking for a healthy, high protein meal/snack prep recipe, this is the one for you! Check out the rest of the blog post for different ways to switch up the recipe and make it your own.
But don’t worry, I’ll keep posting more chia seed pudding recipes. If you’d like to see a certain one, let me know in the comments or email ( bi****@bi***********.com ).
FAQ
What is chia seed pudding?
When you soak chia seeds in a liquid like water or milk for a minimum of 30 minutes, the mixture thickens and becomes a pudding-like consistency. It’s a very quick, easy, and healthy snack-prep option full of fiber + healthy fats.
What is the best chia pudding ratio?
For single-serve chia pudding, you can mix together 2 tablespoons of chia seeds + 1/2 cup of milk. This recipe is double that. You can always triple or quadruple the recipe to last you the rest of the week.
How can I change up this recipe?
Read further down this blog post for more inspo! I listed different milks, toppings, powders, and spices you can use.
How long does chia seed pudding last for?
Without any toppings (like cut fruit that may brown/spoil quickly, or granola that may get soggy), the chia seed pudding should last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Can I freeze chia seed pudding?
Yes, you can freeze chia seed pudding for up to one month! I recommend freezing it in portions, then thawing it in the fridge overnight.
Different chia pudding flavors
Chia seed pudding is incredibly versatile! You can change the different types of milk, toppings, powders, sweeteners, or spices. Check the list below for some examples and inspiration!
- Milks: You can make chia pudding with the same amount of almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, whole milk, anything!
- Powders: Instead of cacao, you can add matcha powder, protein powder, etc.
- Toppings: granola, fresh/dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, graham crackers, whipped cream, cacao nibs, seeds
- Sweeteners: granulated sugar, brown sugar, alternative sugar, honey, maple syrup, date syrup
- Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger
Lastly, you can also blend the chia seed pudding to make it lighter and more mousse-like.
Storing chocolate chia seed pudding
You can store chia seed pudding, without any toppings, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. I recommend keeping the toppings separate so the fruit doesn’t brown/spoil quickly and granola doesn’t become soggy.
You can also freeze the chia seed pudding for up to one month—just make sure you thaw it overnight in the fridge!
I really hope you enjoy this recipe. If you make this easy cacao chia seed pudding, I’d love to see it. You can tag me at #bitesbybianca / @bitesbybianca on Instagram. Enjoy!
If you’re interested in other kawaii recipes I have like Aang Sugar Cookies, Frog Matcha Sugar Cookies, and Chick Lemon Cookies, check out this page!
Bear Chocolate Chia Pudding (with Protein Powder!)
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Ingredients
For the chocolate chia seed pudding:
- 1 cup (236.59 g) any type of milk
- 2 servings (2 servings) chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) cacao powder or cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (42.5 g) chia seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons (1 tablespoons) sweetener to taste omit if using sweetened protein powder; white/brown/alternative sugar, honey, syrup, agave, etc
For the bear design:
- ⅛ cup (29.57 ml) heavy cream
- ½ tablespoon (0.5 tablespoon) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) cacao powder or cocoa powder
- red or pink food coloring
Toppings:
- fruit, granola, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, etc.
Instructions
For the chocolate chia seed pudding:
- In a medium bowl, whisk sifted cacao powder, protein powder, and milk until combined. Taste a bit and add sweetener if preferred.
- Stir in the chia seeds, then let sit for about 10 minutes. Whisk the mixture to get rid of any chia seed clumps.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and become thick.
For the bear design:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and powdered sugar until thickened and is a pipeable consistency.
- Remove 1-2 tsp of whipped cream and fold in cocoa powder into it until combined. Transfer to piping bag. This will be for the bears' eyes and nose.
- Remove another 1-2 tsp of whipped cream and fold in red or pink food coloring. Transfer to piping bag. This will be for the blush.
- Transfer the remaining white whipped cream to a piping bag.
Assembly:
- Scoop chia pudding into serving container. If you'd like, you can alternate layers of different toppings with the chocolate chia seed pudding!
- Pipe bear design on top using the white, brown, and red whipped cream.
- Sprinkle extra toppings and serve.
- Enjoy!