Make Ahead

Breakfast Chia Seed Pudding

Name: Breakfast Chia Seed Pudding
Yield: Serves 1
Ingredients: 1/3 cup pecans, soaked overnight in water to cover; 2-3 pitted dates, preferably soaked in water overnight to rehydrate; 3/4 cup filtered water; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; tiny pinch of cinnamon; tiny pinch of sea salt; fresh or dried berries for garnish- optional

by: WinnieAb

March 15, 2011

3.8

4 Ratings

Photo by Bobbi Lin

Serves 1

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Author Notes

My favorite way to use chia seeds is to make a raw foods breakfast pudding. This is a fast and healthy breakfast treat, or it can be a snack or healthy dessert, too. Though I've chosen to make the nut milk used in this recipe with pecans and dates, you can use any homemade nut or seed milk in this recipe. - WinnieAb —WinnieAb

Test Kitchen Notes

This is one of those gems that once you discover them, you never let them go. As easy as pouring a bowl of cereal, but far more healthful and delicious than anything that comes in a box, this breakfast pudding is going into my regular rotation. The terrific addition of chia seeds, which are inordinately good for you (who knew?) and magically gelatinize before your very eyes, give the milk a thicker, more pudding or porridge-like consistency. Making your own nut (or seed) milk is ridiculously easy, and the possibilities are endless. Dates and pecans are a lovely pair – sweet, with nutty hints of vanilla, and adding a touch of cinnamon provides some warmth. However, I am already thinking about dried figs and walnuts, almonds and apricots, or sunflower seeds and cranberries. One last note: this pudding is delicious cold, but equally good warmed, as my five-year-old daughter preferred. - gingerroot —gingerroot

Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients

1/3 cup pecans, soaked overnight in water to cover
2-3 pitted dates, preferably soaked in water overnight to rehydrate
3/4 cup filtered water
2 tablespoons chia seeds
tiny pinch of cinnamon
tiny pinch of sea salt
fresh or dried berries for garnish- optional

Directions

Pour soaking water off the pecans, and then blend them with the dates and 3/4 cup water in a blender. I prefer that some pecan and date chunks remain so I just blend mine briefly, but if you prefer a smoother "milk", process until the consistency you like is reached.
Place chia seeds into a bowl and pour the liquid over them. Add cinnamon and salt and stir to combine. You can eat this right away, but it is better to allow the pudding to sit for at least 5 minutes while the chia seeds soak up the liquid. You can let them sit even longer if you like- they will keep swelling and become fairly gelatinous if you do, and you may find you'll want to add more water. Top with fresh or dried berries before serving, if desired.

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Lauren
Jamie Gill
Susan Hopkins
joyce.ciotti
WCmom

I grew up in a restaurant family (my parents owned the now closed Quilted Giraffe in NYC) and I've always loved to cook. My interest in the connection between food and health led me to pursue a graduate degree in naturopathic medicine. I don't practice medicine anymore; I have a blog called Healthy Green Kitchen that I started in May of 2009 and I wrote a book called One Simple Change that will be published in January, 2014. I live in upstate New York with my family and many pets.

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21 Reviews

Kathy June 9, 2022

This is so delicious and so simple. I look forward to changing things up with different dried fruits. It's good as described in the recipe, but I especially love it warm. Such a great and filling addition to my breakfast choices!

Lauren February 26, 2017

Love this recipe! I reuse the water from soaking and typically only soak for 30 minutes since I blend in a Vitamix. Sometimes I don't have pecans so I have used cashews or walnuts with great results. I have blended additions like frozen berries, spices (cardamom, cocoa powder), ground flaxseed, vanilla extract and I have used toppings like coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, fresh berries, cinnamon and it always comes out fantastic!! This is such a great versatile recipe and I use it again and again.

Stephanie G. November 25, 2016

Yummy! I used Malk for the liquid. New breakfast favorite.

Jamie G. August 20, 2013

Nutrtional info?

Susan H. August 17, 2013

To the one asking about dates. Use the gourmet medjool kind, remove pit, put one raw almond and one teaspoon almond butter in center. Refrigerate several hours to let flavors come together. My friends at work beg me to make these!

Ceege March 13, 2013

Where do I buy chia seeds. I have never heard of them. Would like to try this recipe as soon as I get my hands on the seeds.

indieculinary May 21, 2013

I recently picked some up at Trader Joe's.

KristiW August 17, 2013

Ceege, you might also check your local Costco. Mine is now carrying 2 pound bags of chia seeds for $14 which is a steal. You can also find Bob's Red Mill brand at a completive price at amazon.com.

Alma D. November 18, 2019

The chia seeds are available from Thrive Market, an online market that is a great resource for ingredients that are some time hard to find locally.

papayaseed December 5, 2012

this is exceptional! I have a high speed blender (vitamix) and I did not even soak the dates or nuts - just blended them up and poured over the chia, added salt and cinnamon and popped in refrigerator for couple of hours. creamy, cinnamony - wonderful! i'll make this a lot! thanks!

joyce.ciotti September 10, 2012

I was experiencing oatmeal with drawls until I can go to the market. Wow! I had chia seeds and made this with walnuts on hand and topped it with a few precious dried blueberries. Go ahead, ask me how many days it will be.... before I return to my oatmeal. ps- I am also adding this recipe to our backpacking list.

WCmom March 21, 2012

Thanks for the share, I am making this tonight. If you have any other date or chia seed recipes you like please post, I love the originality! Tricia

MaureenOnTheCape March 8, 2012

I only add them to green smoothies and would love to know what else to do with chia seeds. I'll try this. Thanks!

dani February 25, 2012

It's delicious with or without the berries! Thanks for the recipe. Do you have anymore recipes with chia seeds?

AKnott January 22, 2012

This sounds very interesting. I JUST finished an article about how chia seeds have become one of the new "super foods" and how two NFL players use them judiciously for energy recovery. I will give it a try.

WinnieAb January 25, 2012

Cool!

Kris C. October 24, 2011

I'm reading Born to Run right now, and just finished a chapter that extolled the benefits of chia seeds. I've seen them in the store, but had no idea how to use them. Thanks for sharing.

WinnieAb January 25, 2012

Hope you tried, and liked, them!

marynn October 20, 2011

I am thrilled to see what you have done with chia. I usually just whip them into a smoothie and that hardly takes advantage of their potential. And, as usual, you have! I think I will swap out the dates for some stewed prunes. The cranberries are genius.

CozyDelicious March 18, 2011

I have been trying to figure out what to do with chia seeds, so this is great! I'm wondering if it be made in advance (such as the night before) or if it will it get too gelatinous... I may have to try it and see!

hardlikearmour March 15, 2011

I never realized how easy chia seeds are to use! (other than as a pet.) Thanks for the share.