Kefir Chia Pudding

This creamy kefir chia pudding is not only packed with beneficial nutrients but also incredibly easy to make. With the combination of chia seeds, kefir, and a touch of sweetness, it makes for a satisfying breakfast or filling snack that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Have you ever wondered if you can make chia pudding with kefir? Well, the answer is yes! And trust me, it’s definitely worth giving a try.

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack idea, this kefir chia pudding is the perfect choice. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and allows for endless customization with your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate the goodness of chia seeds and kefir into your diet.

Jump to:

• What is kefir chia pudding
• Recipe highlights
• Ingredient notes
• How to make kefir chia pudding
• Recipe video
• Tips & recipe notes
• Serving suggestions
• Variations
• Storage tips
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is kefir chia pudding

If you’re not already familiar with kefir, it’s a fermented milk beverage with a tangy, slightly sour taste and a touch of effervescence, similar to yogurt but more acidic. It is an excellent source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and boost the immune system.

Kefir is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. You can blend it into smoothies, use it as a base for tangy salad dressings, or even try it in this kefir overnight oats with fruit.

In this chia seed pudding recipe, we replace the traditional milk (whether dairy-free or not) used to soak and swell the chia seeds with milk kefir. Kefir adds a creamy texture and a lighter feel to the pudding. That means we don’t need as many chia seeds to achieve that perfect thickness.

That’s why this particular recipe happens to be my absolute favorite way to enjoy chia pudding. I highly recommend giving it a go!

Recipe highlights

• Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this delicious kefir chia seed pudding in no time.
• Wholesome & Nutritious: Packed with the goodness of chia seeds, which are a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and various nutrients, and kefir, which is rich in probiotics.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a larger batch in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking.
• Versatile: Whether enjoyed as a delicious breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a healthier dessert, this kefir chia pudding is a versatile option for any time of the day.
• Customizable: Personalize your chia pudding by adding your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruits, nuts, or granola, to create endless flavor combinations.
• Portable: Enjoy the convenience of taking this kefir chia pudding with you wherever you go, making it a great option for packed lunches, picnics, or travel.

Ingredient notes

You only need chia seeds and milk kefir to make this recipe, but I recommend adding some additional ingredients to make it even more delicious!

• Chia Seeds: You can use either black or white chia seeds for this recipe, just ensure they are fresh and of good quality.
• Kefir: Any type of milk kefir will work well in this recipe. I personally enjoy using dairy-free plain coconut milk kefir, which adds a delightful flavor. Feel free to use store-bought kefir or make your own homemade batch.
• Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and overall taste of the pudding.
• Maple Syrup: Since plain kefir can have a naturally sour taste, we incorporate maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness. Adjust the amount according to your preference. Alternatively, you can use other liquid sweeteners such as honey or agave.

Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.

How to make kefir chia pudding

Making this kefir chia pudding is incredibly easy! Just follow these two simple steps:

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

In a container or mixing bowl, add all the ingredients. I recommend using a container with a lid for easy storage in the fridge, minimizing cleanup.

To ensure the ingredients are well combined, use a whisk. Chia seeds tend to clump together, so whisking will help prevent that. If you don’t have a whisk, simply use a spoon or fork to mix everything thoroughly until there are no lumps of chia seeds.

Note: At this stage, the mixture will appear more liquid and less like a pudding. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal! And that’s why you can’t skip the next step.

Step 2: Refrigerate

Cover the container and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. It’s as simple as that!

This resting time is crucial as it allows the chia seeds to swell and the mixture to thicken, resulting in a smooth and creamy pudding-like texture.

Before serving, give the pudding a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

• Kefir Consistency: Keep in mind that the consistency of kefir can vary depending on the brand or homemade batch. If your kefir is thicker or thinner than expected, you may need to adjust the amount used in the recipe. Add more kefir for a creamier texture or reduce the amount for a thicker consistency.
• Adjusting Chia to Liquid Ratio: Chia seeds absorb liquid and expand over time, contributing to the pudding-like texture. To achieve your desired consistency, feel free to adjust the chia to liquid ratio. Adding more chia seeds will result in a thicker pudding, while using less will create a looser consistency.
• Freshness of Chia Seeds: Chia seeds should swell and absorb liquid during the soaking process. If your chia seeds don’t swell, it’s likely because they are not fresh. Make sure to use fresh chia seeds to achieve the desired texture and consistency in your pudding.
• Blended Chia Pudding: For a smoother and creamier texture, you can blend the soaked chia pudding. This creates a homogeneous consistency and eliminates any lumps. Adjust the amount of kefir or other liquids used for blending to achieve your desired thickness.

Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe according to your preferences!

Serving suggestions

Now comes the fun part – it’s time to personalize your kefir chia pudding with your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Sprinkle your chia pudding with a variety of toppings like fresh fruits, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect flavor combination.
• For an extra satisfying crunch, add a generous scoop of granola. In the photos, I showcased my chia pudding with cashew butter granola for added texture and flavor. It’s delicious!
• Elevate the creaminess by swirling in a spoonful of your preferred nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
• Take your presentation to the next level by crafting a layered parfait. Alternate layers of kefir chia pudding with layers of yogurt and fresh fruit or berry jam.

Variations

Here are a few variations to add some variety to your kefir chia pudding:

• Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for a warm and aromatic flavor.
• Enhance the fruity goodness by adding a handful of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the pudding mixture before refrigerating.
• Experience a refreshing and tropical twist by incorporating diced fruits like mango, pineapple, or kiwi into the pudding.
• Indulge your chocolate cravings by mixing in a teaspoon of cocoa or cacao powder for a delightful twist.

Storage tips

To keep your kefir chia pudding fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Avoid freezing the chia pudding, as freezing may alter its texture.

FAQs

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