Fresh and zesty, this lemon and vanilla chia pudding is a quick and easy grab-n-go breakfast option which can be prepped ahead of time. It's also great as an afternoon snack or a light and healthy dessert.
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Oh my, I am so super excited to share this zesty lemon and vanilla chia pudding cups with you today. They are all kinds of delicious, and I am seriously hooked.
My First Experience With Chia Pudding. Hint: It Wasn't Good
My first experience with chia pudding was not good at all. We had been traveling, and were set to have a super early flight the next morning. My kids (and myself), really are the type of people that need to be fed within 5 minutes of waking up, or there will be hell to pay. Hangry (hungry/angry for the uninitiated) is a real thing! Being the super prepared mum that I am (cough cough - I am slowing learning from bad experiences), I popped out to the shops the night before and picked up some food for the flight.
The main event was to be these little outrageously priced containers of pre-made chia pudding.
Big Mistake. They were gross.
My son spat his out within two seconds of me spooning it into his mouth, and this is someone who literally has eaten at least a dozen spiders and attempted one snail over his short time on this planet. The older one screwed her face up and refused a second spoonful.
Needless to say we won't be buying those again.
Homemade Is Always Best
These little lemon and vanilla chia pudding cup's are decidedly delicious.
They make a great make-ahead breakfast option. I love to whip up a big batch on a Sunday night and dole them into little mason jars (like these ones) to use as a grab-n-go breakfast option throughout the week.
You will need some lemon curd as it just takes this vanilla chia pudding over the edge and makes it irresistible. I have a great homemade lemon curd recipe here which uses honey instead of refined sugar to keep the ingredients nice and clean. I dare you not to eat it by the spoonful once it cools!
What Other Ingredients Do We Need For Lemon Vanilla Chia Puddings?
Not too much at all, we like to keep it fairly simple around here:
- milk (I used almond)
- chia seeds
- yogurt
- maple syrup
- lemons
- nuts and seeds for toppings. Think walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or some homemade granola (I have a great coconut granola here that goes perfectly).
Enjoy.
Zesty Lemon and Vanilla Chia Pudding Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk plain yoghurt
- 4 tbsp chia seeds
- zest of one medium sized lemon
- juice of one medium sized lemon
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup more if you like it on the sweeter side
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or scraped vanilla beans if you are feeling fancy
- Homemade lemon curd chopped walnuts and unsweetened desiccated coconut for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the almond milk, yoghurt, chia seeds, lemon zest and juice and the maple syrup. Whisk well to combine, ensuring there are no large clumps
- Transfer to serving dish of choice (stemless wine glasses or mason jars work well)
- Pop into the fridge and allow to sit for at least 15 mins. The longer it sits, the thicker it will get
- To serve, top with a large dollop of homemade lemon curd, a generous sprinkle of chopped walnuts and a pinch of coconut. Enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
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Cynthia Schauer says
This recipe is delicious. The first batch that I had made, I used Chobani yogurt. The pudding came out very runny, but still had a delicious flavor. I make my own kefir and like the consistency of runny or drinkable yogurt/kefir, so I was not disappointed. The second time I made the recipe, I used key limes instead of lemon and a different brand of yogurt. I cut the almond milk back to 1/2 cup and the pudding set up wonderfully. Thanks for the recipe! It is definitely a keeper!
Eva says
Mine also didn’t set. I’ve made other chia puddings before and never had a problem so this is weird. They were yummy but soupy. I also made the lemon curd as per the recipe and that was divine!!
Donna says
Hmmm I have no idea, I have made this so many times and it has set perfectly every time. My only thoughts would be maybe a super liquidy yogurt and a lot of lemon juice coming from the lemon?? I use full fat super creamy yogurt. Glad the lemon curd worked well for you, we love it.
Megan says
I had the same experience, the mix is delicious but it never set! I followed the recipe exactly..so disappointed! I don’t know what to do, is there a fix?
Donna says
I can't replicate the problem, it works for me every time? If it is way too runny try adding more chia seeds, give it a good stir and let sit in the fridge again for a while. One more thought - how old are the chia seeds? I buy what I need and then store in an airtight container. Have yours been left out or not in an airtight container?
Lewis Johnson says
I love the combination of lemon and vanilla so I would love this.
Donna says
It's such a lovely combination, the vanilla really tames the lemon but enhances it at the same time?!? One of my favs
Davina says
The flavour was delicious! But mine didn’t set.
Which yogurt did you use please?
Donna1 says
Oh no, that's so disappointing! I always use a full fat thick yogurt. I get mine from costco and it has worked every time!
Connie says
OK, so mine did not set up like pudding, even after a few days! Flavor was great, but more like soup. Where did I go wrong? Maybe too much lemon juice? Followed recipe, used Greek yogurt. Thanks for any insight as I liked it enough to try again.
Donna1 says
Oh no, I am so sorry it didn't work out for you Connie. The only thing I can think of which would maybe make a difference is whether you used full-fat or low-fat yogurt? The yogurt I use is whole milk and it is pretty thick - I have never had it not set (and I have made it many many times 🙂 ). Maybe try adding some more chia seeds to the soupy version so that it gets more gelatinous and you can eat it rather than drink it!
Carmen says
Donna, this chia pudding is AMAZING!. So delicious.
PS. I've made a bunch of your recipes and they are all so great; well done! We used to go to the same mother's group in Newcastle - I think I found out about your blog off Jess. Hope you and the kids are well!
Donna1 says
Oh hi Carmen, so lovely to hear from you!! Gosh that mother's group seems like a lifetime ago doesn't it, it was such a lovely little group though 🙂 I am so glad you loved the chia pudding, we have it all the time! Thanks for popping by to leave a comment, was a nice little message to wake up to this morning 🙂
Smitha says
Chia pudding is refreshing and healthy. Color scheme is refrrshing my mind. Photos have come out very well. Loved the pudding a lot
Donna1 says
Oh I am so glad you loved it Smitha 🙂 Thanks for popping by to let me know!
Lara says
Any idea how many calories would be in one serving?
Donna1 says
Hi Lara, unfortunately I don't. But if you use something like MyFitnessPal.com that should be able to work it out for you 🙂
Linda @ Veganosity says
Oh, I know hangry quite well. My husband and kids are awful when they're hungry. Your story made me laugh, only because I've had similar experiences. Your chia pudding sounds wonderful. I can't wait to try it.
Donna1 says
Haha I am glad I could make you laugh 🙂 Yes hangry is definitely a real thing, and sadly I think I am the worst in my family when I am hungry!
Molly Kumar says
This looks absolutely Delicious and Chia Puddings are so much fun n healthy. Love the combination of Lemon n Vanilla.
Donna1 says
Thanks Molly! Lemon and vanilla is such a favourite around here 🙂
Jenn says
I love all things lemon! I have yet to try chia pudding, but when I do, I'm starting with this one and not some nasty store bought one! 🙂
Donna1 says
Oh yes, avoid the store bought 🙂 They may put you off!
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen says
Can't believe I never thought of making a lemon flavoured chia pudding! I bet with the chia seeds, it's almost like lemon poppy seed. YUM! I'll have to try this with dairy-free yoghurt 🙂
Donna1 says
It is very much like lemon and poppy seed (which I love as well)!
Shannon says
How did it work with dairy free yogurt?
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
I love lemon and vanilla together. And homemade lemon curd, swoon!!
Donna1 says
Oh I know, right! I have been eating homemade lemon curd like it is going out of fashion 🙂
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Oh, I loooove the lemon in these beauties! I have to say that my first chia experiences weren't good, either. I don't remember specifics, but I'm glad I've given it another try, for sure! 🙂
Donna1 says
Haha, glad I am not the only one 🙂
pragati says
These look so good, i can feel my mouth water..the lemon must really add a zing..I am yet to try these but this recipe goes on my list for the sheer simplicity.
Donna1 says
Oh thanks so much Pragati! The lemon is definitely zingy 🙂
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes says
Yum! I love the lemon twist you added to this chia pudding. Looks absolutely delicious!
Donna1 says
Oh thank you Vanessa - I am loving everything lemon at the moment!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yum! I love the bright cheery lemon!
Donna1 says
Me too 🙂
Jacqueline Meldrum says
That looks wonderful. I've never seem a chia pudding I've wanted to dig in to, but you added lemon, so now I am hooked and craving it!
Donna1 says
Oh yay 🙂 Yes it's not the easiest thing to sell (my husband was seriously dubious), but this one is seriously delicious, especially with the addition of the lemon curd!
Hauke Fox says
Lemon zest is such a grate... errrm, great way to bring falvour into a dish! This pudding looks really really tasty 😀
Donna1 says
Haha that is definitely the worst joke I have heard all day Hauke 🙂
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
This chia pudding screams SPRING! I love the bright and fresh flavors of this recipe! Perfect for breakky 🙂
Donna1 says
It does, doesn't it Bethany! Thanks for your lovely words 🙂
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
This is such a healthy pudding. I love chia and I add it weherever I can. Perfect for snack
Donna1 says
Me too, I add it to everything these days!