Fresh and zesty, this lemon and vanilla chia pudding is a quick and easy grab-n-go breakfast option that can be prepped ahead of time. It's also great as an afternoon snack or a light and healthy dessert.
Gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and vegetarian.
Zesty Lemon and Vanilla Chia Pudding Cups
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Oh my, I am so super excited to share these zesty lemon chia pudding cups with you today.
These little lemon and vanilla chia pudding cups are decidedly delicious, and I am seriously hooked.
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.
Perfect if the kids like to grab their brekkie from the fridge in the morning.
They also make a great little sweet treat in the afternoon, when you need something sweet but light to keep you going.
Make The Ultimate Lemon Chia Pudding with Homemade Lemon Curd
I insist you spend 15 minutes making this homemade lemon curd sweetened with honey to really push your lemon chia pudding over the edge.
It really is worth the extra time to add a real zing and sweetness to the basic chia pudding recipe.
Once you have made the curd, allow it some time to cool before layering it into your container with the homemade vanilla chia pudding.
Yummo!
A Note On Ingredients
Luckily for you, the ingredients needed for a basic chia pudding are pretty simple.
You will need:
- milk of choice: I used almond milk, but you can use any other plant-based milk of choice, or regular cows milk if that is what you prefer;
- chia seeds: these come in black or white. Here I have used black chia seeds, and you can see these clearly in the photos. If you prefer not to see the chia seeds then chose the white variety;
- yogurt of choice: for this, I used an almond milk yogurt, but you can use any other plant-based yogurt of choice, or regular full-fat yogurt;
- maple syrup: make sure you use pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored syrup;
- lemons: use fresh lemons for the best flavor. If you do not have fresh lemons available to you, then you can use lemon juice in a jar from the store, or food-grade lemon essential oil;
- nuts and seeds for toppings: I am very much of the opinion that chia puddings need to be paired with something crunchy to make them taste amazing, think walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or some homemade granola (I have a great coconut granola here that goes perfectly).
Storage and Meal Prepping Suggestions
Make your chia pudding at least 15 minutes before you intend on eating it.
If you find after 15 minutes that it has not set properly (it should be thick and scoopable), then add some more chia seeds, mix, and allow to sit for a further 10 minutes.
I find it is best to allow the prepared chia pudding to sit overnight.
Chia puddings are perfect for meal prepping, and I will usually make a large batch and store in individual containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, to be enjoyed throughout the week.
Do not add toppings, especially chopped nuts, until ready to serve, as otherwise, they can become soggy.
Can It Be Frozen?
Yes!
Just prep the chia pudding as per the instructions, and instead of storing it in the fridge, transfer it to individual containers and pop it into the freezer.
Simply pull out from the freezer the night before needed, and allow the chia pudding to thaw overnight.
Happy Eating.
xx
Recipe
Zesty Lemon and Vanilla Chia Pudding Cups
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Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ cup yogurt of choice
- 4 tablespoon chia seeds
- zest of one medium sized lemon
- juice of one medium sized lemon
- 3 tablespoon pure maple syrup more if you like it on the sweeter side
- 1 teaspoon 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, yogurt, chia seeds, lemon zest and juice and the maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk well to combine, ensuring there are no large clumps1 cup almond milk, ½ cup yogurt of choice, 4 tablespoon chia seeds, zest of one medium sized lemon, juice of one medium sized lemon, 3 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 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. EnjoyHomemade lemon curd
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This post has been updated from the original 2016 post to provide more information for the reader.
If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it.
I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @wholefoodbellies so I can share it <3
Try some other breakfast ideas:
- Homemade Granola with Macadamia and Coconut Oil;
- Cumin Spiced Farro Breakfast Bowl
- Maple Spiced Chia Overnight Oats
- Overnight Raspberry Chia Pudding Recipe
- Apple Quinoa Breakfast Pot
- Freezer Friendly Apple Vanilla and Blueberry Mini Muffins
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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!