If you’ve been searching for a refreshing, nourishing treat that’s as easy to whip up as it is delightful to eat, look no further than this Easy Matcha Chia Pudding Recipe. This vibrant pudding blends the earthy, slightly grassy flavor of matcha with the creamy texture of chia seeds soaked to perfection. Its naturally thick consistency and subtle sweetness make it an ideal breakfast, snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, making it as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the chia seeds for that iconic pudding texture, or the matcha powder lending its vivid green hue and antioxidant punch.
- 1/4 cup whole chia seeds: These tiny seeds swell up to create the pudding’s luscious texture and add a boost of fiber and omega-3s.
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice: Almond, oat, or coconut milk work wonderfully here, providing creaminess without overpowering the matcha’s subtlety.
- 2 tablespoons plain coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt for dairy option): Yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Just a hint to round out the earthy tones with warm, fragrant notes.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that keeps the pudding gently sweet while allowing matcha’s flavor to shine.
- 1 heaping teaspoon matcha green tea powder: The star ingredient, providing vibrant color, a subtle caffeine lift, and unique flavor.
- Coconut yogurt (for topping): Adds extra creaminess and a tropical twist when served.
- Fresh sliced strawberries or berries of choice: Fresh fruit adds brightness, natural sweetness, and a pop of color.
- Slivered almonds: For a delightful crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
How to Make Easy Matcha Chia Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients
Start by dividing your chia seeds evenly between two small jars or containers. This makes portioning simple and helps the pudding set perfectly in individual servings.
Step 2: Mix the Flavors
Next, divide the unsweetened non-dairy milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and matcha powder evenly between the jars. The matcha should be well-measured—a heaping teaspoon gives you that ideal balance of flavor and color without being too overpowering.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Seal the jars tightly and shake vigorously for 10 to 20 seconds. This helps to evenly distribute the matcha powder and ensures the chia seeds are well suspended, preventing clumps.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Place the filled jars in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This initial chilling allows the chia seeds to begin absorbing the liquid and thickening the pudding.
Step 5: Shake Again for Perfect Texture
After the first hour, give the jars another good shake to break up any seeds that may have settled. Then, pop them back into the fridge for at least another hour so they can fully thicken into that signature creamy pudding texture.
Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings and Enjoy
Once the pudding has reached a luscious consistency, it’s ready to serve! Top with a dollop of creamy coconut yogurt, fresh juicy berries, and a sprinkle of crunchy slivered almonds—an impeccable finish that elevates every spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Matcha Chia Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings bring your pudding to life, so don’t skimp here. A generous spoonful of coconut yogurt complements the matcha’s earthiness beautifully. Fresh berries add just the right burst of natural sweetness and an inviting splash of color. Finally, crunchy slivered almonds contrast wonderfully against the smooth pudding, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs excellently with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a small bowl of fruit salad for a complete breakfast or snack. For a heartier option, pair it with toasted whole grain bread spread with almond butter, which balances the fresh flavors of the pudding.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your matcha chia pudding in clear glass jars or pretty ceramic bowls to showcase its vibrant green color. Try layering it with granola and fruit parfait-style for a visually stunning dessert or breakfast. You can even freeze it overnight in popsicle molds for a chilled treat on hot days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pudding will stay fresh and ready to enjoy for up to four days, making it a convenient grab-and-go option throughout the week.
Freezing
Freezing the pudding is an option if you want to save it for longer, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, portion into individual containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before eating to preserve as much creaminess as possible.
Reheating
This pudding is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a good stir after it’s been in the fridge to refresh the texture and flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened milk instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Using sweetened milk will add extra sweetness to the pudding, so you might want to reduce the maple syrup to keep the balance just right.
Is it possible to make this pudding vegan?
Yes! Using non-dairy milk and coconut yogurt makes this entire Easy Matcha Chia Pudding Recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I prepare this pudding the night before?
Definitely. In fact, making it the night before ensures the chia seeds have plenty of time to absorb the liquid, giving you the perfect pudding texture right from the fridge.
What can I substitute for matcha powder if I don’t have any?
While matcha is key to this recipe’s signature flavor and color, a small amount of green tea powder or spirulina could be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will differ.
Will the chia seeds settle at the bottom?
Shaking the jars well before refrigerating and once again after one hour helps prevent the chia seeds from settling, ensuring an even pudding consistency every time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Matcha Chia Pudding Recipe is one of those gems that feels special but takes minimal effort—perfect for busy mornings or a cozy snack. Its vibrant color, creamy texture, and subtle sweetness create a delightful experience that surprises and satisfies. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how quickly it might become one of your favorite go-to treats.
Print
Easy Matcha Chia Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Easy Matcha Chia Pudding is a refreshing and healthy breakfast or snack option featuring the vibrant flavor of matcha green tea combined with creamy chia seeds. It is simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. Perfect for a dairy-free or vegan diet, this pudding is topped with coconut yogurt and fresh berries for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Chia Pudding Base
- 1/4 cup whole chia seeds (black or white)
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons plain coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt for dairy option)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 heaping teaspoon matcha green tea powder
Toppings
- Coconut yogurt
- Fresh sliced strawberries or berries of choice
- Slivered almonds
Instructions
- Combine Chia Seeds and Containers: Divide the chia seeds evenly between two small jars or Tupperware containers to prepare for mixing.
- Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour the unsweetened non-dairy milk, plain coconut yogurt, vanilla extract, pure maple syrup, and matcha powder evenly into each jar or container.
- Shake to Mix: Secure the lids tightly and shake the jars or containers vigorously for 10-20 seconds to fully combine all ingredients and begin the chia seeds absorbing the liquid.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the jars in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to set for 1 hour, enabling the chia seeds to swell and thicken the pudding.
- Shake Again: After 1 hour, take the jars out and give them another good shake to redistribute the mixture evenly, then return back to the fridge for at least another hour to achieve a pudding-like consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once thickened and chilled, top the pudding with a dollop of coconut yogurt, fresh sliced strawberries or berries, and optionally sprinkle with slivered almonds before enjoying.
Notes
- You can substitute non-dairy milk with dairy milk if preferred.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of coconut yogurt will make it dairy-based.
- Letting the pudding chill longer will result in a thicker texture.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to taste for sweetness.
- Matcha powder quality affects flavor intensity; use ceremonial grade for best taste.