Lemon Cream Chia Pudding

Prep Time 10 mins
Rest Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: ,
Courses: , , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 2
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Lemon Cream Chia Pudding is a refreshing, creamy, and naturally sweet treat made with fresh lemon zest, rich cream, and nutrient-packed chia seeds. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert, this healthy no-cook recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep. With bright citrus flavor and a silky texture, it’s a wholesome indulgence you can enjoy any time of the year.

Ingredients
    For the Lemon Cream Base
  • 3 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free option)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (finely grated, organic lemon preferred)
  • 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
    • Optional Toppings
  • 2 tbsp whipped cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
  • 1 tsp extra lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp crushed pistachios or almonds
  • 1 tsp honey for drizzling
Instructions
    Prepare the Lemon Flavor Base
  1. 1
    In a medium mixing bowl, add the milk, heavy cream, honey (or maple syrup), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and the sweetener has completely dissolved. This step ensures the lemon flavor is evenly distributed.
    2. Add the Chia Seeds
  2. 2
    Sprinkle the chia seeds into the liquid mixture. Whisk immediately and continuously for about 1 minute. This prevents clumping and ensures the seeds are evenly suspended in the liquid.
    3. First Rest and Stir
  3. 3
    Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. After that, whisk again to break up any chia clumps forming at the bottom. This step is very important for achieving a smooth pudding texture.
    4. Chill and Set
  4. 4
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into serving jars with lids. Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or preferably overnight. During this time, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid and expand, creating a thick, creamy pudding.
    5. Adjust Texture (Optional)
  5. 5
    After chilling, check the consistency. If the pudding is too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it chill for another 30–60 minutes.
    6. Add Toppings and Serve
  6. 6
    Before serving, gently stir the pudding. Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, extra lemon zest, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of honey. Serve chilled.
Note
  • For Extra Creaminess: Replace half of the milk with coconut milk for a richer texture.
  • For Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or oat milk and skip heavy cream.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the liquid before chilling and adjust honey based on preference.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Prepare multiple jars at once for a grab-and-go breakfast.
  • Protein Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla protein powder and increase milk slightly to maintain consistency.
  • Layered Version: Add a layer of crushed digestive biscuits or granola at the bottom for texture contrast.
Keywords: healthy, no-cook, meal prep, high-fiber, refreshing
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/lemon-cream-chia-pudding/