This Tiramisu Chia Pudding is a fun twist on the classic dessert! It’s creamy, rich, and has a lovely coffee flavor that makes mornings feel special.
You won’t even miss the cake! I love how easy it is to prepare; just mix the ingredients and chill overnight. Enjoy it for breakfast or as a sweet treat—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with nutrients and help create the pudding’s texture. If you’re out of chia seeds, try using flaxseeds, but ground them first for a similar gel-like consistency.
Almond Milk: Almond milk keeps the dish dairy-free and light. Feel free to substitute it with regular milk, oat milk, or soy milk to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds a lovely flavor. Honey is a great alternative if you prefer that, or you can use agave syrup for a vegan option.
Mascarpone Cheese: It gives a rich creaminess typical of tiramisu. For a dairy-free approach, coconut cream works wonderfully. Cream cheese or ricotta can also be used if you don’t mind the slight change in flavor.
Greek Yogurt: It adds creaminess and a bit of tang. Substitute with any plant-based yogurt or regular yogurt if you prefer. You could even skip it for a lighter version.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for Chia Pudding?
The secret to creamy chia pudding lies in the soaking process. Chia seeds expand when soaked in liquid, creating that pudding-like texture.
- Mix chia seeds with your chosen milk, sweetener, and vanilla, ensuring no clumps form.
- Let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. This allows the chia seeds to absorb liquid fully.
Remember to give it a good stir after a couple of hours to break up any clumps that may form before it’s set. The longer it soaks, the thicker it will get!
Tiramisu Chia Pudding Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Coffee Layer:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For The Cream Layer:
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
For The Topping:
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting
- Optional: dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for layering
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and then you’ll need to refrigerate the chia pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken. After that, allow an additional 30 minutes to chill the assembled dessert. In total, you’re looking at about 4.5 hours or overnight to get this ready—perfect for making ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chia Pudding:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure that the chia seeds are well-distributed and there are no clumps. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to thicken into a pudding consistency.
2. Make the Cream Layer:
In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese and Greek yogurt (or your choice of yogurt) until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious tiramisu-inspired cream filling! Set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Coffee Layer:
Brew a strong cup of coffee and allow it to cool completely. This coffee layer is key to bringing the tiramisu flavor to your chia pudding!
4. Assemble the Layers:
Grab your serving glasses! Start by spooning half of the chia pudding into the bottom of each glass. Next, pour a layer of the cooled coffee over the pudding layer. Then, spread a layer of the mascarpone-yogurt cream on top of the coffee layer. If you’re using them, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips at this stage for added flavor!
5. Layer It Up:
Repeat with the remaining chia pudding and mascarpone cream, layering until your glasses are full and beautiful.
6. Final Touches:
Generously dust the top of each glass with cocoa powder to add that classic tiramisu finish. Chill the assembled pudding for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to be perfectly cool before serving.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
When ready to serve, enjoy your healthy and delicious tiramisu-inspired chia pudding! It’s a delightful treat that is sure to impress your family or friends.
This Tiramisu Chia Pudding captures the creamy texture and coffee-cocoa flavors of traditional tiramisu, but in a nutritious, chia-based dessert form. Enjoy!
Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead of Brewed Coffee?
Absolutely! You can dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee in hot water to create a strong coffee flavor. Just ensure it’s well-mixed and cooled before layering it into your pudding.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan! Substitute the mascarpone cheese with coconut cream and use a plant-based yogurt. Make sure your sweetener (like maple syrup) is vegan as well!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Tiramisu Chia Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the layers might settle.
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Cream Layer?
Definitely! You can experiment by adding a little cocoa powder, a splash of vanilla extract, or even some almond extract to the mascarpone-yogurt mixture for extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly!