This Pumpkin Pie Pudding tastes a bit like the best part of pumpkin pie – the filling!
Made with cooked pumpkin and chia seeds, this pumpkin pudding offers a healthy alternative to the pumpkin treats of the season.
And, this vegan pumpkin recipe meets most dietary needs, being vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, and oil-free.
Now, when I developed this recipe for Plant-Powered Families) chia puddings were “in”.
They were the popular recipes to blog and seemed to be everywhere.
It was the same time that kale was king.
I love kale, just it’s not the only amazing food, and… HEL-LO, can we give parsley some attention? Packed with vitamins K and C, just to start.
But let’s get back to chia. And chia pudding. This Pumpkin Pie Pudding!
We know chia is nutritionally impressive. But to me, it’s not the easiest to eat. Other than adding to smoothies or using in chia pudding, it’s not a food or ingredient that is easily consumed.
Do you guys still make chia puddings? Or, are you eating chia in baked goods or smoothies? To me, chia puddings are the easiest way to eat an appreciable amount of chia seeds in a tasty way.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding: Blending Chia
Unlike most chia pudding recipes you will find, I have always blended my chia puddings.
Because I’m not a fan of chia puddings with the seeds intact. Anyone else?
While I love the look of the whole chia seeds, I don’t love the taste. And don’t love the seeds in my teeth.
I’ve also found that people tend to be more receptive to a chia pudding – when it looks like a ‘normal’ pudding.
So, I blend ’em.
This Pumpkin Pie Pudding is no different. Everything into your rambo blender (20% Blendtec coupon code: YAY-BLENDTEC) and blitz!
Oh, and extra bonus: with the blended chia, there’s no waiting around for the pudding to set.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Made To Impress
So, make the pudding straight up and it’s a delicious snack and not-too-sweet dessert.
But if you want to elevate this vegan pudding recipe? Layer in vegan whipped cream and crumbled graham or spice cookies.
Now you’ve created a very fine, very special, and elegant dessert.
A dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion.
Enjoy x Dreena
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Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Easy to make, healthy, and scrumptious… you just might find yourself making this pumpkin pudding year-round!
Course Dessert, Snack
Keyword chia, pudding, pumpkin
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pure pumpkin not pumpkin pie mix, see note
- 3/4 cup plain or vanilla unsweetened non-dairy milk see note
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp coconut sugar or pinch stevia, see note
- 2 tbsp organic chia seeds (white chia prefererd, use 1 if black chia)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4-1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- pinch ground ginger optional, I omit it when making for the kiddos
- 1/8 tsp sea salt slightly rounded
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or vanilla seeds from one bean
- Optional toppings: shaving of dark chocolate vegan cookie crumbles (see note), vegan whipped cream.
Instructions
In a blender, add all ingredients. Blend for a minute or more (depending on blender, my Blendtec pulverizes the seeds quickly), until the seeds are fully pulverized and the pudding begins to thicken (it will thicken more as it refrigerates).Taste, and if you’d like it sweeter, add a teaspoon or two more of coconut sugar or maple syrup (not too much maple syrup or it will become loose). Transfer mixture to a large bowl/dish, and refrigerate until chilled, about 1/2 hour or more (it will thicken more with chilling, but really can be eaten straight away.). Serve, sprinnkling with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- Milk Note: I typically use unsweetened almond milk (either plain or vanilla) when I make this pudding. If you are using sweetened vanilla milk, reduce the sweetener to taste.
- Pumpkin note: Canned pumpkin can really vary in consistency. Some are thinner, others a little looser. I use Farmers Market brand which is very thick and dense, and bonus – organic.
- Sweetener Note: I love coconut sugar, and I think it adds a buttery-sweet note to recipes. You may not need/want it in this pudding, the maple syrup may add enough sweetness to your taste (and the type of milk used will also affect sweetness). You can substitute date sugar if you prefer. You can also add a little extra maple syrup, but no more than about a tablespoon or two, as the pudding can become a little loose.
- Idea: Serve paired with crumbled ‘Gingery Cookies’ from LTEV, or ‘Snifferdoodles’, or a vegan graham-type cookie. Like pumpkin pie in a bowl!
Photo credit: Nicole Axworthy
this post was published November 2019 and updated for November 2021
FAQs
Chia pudding makes a really nutritionally rich breakfast or snack; It is also filling so will keep you full until lunch. Chia seeds are also very high in antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage from free radicals.
What does chia pudding do to your gut? ›
Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Does chia pudding burn fat? ›
Though adding chia seeds to your diet is unlikely to cause weight loss on its own, it may be a useful addition to a balanced, nutritious diet if you're trying to lose weight. Chia seeds are high in protein and fiber, both of which have been shown to aid weight loss.
Why didn't my chia seeds turn into pudding? ›
For the best chia seed pudding, you want to let it sit overnight. Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? It's possible that you didn't stir the mixture enough. It's important to stir, wait and then stir a couple of times until there are no clumps of chia seeds before you store it in the fridge.
What is the downside of eating chia seeds? ›
You May Experience Digestive Issues
About 2 tablespoons of chia seeds pack nearly 10 grams of fiber. And although fiber is an essential nutrient for gut health, a side effect of fiber is gas and bloating, according to Mount Sinai. "Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds.
Is it OK to eat chia seed pudding everyday? ›
Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.
Is Chia Pudding a laxative? ›
Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief. “Chia seeds haven't been studied for constipation,” Czerwony notes, “but due to their fiber content, they are hypothesized to have a laxative effect.”
What happens to your body when you eat chia seeds everyday? ›
Chia seeds contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds are also high in fiber, which can help to lower high blood pressure and, in turn, reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Chia seeds are high in fiber.
Do chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›
Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.
What is the best time to eat chia pudding? ›
🥣If you're looking to lose weight, it's best to consume chia seeds in the morning. They are high in fibre, which keeps you feeling full for longer, reducing the chances of overeating throughout the day. Adding chia seeds to your breakfast smoothie or yoghurt bowl is a great way to start your day on a healthy note.
Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.
What are the black dots in chia seed pudding? ›
Because those little black bugs are actually the super, powerful superfood - chia seeds!
How often can you eat chia seed pudding? ›
Nutrition in chia seeds
There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. The chia plant is a member of the mint family. It's traditionally grown in South and Central America because it grows in a dry environment.
How often should you have chia pudding? ›
There's no official recommendation for how much chia to eat daily – but don't overdo it, as chia seeds can continue to absorb liquid after you've swallowed them.
What are the pros and cons of a chia? ›
Chia seed consumption may offer health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving digestive health. However, certain individuals may experience side effects if they eat large quantities of chia seeds, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and allergies.
How much chia pudding should you eat a day? ›
In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size. You'll probably want to break this up throughout the day, adding a teaspoon or two to your smoothie, another teaspoon in your mid-morning yogurt, and the rest in recipes like chia pudding.
Is chia pudding or oatmeal healthier? ›
Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.
