If you’ve ever found yourself secretly loving that Almond Joy bar in the Halloween stash—or daydreaming about the combination of chocolate, almonds, and coconut—this Almond Joy Chia Seed Pudding is your breakfast (or dessert) soulmate.
Rich and creamy with the satisfying crunch of almonds and the natural sweetness of coconut and cocoa, it’s an indulgent treat that just happens to be dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and packed with nutrients.
All the Candy Bar Flavor, None of the Guilt
This Almond Joy Chia Pudding brings all the flavors of the classic candy—chocolate, coconut, and almonds—into a nourishing, feel-good recipe.
Made with chia seeds, cocoa, coconut milk, and crunchy almonds, it’s rich, creamy, and packed with healthy fats and fiber.
Easy to prep in minutes, it’s perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a wholesome dessert that satisfies every time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
- 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded coconut (toasted or raw)
- Chopped roasted almonds
- Mini dark chocolate chips or melted chocolate
- A dollop of coconut yogurt or whipped coconut cream
Pro Tips
- Use both almond and coconut milk – This gives you the creaminess of coconut and the lightness of almond milk, just like the candy bar’s filling.
- Don’t skip the almond extract – It adds that signature Almond Joy flavor that vanilla alone can’t replicate.
- Stir twice – Mix well after the first 10 minutes to break up any chia clumps.
- Top just before serving – Especially if using chopped nuts or chocolate chips, to keep textures fresh and crunchy.
- Chill overnight – The longer it rests, the creamier the pudding gets.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Whisk or spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-free? Use oat or rice milk, skip the almonds, and top with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- No maple syrup? Try agave nectar, date syrup, or a touch of stevia.
- More protein? Stir in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder, or mix in Greek-style plant-based yogurt.
- More chocolatey? Add mini dark chocolate chips or swirl in some melted dark chocolate after chilling.
- Sweeter tooth? Increase the maple syrup to 3 tablespoons or stir in mashed banana.
Make-Ahead Tips
This pudding is perfect for meal prep. Mix it up the night before and let it chill overnight. You can make up to 4–5 servings in advance and store them in individual containers or jars in the fridge for the week.
Keep toppings separate until ready to eat for the best texture and freshness. If you want to layer it parfait-style, alternate pudding with coconut yogurt or whipped coconut cream.
How to Make Almond Joy Chia Seed Pudding
1. Combine the Liquids
In a mixing bowl or mason jar, whisk together the almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, and salt.
2. Add the Cocoa and Chia
Whisk in the cocoa powder until no lumps remain, then stir in the chia seeds until evenly distributed.
3. Let Sit and Stir Again
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
4. Top and Serve
When ready to eat, give it a final stir. Top with shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
Leftovers and Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the best texture, stir before serving and add a splash of almond milk if it thickens too much.
Keep toppings like nuts and coconut separate until ready to eat to prevent them from getting soggy.
You can also freeze individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge—great for busy mornings!
A Sweet Start with a Nutritious Twist
This Almond Joy Chia Seed Pudding is everything we love about dessert—rich, chocolatey, a little nutty, a little sweet—but with the kind of ingredients that make you feel amazing.
It’s indulgent without being heavy, satisfying without the crash, and 100% customizable for your lifestyle.
Try it this week and let the flavors take you back to your favorite candy bar, minus the guilt. Did you layer it with yogurt? Add bananas or chocolate chips? Let me know how you made it your own in the comments!
