A cozy, naturally sweet, and nutritious make-ahead breakfast or snack, this Apple Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding is like autumn in a jar—delicious any time of year!
A Warm Hug of Flavor (Served Cold!)
If you’re the kind of person who loves apple pie, cinnamon oatmeal, or the smell of baked apples wafting through the house, you’re going to fall in love with this Apple Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding. It’s easy to prepare, naturally sweetened, loaded with fiber and omega-3s from chia seeds, and full of classic comfort flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.
This recipe was born out of one of those “need to clean the fridge” mornings. I had half an apple, some almond milk, and chia seeds—and decided to try blending it all up. The result was shockingly good. Since then, I’ve made this pudding more times than I can count. It’s perfect as a quick breakfast, after-school snack, or healthy dessert that tastes like something much more indulgent.
Plus, it’s great for meal prep. Just stir it together the night before and wake up to something nourishing, creamy, and ready to grab and go. You can even layer it with yogurt or granola for a chia parfait!
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Diced apples sautéed in cinnamon
- Almond butter or peanut butter drizzle
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Granola or dairy-free yogurt for layering
Pro Tips
- Stir twice – Mix your pudding once when you combine ingredients and again 10 minutes later to avoid chia clumps.
- Use homemade applesauce for extra flavor – A chunky, cinnamon-spiced applesauce adds texture and richness.
- Let it chill overnight – This gives the best thick, pudding-like consistency and richer apple-cinnamon flavor.
- Add protein – Stir in Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a more filling meal.
- Kids love it – Top it with a few raisins and serve it in a small cup with cinnamon apples for a kid-friendly treat.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or mason jar
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon or whisk
- Small saucepan (if sautéing apple topping)
- Refrigerator-safe storage jars
Substitutions and Variations
- No applesauce? Blend a peeled apple with almond milk for a similar result.
- Low sugar? Skip the maple syrup or use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.
- Add crunch – Layer with granola or crushed nuts just before serving.
- Use spiced chai flavor – Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or a chai spice blend.
- Creamier pudding? Add 2 tablespoons of coconut cream or full-fat yogurt.
Make-Ahead Tips
This pudding is made for meal prep. You can make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it thickens too much, just stir in a splash of almond milk.
Toppings are best added just before eating, especially if you’re using fresh apples or crunchy nuts.
For easy grab-and-go meals, portion into small mason jars and store sealed in the fridge.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding
1. Mix the Base
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine chia seeds, almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Stir well.
2. Let Sit and Stir Again
After 5–10 minutes, stir again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping. Transfer to a lidded container or jar.
3. Refrigerate to Set
Refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight, until thickened.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
Top with sautéed apples, almond butter, walnuts, or any other desired toppings. Serve chilled.
Leftovers and Storage
Store chia seed pudding in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed jar or container. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if needed.
Keep toppings stored separately to maintain freshness and texture. You can prep toppings like sautéed apples or toasted nuts and store them in separate containers for quick assembly.
All the Comfort of Apple Pie, in a Spoonful
This Apple Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding is everything we love about cozy fall desserts—sweet apples, warm cinnamon, creamy texture—but in a nourishing, no-bake form. Whether you eat it straight from the fridge in the morning or serve it with extra toppings as a light dessert, it’s comforting, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Did you layer it parfait-style? Add protein powder? Swap in pear or peaches? Leave a comment and share how you made this cozy treat your own.
