Creamy, chocolatey, and satisfyingly rich—this Nutella Chia Seed Pudding is the indulgent, wholesome treat you’ll want on repeat. Make it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert—guilt-free!
Dessert for Breakfast? Yes, Please.
If you love that unmistakable chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella but want something that doesn’t load you up with sugar and palm oil first thing in the morning, I have the perfect solution: Nutella Chia Seed Pudding.
It’s creamy, decadent, and gives you all those rich dessert vibes—while still being packed with fiber, omega-3s, and healthy fats from chia seeds.What I love about this recipe is how it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and nourishing.
It satisfies a sweet tooth while sneaking in real nutrition. It’s ideal for kids who think they’re eating dessert, for busy parents who need grab-and-go breakfast, and even for post-dinner cravings when you want something rich but light.
This pudding is also perfect for make-ahead meal prep—you can stir it together in under 5 minutes, pop it in the fridge, and it’s ready when you are.
You can even layer it with bananas, strawberries, or yogurt for a stunning parfait-style presentation.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1½ tablespoons hazelnut butter (or Nutella, if not strict)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Extra Nutella or hazelnut butter drizzle
- Banana slices or strawberries
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Dollop of whipped coconut cream
Pro Tips
- Use hazelnut butter for the cleanest version – If you want a healthier option, go for unsweetened hazelnut butter instead of store-bought Nutella.
- Whisk cocoa powder thoroughly – Cocoa can clump; whisk it into the milk before adding the chia seeds for a smooth base.
- Stir twice – Mix once when combining ingredients and again after 10 minutes to keep the chia seeds from settling.
- Make it layered – Add banana slices or yogurt between layers of pudding for a parfait that tastes like dessert.
- Let it chill overnight – This helps the flavors meld and creates the perfect pudding texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or mason jar
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Rubber spatula (optional for scraping hazelnut butter)
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Substitutions and Variations
- No hazelnut butter? Use almond or peanut butter for a different twist (it’ll taste more like a Reese’s!).
- Dairy-free? Use any plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate shavings or whipped topping.
- Low-carb? Swap maple syrup for a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
- More protein? Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder and increase milk to adjust consistency.
- Creamier texture? Blend the mixture before chilling for a silky, mousse-like pudding.
Make-Ahead Tips
This pudding is ideal for meal prep. Make a batch (or two!) and store it in individual jars for easy breakfasts or snacks. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If prepping for guests or special occasions, layer with fruit, yogurt, or coconut cream just before serving to make it extra beautiful and festive.
How to Make Nutella Chia Seed Pudding
1. Mix the Cocoa and Milk
In a small bowl or jar, whisk the almond milk and cocoa powder until smooth. This helps eliminate clumps before adding other ingredients.
2. Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Stir in the hazelnut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and chia seeds. Whisk until everything is fully combined.
3. Let Sit and Stir Again
Let the pudding sit for 10 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Pour into a jar or container.
4. Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thickened.
5. Garnish and Serve
Stir before serving. Top with crushed hazelnuts, banana slices, whipped coconut cream, or extra Nutella drizzle.
Leftovers and Storage
Store your chia seed pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before eating, and add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Keep toppings separate until just before serving to preserve texture and freshness.
For a quick snack, keep a batch in small jars so you can grab one straight from the fridge.
Decadent, Nourishing, and Totally Crave-Worthy
This Nutella Chia Seed Pudding delivers everything we love about dessert: the rich cocoa flavor, the smooth and creamy texture, and that unmistakable nutty depth. But it also gives you energy, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied all day long.
Whether you make it for a weekday breakfast, a fun snack for the kids, or a treat-yourself dessert, this pudding checks all the boxes.
Try it out, and let me know in the comments: Did you go all in with the toppings? Add strawberries or protein powder? I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!
