If you love the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and peanuts but want something wholesome and dairy-free, this Vegan Snickers Chia Pudding is about to become your new favorite treat.
It’s creamy, indulgent, and tastes just like dessert—but it’s packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you full and energized.
Made with simple ingredients like chia seeds, almond milk, peanut butter, and dates, this pudding comes together in minutes and sets overnight. The result? A luscious, layered treat with all the decadent flavors of a Snickers bar—minus the refined sugar and dairy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chia pudding is a guilt-free indulgence. It combines naturally sweet dates blended into a caramel-like paste, creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, and crunchy peanuts for that signature Snickers vibe—without any processed candy.
It’s also nutritionally balanced and filling. Chia seeds provide fiber and omega-3s, while peanut butter and nuts add healthy fats and plant-based protein. You’ll get long-lasting energy without the sugar crash of a typical dessert.
And best of all, it’s make-ahead and versatile. You can prep it the night before, layer it beautifully in jars, and enjoy it as a breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert.
Kids love it, adults crave it, and you can customize the sweetness and toppings to fit your preferences.
What You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Chia Pudding:
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Date Caramel Layer:
- 6 medjool dates (pitted and softened in warm water)
- 3 tablespoons almond milk (or water)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- Pinch of salt
For Topping:
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate (dairy-free)
- Extra peanut butter drizzle (optional)
Pro Tips
- Blend the cocoa powder with milk first to prevent clumps in the pudding.
- Soak your dates for 10 minutes if they’re firm—this makes the caramel silky smooth.
- Stir chia pudding twice—once right after mixing, and again after 10–15 minutes to prevent clumping.
- Chill overnight for the best thick, creamy consistency.
- Layer just before serving for the prettiest presentation and freshest texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jars or dessert cups
- Refrigerator
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter and toasted pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts.
- Different sweetener: Replace maple syrup with agave, date syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Chocolate variation: Use cacao powder instead of cocoa for a richer flavor.
- Extra protein: Add 1 scoop of plant-based chocolate protein powder to the chia mixture.
- Caramel shortcut: Use store-bought date syrup instead of making caramel paste.
Make-Ahead Tips
This pudding is ideal for meal prep. Store the chia pudding, caramel, and toppings separately for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Assemble when ready to serve.
For ready-to-go jars, layer everything the night before—but add chopped peanuts and chocolate drizzle right before serving to keep them crunchy.
How to Make Vegan Snickers Chia Pudding
1. Make the Chocolate Chia Pudding
Whisk together almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in chia seeds. Let sit 10 minutes, stir again, then refrigerate 4+ hours or overnight.
2. Make the Date Caramel
Blend softened dates, almond milk, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Layers
In a jar, layer chocolate chia pudding, a spoonful of date caramel, and chopped peanuts. Repeat layers as desired.
4. Add Toppings
Top with melted dark chocolate, extra peanuts, and an optional drizzle of peanut butter.
Leftovers and Storage
Keep leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. For best texture, store toppings separately and add right before serving.
This pudding does not freeze well as the chia seeds and caramel texture will change.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use regular peanut butter instead of natural?
Yes, but natural peanut butter blends more smoothly and avoids added sugars or oils.
2. Can I make this without cocoa?
Sure! It’ll taste more like peanut butter-caramel pudding but still delicious.
3. Can I skip the caramel layer?
Yes, but the date caramel really gives it that Snickers flavor. You can substitute store-bought date syrup.
4. Is this good for kids?
Absolutely! It’s naturally sweetened and fun to eat. Just cut back on cocoa if you want it less rich.
5. Can I add protein powder?
Yes! A scoop of chocolate or vanilla plant protein blends well with the chia pudding base.
Decadent Flavor, Wholesome Ingredients
This Vegan Snickers Chia Pudding is the ultimate way to enjoy dessert flavors without the sugar rush. Creamy, chocolatey, nutty, and naturally sweet, it’s a treat that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Try it for meal prep, dessert jars, or even a healthy snack to satisfy those candy cravings. When you make it, let me know in the comments how you topped yours—I’d love to hear your twists on this indulgent, plant-based treat!
