We are making Chia Pudding with Fruit Puree — a chilled, spoonable pudding where chia seeds swollen in milk form a smooth base and layers of fresh fruit puree add bright flavor and color.

It’s a flexible recipe: we can swap fruits, milk, and toppings to match what we have at home. The dish works as breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert that stores well in the fridge.

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings)

- 6 tablespoons chia seeds (about 60 g)

- 2 cups milk or plant milk (480 ml) — milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work

- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (optional): maple syrup, honey, or sugar — adjust to taste

- 1 cup fruit A for puree (about 150 g) — e.g., strawberries or mango

- 1 medium banana or 1/2 cup fruit B for a second puree (optional) — banana helps thicken

- 1–2 tablespoons yogurt (optional, for creaminess when blending)

- Fresh fruit slices for topping (a few tablespoons)

- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, extra chia seeds, toasted oats, or cocoa nibs

Tools we’ll use: measuring spoons/cups, a mixing bowl, whisk or fork, blender or food processor, 2 clear glasses or jars, and a refrigerator.

Prep and Timing

- Active prep time: about 15–20 minutes

- Soak/chill time: minimum 4 hours, ideally overnight (8 hours)

- Total time: 4–8 hours depending on soaking choice

Step-by-Step Method

1. Make the chia base. In a medium bowl, combine 6 tablespoons chia seeds and 2 cups (480 ml) of milk. Add 1 tablespoon sweetener if desired. Whisk thoroughly for 30–45 seconds so seeds are evenly suspended and not clumped. Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes, then whisk again to break up any settling. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. After chilling, the mixture should be thick and spoonable—like soft pudding.

2. Prepare fruit puree A. While the chia soaks (or the night before), wash and chop 1 cup of your chosen fruit (e.g., strawberries or peeled mango). Add the fruit to a blender with 1–2 tablespoons water, milk, or yogurt to help blending. Pulse until smooth but slightly dense — we want it thick enough to layer. Taste and add a little sweetener only if the fruit is not sweet enough.

3. Prepare fruit puree B (optional). If using a second fruit layer for texture contrast — e.g., 1 medium banana or 1/2 cup papaya — blend it the same way. Banana naturally thickens the puree, which is great for stable layers.

4. Check chia texture. After chilling, test the chia pudding. If it’s too thick for your liking, stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk. If too thin, add 1 tablespoon chia seeds, stir, and let sit 10–15 minutes to thicken.

5. Layer the pudding. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of chia pudding into the bottom of each glass as the first layer. Add 2–3 tablespoons of fruit puree A. Repeat with another chia layer and top with puree B if using. Aim for 2–3 layers total so every spoonful mixes pudding and fruit.

6. Finish with toppings. Add fruit slices, a drizzle of extra puree, or a sprinkle of nuts/seeds on top. For a cleaner look, place heavier toppings (nuts) last so layers don’t compress.

7. Chill before serving (optional). We can eat immediately, but chilling 30 minutes improves the set and flavor melding. Store covered in the fridge for up to 48–72 hours.

Variations and Tips

- Thicker base: use 7–8 tbsp chia for a firmer pudding.

- Richer flavor: blend 1 tbsp yogurt into the chia base before chilling.

- No-blend option: mash banana or very ripe fruits by hand for a rustic puree.

- Presentation tip: use clear glasses so layers show — alternate contrasting colors (e.g., green avocado, bright mango) for visual impact.

Serving and Storage

Serve chilled with a small spoon. Prepared cups keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days; separate wet toppings (like sliced apples) if you want them crisp. This recipe is ideal for meal-prep: make several jars on Sunday for quick breakfasts during the week.

Wrapping Up With You

Lykkers, we hope these concrete steps make it easy to create a beautiful, tasty fruit-chia pudding at home. It’s one of those recipes that rewards tiny changes — try different fruit combos and tell us which one becomes your favorite. Which fruit will we try first?