Need a morning pick-me-up that’s tasty and energising? This coffee chia pudding is it. Imagine a creamy latte in a cool, spoonable breakfast. It’s like having your favourite café treat right in the fridge.
I saw the idea in an old cookbook I found at a thrift shop, one of those vintage-style food books with hand-drawn illustrations. One line jumped out at me: “Soak chia seeds in coffee for a mocha breakfast pudding.” I was curious, so I tried it that week. I added coconut milk, a splash of maple syrup and vanilla. It was creamy, cool and tasted like a dessert you’d pay for at a coffee shop.
If you’re into coffee-flavoured treats, you might also enjoy this tiramisu chia pudding that layers espresso with creamy textures in a similar way. Since then, I’ve made it a habit and created all kinds of versions. Now I’m sharing the best one with you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Chia Pudding Recipe
- This coffee chia pudding is creamy, quick, and satisfying in every way.
- Quick and easy. Only a few ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.
- Healthy and energizing. Chia seeds are packed with fibre and omega-3s, and coffee gives you a smooth energy boost.
- Great for meal prep. Make it the night before and have a cold, grab-and-go breakfast all week.
- Customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, add protein or change the milk to your liking.
What makes this one different is the perfect balance of flavour and texture. It’s creamy but not heavy, rich but not too sweet. Whether you’re fueling for a busy morning or treating yourself after a workout, this pudding is the ticket.
PrintِِCoffee Chia Pudding
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, coffee-flavored chia pudding that blends bold flavor with simple prep. A quick make-ahead breakfast or snack packed with healthy energy.
Ingredients
1/4 cup Chi seeds
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
Instructions
Combine Ingredients
Add all ingredients to a bowl or jar. Mix instant coffee or cocoa with a bit of milk first if needed.
Stir everything until well combined. Let it sit for 10 minutes and stir again.
Chill the Pudding
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight until thick.
Serve
Stir before serving. Add more milk if needed. Top with fruit, nuts, granola, or yogurt.
Notes
The Greek yogurt is optional but adds creaminess and protein. You can also substitute protein powder. 1/2 cup will be sufficient.
For a smoother pudding, blend after it sets.
To make it thicker, add more chia seeds and wait an extra hour.
To thin it, stir in more milk.
Try espresso for stronger flavor or decaf for less caffeine.
If you choose to include the “Protein Boost” optional add-ins (like Greek yogurt and protein powder), the nutritional values will change significantly and become more of a high-protein version which contains 26 grams of protein and 7 grams of Fiber.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
For the Base
To make the perfect coffee chia pudding, you only need a few simple ingredients
- Chia Seeds (¼ cup): Use black or white chia seeds. They both work the same and will soak up the liquid to create that pudding texture.
- Milk (¾ cup): Use a creamy one like light canned coconut milk or oat milk for the best texture. Almond milk, soy milk or any other dairy or non-dairy milk works too.
- Coffee (¼ cup): Strong brewed coffee, espresso or cold brew. Instant coffee is an option. Just dissolve one to two teaspoons of instant coffee powder in a bit of hot water before mixing.
- Sweetener (1 to 2 tablespoons): Maple syrup gives a warm sweetness, but you can also use honey, agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, depending on your needs.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): It adds depth and overall flavour.
- Pinch of Salt: A small pinch sharpens the flavours and balances.
Optional Add-Ins
- Greek Yogurt (½ cup): Adds protein and makes the pudding thicker and more satisfying.
- Vanilla or Coffee Protein Powder (1 scoop): For post-workout fuel or to keep you full longer.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 teaspoon): For a mocha twist with deeper chocolate notes.
- Cinnamon or Cardamom (a pinch): For a cosy, spiced finish if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Nut Butter (1 tablespoon): Almond or peanut butter for extra richness and healthy fats. If you want a peanut butter base chia recipe, check out this peanut butter chia pudding. Peanut butter is not only flavorful but also provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and it may help lower LDL cholesterol when eaten as part of a balanced diet, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Coffee Explained: Choosing the Right Brew for Your Coffee Chia Pudding
The type of coffee you use makes a big difference in both flavour and texture. Here’s how each option works so you can pick what suits your taste.
Hot Brewed Coffee
This is your classic drip or pour-over coffee. Let it cool before using. It brings a bold, familiar flavour and blends easily with the other ingredients. Great if you already have a pot brewed in the morning.
Cold Brew
Smooth and slightly sweet, cold brew adds a mellow coffee flavour without any bitterness. It’s a good pick if you want a chilled, less intense pudding.
Espresso
Espresso brings a deep, strong flavour with less liquid. It’s ideal if you want more coffee punch without thinning the pudding too much. Use a single or double shot depending on your caffeine needs.
Instant Coffee
Quick and easy, instant coffee works well in a pinch. Just dissolve it in a bit of warm water before adding it to the mix. It’s also useful if you want to control the coffee strength more precisely.
Each option works, so choose based on what you have and how bold you want the flavour to be.
How to Make Coffee Chia Pudding (Step-by-Step)
Mix Everything
Grab a medium bowl or a large jar with a lid, add the chia seeds, milk, coffee, sweetener of your choice, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If you’re using instant coffee or cocoa powder, try to mix them with a spoonful of milk or yoghurt first to prevent clumping.
Mix Well
Stir everything together using a whisk or spoon. Make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. This is an important step to avoid dry pockets. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then stir it again to break up any clumps that have formed.
Cover and Chill
Put the lid on your jar or cover your bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours. The best results are overnight. During this time, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid and become thick and creamy.
Stir and Adjust Before Serving
Once it’s set, please give it a final stir. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk and stir again until it’s to your taste. Now it’s ready to eat. You can eat it plain or top it with fruit, nuts, granola or a dollop of yoghurt for extra texture and flavour.
Your coffee chia pudding is now ready to enjoy straight from the jar or dressed up with toppings.
Coffee Chia Pudding Variations
Coffee chia pudding is super flexible. You can boost the protein, switch up the flavor, or make it fit your diet. Here are a few tasty ways to change it up.
High-Protein Coffee Chia Pudding
Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt or one scoop of your favourite vanilla protein powder to the base mix. Perfect after a workout or when you need something more filling. Try these creative ways to customize your coffee chia pudding.
Keto Coffee Chia Pudding
Use full-fat coconut milk and a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol: no high-carb add-ins, and top with chopped nuts or unsweetened coconut flakes.
Vegan Coffee Chia Pudding
Use plant-based milk like almond or oat and maple syrup or agave for sweetness—no animal products are needed, and still delicious.
Looking for a tangy, gut-friendly version? Try this kefir chia pudding made with fermented milk for a probiotic boost.
Blended Coffee Chia Pudding
Blend after the pudding has set. This will give you a creamy mousse-like texture. Top with whipped coconut cream for an extra treat. You can also check out this whipped chia pudding for inspiration.
Mocha and Flavoured Latte Variations
Add one teaspoon of cocoa powder for a mocha flavour. Or add one drop of almond or hazelnut extract for a latte flavour. These little changes make a big difference.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Ideas
Serve your coffee chia pudding straight from the fridge in a bowl or jar. Add sliced bananas, berries, chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter for extra texture and flavour. Granola adds crunch and Greek yoghurt makes it feel like a parfait. You can even dust the top with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Storage Tips
Store your coffee chia pudding in an airtight container for up to five days. If it gets too thick over time, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up. Don’t freeze it, as the texture will be gritty when thawed. Keep toppings separate until you’re ready to eat to keep them fresh.
Helpful Notes
If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by trying to stir the mixture a few extra times during the first 30 minutes. This helps the chia seeds soak evenly and not form clumps.
For a smoother texture, blend the mixture after it has set. This gives you a mousse-like consistency that’s more like a dessert than a chia pudding.
Want it stronger? Use espresso instead of regular coffee for a bold flavour and extra caffeine.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, use decaf or less coffee and more milk. You’ll still get the flavour without the jitters.
Try layering the pudding with yoghurt or fruit in a glass for a pretty and satisfying breakfast parfait.
And remember, the longer it sits, the thicker it gets. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk to get it back to the texture you like.
Done
Coffee chia pudding is the kind of breakfast that makes mornings feel easier. It’s rich, creamy and full of flavour but still light and healthy. Whether you’re heading to work, chasing after kids or just want something tasty and quick, this Coffee Chia Pudding recipe is for you. You can prep it in minutes, store it in the fridge for days and customise it however you like.
If you try this Coffee Chia Pudding recipe, let me know how it turns out. Leave a comment and a star rating below. Share your favourite variation or what toppings you added. And if you snap a photo, tag it on Pinterest or Facebook so others can see your creation. What version are you most excited to try? Let us know below.
Want more easy recipes with chia seeds? Check out these chia seed ideas for simple, healthy meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix chia with coffee?
Yes. Mixing chia seeds with coffee gives it a rich flavour. Just make sure the coffee is cooled first, so it doesn’t change the texture. if you’re a fan of rich coffee desserts, the tiramisu chia pudding is another delicious option to explore.
Is it good to drink coffee with chia seeds?
It can be. Chia seeds add fibre, omega-3s and a bit of protein to your coffee routine. Some people stir them into iced coffee or cold brew for a fun twist that keeps you full longer.
Can I soak chia seeds in hot coffee?
It’s better to let the coffee cool first. Hot liquid can affect the seeds’ ability to gel. Warm or room-temperature coffee works fine as long as it’s not hot.
Can I put chia seeds in cold coffee?
Yes. Cold brew or chilled coffee works great with chia seeds. Just stir well and let it sit for a few minutes so the seeds can start to absorb the liquid.