This Tiramisu Chia Pudding is a fun twist on a classic dessert! It’s creamy, coffee-flavored, and packed with healthy chia seeds that make it extra special.
Honestly, who doesn’t love dessert that’s also good for you? I love making this on a busy morning—it’s quick, tasty, and feels like a treat without the guilt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are the star of the pudding! They swell up and give it a unique texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, ground flaxseeds can work, but chia seeds are preferred for best consistency.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is my favorite choice for a light, nutty flavor. You can swap it with oat milk or coconut milk depending on your taste. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for a balanced flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Either sweetener is great, but if you want a vegan option, go with maple syrup. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking—start with less and add more if you prefer it sweeter.
Mascarpone Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re aiming for a healthier version, vegan cream cheese can also work well. Cream cheese or Greek yogurt are good options too, but they will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Chia Pudding Consistency?
Getting the right texture is easy if you follow these simple steps. The chia seeds need time to absorb the liquid. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine chia seeds with the almond milk and sweetener in a bowl or jar. Stir well at first.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. This helps break up any clumps.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This waiting time is crucial for thickening!
You’ll know it’s ready when the mix has a pudding-like texture—smooth and slightly thick. If it’s too thick, just stir in a bit more milk!
How to Make Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chia Pudding Base:
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coffee Layer:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
Mascarpone Cream Layer:
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese or vegan cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
For Garnish:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting this Tiramisu Chia Pudding ready takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then 2 hours to chill and set in the refrigerator. If you can, making it the night before is best so all the flavors meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chia Pudding:
In a medium bowl or jar, mix together the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to make sure everything is combined. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then give it another good stir to break up clumps. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
2. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
While the chia pudding sets, take another bowl and mix the mascarpone cheese, Greek yogurt, and optional powdered sugar together. Beat with a spoon or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This will give your pudding a luscious texture!
3. Assemble the Tiramisu Chia Pudding:
Grab your serving glasses! Start by pouring a layer of cooled coffee into the bottom of each glass. Follow with a generous layer of the thickened chia pudding, smoothing it out with a spoon. Then, add a delightful spoonful of the mascarpone cream layer on top of the chia pudding. If your glass is tall enough, repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with the creamy layer.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once you’ve stacked all the layers, take a dusting of cocoa powder and sprinkle it generously over the top of the cream layer. For a pretty finishing touch, add a fresh mint leaf on top. Now, you can either serve them right away or place them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy this delicious treat. Dig in and enjoy chilled!
Can I Use Any Type of Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While unsweetened almond milk is a great choice, you can substitute it with any milk you prefer, such as oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Just ensure that it’s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this Tiramisu Chia Pudding vegan, simply use vegan cream cheese in place of mascarpone and coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. Also, opt for maple syrup instead of honey, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftover Tiramisu Chia Pudding?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again! The chia pudding might thicken a bit more, so you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up if necessary.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the chia pudding and the mascarpone cream the night before and then assemble it just before serving for the best results. Just make sure to let the chia pudding set for at least 2 hours or overnight.
