If you adore cozy flavors and crave a nourishing treat, the Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. This pudding brings together the perfect blend of spices that remind you of holiday baking, coupled with the creamy, satisfying texture of chia seeds soaked in milk. It’s not only a comforting dish but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for mornings, snacks, or a light dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your hands on these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward crafting a pudding that bursts with warm, spicy notes and creamy goodness. Each ingredient is essential—some for flavor, others for texture or natural sweetness—working harmoniously to create this irresistible Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe.

Milk or non-dairy milk (1½ cup): Provides the creamy base; choose almond, oat, or coconut milk for subtle flavor twists.
Chia seeds (6 to 7 tablespoons): These tiny seeds soak up the liquid and thicken into a luscious pudding texture packed with fiber and omega-3s.
Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): A natural sweetener that adds depth and a gentle sweetness to balance the spices.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely aromatic warmth.
Molasses (2 tablespoons): The secret ingredient that lends the iconic gingerbread richness and dark sweetness.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings classic gingerbread spice warmth that’s comforting and fragrant.
Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a slightly sweet and nutty undertone, elevating the spice profile.
Clove (½ teaspoon): Delivers a punch of aromatic, slightly peppery spice essential to gingerbread flavor.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): The star spice that gives the pudding its gingerbread character and a subtle zing.

How to Make Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by adding the milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, molasses, and all the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ground ginger—into a large mixing bowl. This step is where all the flavors come together beautifully, so make sure everything is fresh and measured just right.

Step 2: Mix Until Smooth

Give the mixture a good stir to ensure all the chia seeds are evenly suspended and the spices are fully incorporated. This helps prevent clumping and ensures that every bite bursts with that warm, spiced flavor we love in a Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe.

Step 3: Chill and Stir Again

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then take it out and give it another stir. This little extra step breaks up any clumps and encourages the pudding to reach an even, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Let It Set Overnight

Return the pudding to the fridge and let it set for at least three to four hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting time is crucial for the chia seeds to swell and absorb all that spiced liquid, transforming into the signature thick and silky pudding.

Step 5: Final Stir and Serve

When you’re ready to enjoy, give the pudding one last stir to fluff it up. Now it’s primed to become your new favorite Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe moment.

How to Serve Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

The best part about this pudding is how many ways you can dress it up. Sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, drizzle with extra maple syrup or a dollop of nut butter for richness, or add fresh fruit such as sliced bananas, pomegranate seeds, or a handful of berries. Cinnamon sticks or a light dusting of cinnamon powder also make for a lovely finishing touch that enhances the cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs wonderfully with light breakfast pastries, a slice of gingerbread loaf, or even alongside a warm cup of chai tea or coffee. The contrast between the creamy pudding and a crunchy toast or spiced bread creates a perfectly balanced and satisfying breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the pudding in clear glass jars or dessert cups with granola and fruit for a visually appealing parfait. For a holiday brunch or special occasion, serve it in mini mason jars with festive ribbon or on a platter alongside colorful toppings so everyone can customize their bowl. Presentation can turn this simple dish into a show-stealing centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld during this time, often making the pudding taste even better the next day.

Freezing

While chia pudding is best fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating, though the texture may be slightly softer after freezing.

Reheating

This pudding tastes best chilled, so reheating isn’t typically recommended. However, if you prefer a warm treat, microwave a small portion briefly and stir well—adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use different types of milk?

Absolutely! Dairy milk, almond, coconut, oat, or any plant-based milk works fine and will subtly change the flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment with your favorite.

How do chia seeds thicken the pudding?

Chia seeds absorb liquid and swell up, forming a gel-like texture that transforms the mixture into a creamy pudding without the need for cooking or added thickeners.

Is this pudding vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! Using plant-based milk and pure ingredients ensures the Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, perfect for many dietary needs.

Can I adjust the spices?

Definitely! Feel free to increase or decrease any of the spices according to your taste preference. The balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger can be fine-tuned to create your perfect gingerbread flavor.

What toppings do you recommend?

Classic choices like nuts, fresh fruit, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of maple syrup are fantastic. For a festive touch, try candied ginger or a sprinkle of crushed ginger snaps.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that the Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe is a little bowl of magic that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it a regular in your kitchen to brighten up any day with that unforgettable gingerbread charm.

Gingerbread Chia Pudding Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

This Gingerbread Chia Pudding is a delightful and nutritious dessert or breakfast option, combining the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the health benefits of chia seeds. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and molasses, this dairy or non-dairy pudding is creamy, rich, and naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with fiber and omega-3s.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including setting time)
Yield: 2 to 3 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: No-cook, Refrigeration
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Base

1½ cups milk or non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)

Chia Pudding Mix

6 to 7 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground clove
½ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the milk (or your preferred non-dairy milk), chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, molasses, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground clove, and ground ginger. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
Initial Rest: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to begin the chia seeds absorbing the liquid.
Second Stir: After the initial rest, remove from the fridge and give the pudding a good stir to break up any clumps and distribute the chia seeds evenly.
Set and Chill: Return the pudding to the fridge and let it set for at least 3 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the pudding to thicken properly into a smooth, creamy texture.
Serve and Garnish: Once set, stir the pudding again before serving. Add your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.

Notes

For a thicker pudding, use 7 tablespoons of chia seeds; for a thinner consistency, use 6 tablespoons.
You can substitute the molasses with honey if preferred, though molasses provides the signature gingerbread flavor.
Use any kind of milk you like – dairy or plant-based alternatives will work beautifully.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Customize toppings to include nuts, seeds, fresh or dried fruits, or a dollop of yogurt.