Spring is finally here and the fresh berries are looking beautiful at the market. You want a breakfast that feels like a treat but keeps you fueled all morning. This strawberry shortcake chia pudding is the perfect way to welcome the warmer weather.
It delivers all those nostalgic flavors of a classic dessert in a healthy, grab-and-go jar. You will love how simple it is to whip up before bed. It is truly a nutritious start to your busy day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total game-changer for your morning routine. It takes less than ten minutes of actual work to prepare. You can make it once and have breakfast ready for days. It is a fantastic choice for a healthy reset after a busy weekend.
Kids love the sweet layers and the fun graham cracker crunch. It feels like eating dessert, but it is packed with fiber and protein. Your family will enjoy the creamy texture and bright berry flavor. It is budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.
Simple Method
Making this pudding is incredibly easy and requires zero cooking. You simply whisk the base ingredients together and let the fridge do the work. Even if you are new to healthy eating, you can master this. The secret is in the whisking to ensure it stays smooth and creamy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses fresh seasonal produce and simple ingredients for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup black chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or coconut cream
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk thoroughly and let sit for 5 minutes before whisking again to ensure no clumps form.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid to create a pudding consistency.
- Prepare the strawberries by dicing them into small pieces.
- Assemble the parfaits by layering the chia pudding, diced strawberries, and graham cracker crumbs into glasses or jars.
- Finish each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pudding chilled in a clear glass jar to see the beautiful layers. It looks lovely on a brunch table or as a quick weekday meal. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee for a leisurely morning feel. You can even pack it in a lunchbox for a refreshing afternoon snack.
Keep It Fresh
You can store the prepared chia base in the fridge for up to five days. For the best texture, add the graham crackers just before you eat. This keeps them from getting soggy in the pudding. If the pudding gets too thick, just stir in a splash of milk. It is a perfect make-ahead option for busy spring weeks.
Recipe Tips
- Whisk the mixture twice to prevent the seeds from clumping at the bottom.
- Use very ripe strawberries for the most natural sweetness in every bite.
- Don’t skip the vanilla extract as it provides that classic shortcake aroma.
- Wait to add the graham crackers until serving to keep that golden crunch.
- For a holiday brunch, serve these in small mason jars for guests.
- Double the batch on Sunday to have your meal prep sorted for the week.
- Use a whisk instead of a spoon for the smoothest possible consistency.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the strawberries for fresh summer blueberries or raspberries.
- Use coconut milk for an even richer and more creamy texture.
- Substitute maple syrup with honey or agave for a different sweetness.
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
Common Questions
Can I make this the night before?
Yes, this is actually the best way to prepare it. Letting it sit overnight ensures the perfect pudding texture. Just layer the fruit and crumbs in the morning for freshness.
What if my pudding is too thin?
Simply stir in an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and wait 30 minutes. The seeds will absorb more liquid and thicken it up quickly. Make sure you whisked it well at the start.
Will my kids actually like the texture?
Most kids enjoy it when it is layered with crunchy crumbs and sweet fruit. The yogurt dollop on top makes it feel like a sundae. It is a great way to introduce healthy seeds.
I hope this fresh and easy breakfast brings a little sunshine to your busy mornings. It is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of spring while feeling your best. Happy prepping!
— Lidia
Strawberry Shortcake Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup black chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or coconut cream
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk thoroughly and let sit for 5 minutes before whisking again to ensure no clumps form.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid to create a pudding consistency.
- Prepare the strawberries by dicing them into small pieces.
- Assemble the parfaits by layering the chia pudding, diced strawberries, and graham cracker crumbs into glasses or jars.
- Finish each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream before serving.
