Healthy Chia Seed Pudding for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids Recipe
Introduction
Healthy chia seed pudding is a simple, nutritious snack perfect for babies, toddlers, and kids. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and packed with omega-3s, protein, and fiber. This versatile pudding can be enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or a wholesome snack that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk of your choice (such as almond, coconut, dairy, or hemp)
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (or almond/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 pitted medjool dates
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together the milk and chia seeds in a mixing bowl. Ensure the seeds are evenly mixed and starting to absorb the liquid.
- Step 2: Stir in the peanut butter, cocoa powder, chopped dates, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The mixture should be uniform in texture. If a sweeter pudding is desired, add a drizzle of honey to taste.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nice and cold. This allows the chia seeds to expand and thicken the pudding.
- Step 4: Once chilled, transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend on high speed for about 2 minutes or until the pudding is extremely smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Step 5: Pour the pudding into small jars for individual servings or a big bowl for sharing. Enjoy as a dessert or a nutritious snack.
Tips & Variations
- Use white or black chia seeds interchangeably without affecting flavor or texture.
- For babies under 1 year, replace milk with breast milk or formula and skip honey.
- Substitute nut butters with sunflower or pumpkin seed butter for allergies.
- Replace dates with mashed banana or applesauce if needed, using about 1/2 cup.
- Try maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup instead of honey, especially for little ones.
- Leave out cocoa powder for a non-chocolate version or use carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative.
- Whisk the mixture a couple of times in the first 10 minutes to avoid clumps.
Storage
Store chia seed pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving for best texture. For easy grab-and-go portions, divide into small containers after setting. Avoid leaving the pudding at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially for babies and toddlers.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What kind of chia seeds should I use?
Both black and white chia seeds work equally well for pudding. They provide the same nutritional benefits and gel up the same way. Just choose fresh seeds that are shiny and smooth for best results.
Can I make this pudding without dairy?
Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. Use any plant-based milk such as oat, soy, or hemp milk to make a dairy-free version suitable for various dietary needs.
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Healthy Chia Seed Pudding for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Chia Seed Pudding recipe is a nutritious, kid-friendly snack or breakfast option packed with omega-3s, protein, and fiber. Perfect for babies, toddlers, and kids alike, it requires no cooking and is made by soaking chia seeds in milk overnight, then blending with peanut butter, cocoa powder, dates, and natural sweeteners for a creamy, delicious pudding. Easily customizable for various dietary needs and perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups milk of your choice (such as almond, coconut, dairy, or hemp)
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (or almond/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 pitted medjool dates, chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (use maple syrup for children under 12 months)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
Instructions
- Combine Milk and Chia Seeds: Whisk together the milk and chia seeds in a mixing bowl until well combined. Make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and starting to absorb the liquid to prevent clumps.
- Mix in Additional Ingredients: Stir in the peanut butter, cocoa powder, chopped dates, and vanilla essence until the mixture is uniform in texture. Add honey or maple syrup to taste for extra sweetness if desired.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the chia seeds to gelatinize and thicken the pudding to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Blend for Smoothness: Transfer the chilled pudding mixture to a blender. Blend on high for about 2 minutes until the pudding becomes extremely smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the pudding into small jars for individual servings or a large bowl for sharing. Serve with fresh fruit, granola, or toast fingers for a complete nutritious snack or breakfast.
Notes
- Use fresh chia seeds that are shiny and smooth for the best texture and flavor.
- For babies under 1 year, substitute regular milk with breast milk or formula and avoid honey.
- To prevent clumping, whisk the chia and milk mixture twice during the first 10 minutes after mixing.
- The pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Adjust the sweetness by starting with less honey or syrup and adding more later if needed.
- Try adding fresh fruits like banana, berries, or mango for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For nut allergies, replace peanut butter with sunflower or pumpkin seed butter or omit nut butter for babies under 1 year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chia seed pudding, healthy kids snack, baby food, toddler breakfast, easy chia pudding, dairy-free pudding, make-ahead breakfast
