I’m so excited to share this absolutely delightful Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe with you! It’s like a little glass of sunshine—fresh strawberries blended with creamy chia pudding, topped with a crunchy almond date crumble that will make your taste buds dance. Perfectly sweet, packed with nutrition, and oh-so-tempting for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The blend of frozen and freeze-dried strawberries creates a vibrant and naturally sweet base.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with chia seeds and plant-based ingredients, it’s a wholesome way to fuel your day.
- Texture Heaven: Creamy pudding meets crunchy almond-date crumble for an irresistible bite.
- Super Easy to Make: Minimal prep and no cooking required means you’ve got a delicious treat ready in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple yet fantastic ingredients is all it takes to make this Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe a reality. Each element brings its own magic — from luscious strawberries delivering vibrant color and flavor, to the chia seeds creating that signature pudding texture, and finally the almond date crumble adding a satisfying crunch.
- Frozen Strawberries: Thawed for a smooth and juicy base that captures true strawberry goodness.
- Unsweetened Plant-Based Yogurt: Adds creamy richness without overpowering sweetness – use vanilla if you prefer it sweeter.
- Unsweetened Soy Milk: The perfect neutral liquid to blend everything together and keep it dairy-free.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: A secret weapon for an extra punch of intense berry flavor and a little texture.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that blends flawlessly without being cloying.
- Vanilla Extract: A warm note that rounds out the fruity freshness beautifully.
- Chia Seeds: The star that transforms liquid into luscious pudding overnight.
- Blanched Almonds, Medjool Dates, Rolled Oats, Coconut Flakes & Kosher Salt: Together they make the crunchy, nutty crumble topping that contrasts the pudding perfectly.
Variations
This Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether it’s swapping ingredients based on what you have in your pantry, dietary needs, or simply your flavor dream, it’s easy to customize and still enjoy that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
- Berry Swap: Use raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a totally different but equally delicious twist.
- Nut-Free Crumble: Ditch the almonds and replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to keep the crumble texture while avoiding nuts.
- Sweetener Swap: Honey, agave, or coconut sugar work beautifully if you want to vary the sweetness profile.
- Dairy-Free Options: Coconut or almond yogurt can replace plant-based yogurt for different creamy notes without dairy.
How to Make Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Strawberry Base
Pop your thawed strawberries, unsweetened soy milk, plant-based yogurt, maple syrup, freeze-dried strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt into a blender. Whiz it all up until beautifully smooth, scraping down the edges to incorporate every luscious drop of flavor. This bright pink mixture is the heart of your pudding!
Step 2: Mix in the Chia Seeds
Pour your blended strawberry mix over 1/3 cup of chia seeds in a large container. Whisk it vigorously to prevent clumps and ensure those chia seeds get evenly distributed. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, then give it another good whisk before popping it into the fridge to chill for at least an hour. This slow soak turns the mixture into that irresistibly creamy chia pudding texture.
Step 3: Create the Almond Date Crumble
While the pudding sets, toss blanched almonds, medjool dates, rolled oats, coconut flakes, and a pinch of salt into a mini-food processor. Pulse them until you get a crumbly texture that’s just right—not too powdery, not too chunky. This crumble is what gives the dish its delightful contrast and nutty sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Layer a generous spoonful of the crumble at the bottom of your serving cups, add a hearty scoop of the strawberry chia pudding, then top it with another crumble layer. If you have fresh strawberries on hand, slice them up and sprinkle them on top for a pretty and fresh finishing touch. Voilà — your Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe is ready to devour!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe
- Blend Until Truly Smooth: Make sure to blend your strawberry base thoroughly for that silky pudding texture without chunks.
- Whisk Twice for Perfect Pudding: Stir the chia pudding after 5 minutes to break up clumps – it helps achieve a smoother consistency.
- Pulse the Crumble Carefully: Don’t over-process your crumble; keep some texture for the best contrast with the creamy pudding.
- Avoid Over-Sweetening: Taste the blend before adding extra sweetener, especially if using sweetened yogurt, to keep it fresh and balanced.
How to Serve Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced strawberries are the perfect garnish to enhance the fresh berry vibes and add a pop of color. Consider also a few extra coconut flakes or a sprinkle of crushed almonds on top for additional crunch and a pretty finish. A light dusting of cinnamon can add a subtle warmth if you’re feeling cozy.
Side Dishes
This chia pudding pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for a light lunch, or alongside a smoothie bowl for a packed morning meal. It also makes a delightful companion to nutty granola bars or crispy seeded crackers if you want a little more crunch power on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe in mason jars, pretty glass cups, or even small mason jars for grab-and-go convenience. Layering the crumble and pudding with clear glass lets the beautiful pink and crumbly colors shine through, turning this healthy treat into a showstopper perfect for brunch or entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chia pudding and crumble separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pudding will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, while the crumble remains crunchy a bit longer if kept dry and sealed.
Freezing
The pudding itself doesn’t freeze well because chia seeds swell and can change texture unpleasantly when thawed. It’s best to freeze the crumble alone if needed, then add fresh pudding after defrosting for the best results.
Reheating
This strawberry chia pudding is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it a bit warmer, allow it to sit out for a few minutes but avoid microwaving to preserve the delicate texture of the chia seeds.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries will work wonderfully; just chop them finely or lightly blend them. Frozen strawberries add a thicker texture and chilled element, but fresh berries are great for a lighter, fresher taste.
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Is this Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe vegan?
Yes! As long as you use plant-based yogurt and soy milk (or any other non-dairy milk), this recipe is completely vegan-friendly while still being creamy and flavorful.
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How long does the chia pudding need to set?
For the best texture, refrigerate the chia pudding for at least an hour, though overnight works even better to get a thick, creamy consistency without clumps.
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Can I prepare the crumble in advance?
Yes! The almond date crumble can be made up to several days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making assembling this delicious pudding even quicker on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe is truly one of those feel-good dishes that brings simple ingredients together in such a delightful way. Whether you’re craving a fresh breakfast or a light dessert, it’s a charming, fuss-free treat that feels special every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with those bright strawberry flavors and satisfying textures as much as I have!
PrintStrawberry Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe
This Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding is a delicious and nutritious no-cook dessert or breakfast option that combines the creamy texture of chia pudding with the fresh flavor of strawberries and a crunchy almond date crumble topping. Made with plant-based ingredients and natural sweeteners, it’s perfect for a healthy treat any time of day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Strawberry Chia Pudding
- 140 grams frozen strawberries (about 1 cup), thawed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt (or sweetened vanilla yogurt, adjust sweetener accordingly)
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 2 tbsp freeze dried strawberries
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
Almond Date Crumble
- 1/4 cup blanched almonds
- 2 soft medjool dates
- 2 tbsp rolled oats
- 1 tbsp coconut flakes
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Blend ingredients: In a blender cup, combine thawed frozen strawberries, soy milk, plant-based yogurt, maple syrup, freeze-dried strawberries, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and coconut flakes. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Mix chia seeds: Pour the chia seeds into a large storage container. Pour in the blended strawberry mixture and whisk thoroughly to combine. Cover and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps. Cover once more and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the pudding to thicken.
- Prepare crumble: In a mini food processor, add blanched almonds, rolled oats, coconut flakes, medjool dates, and a pinch of kosher salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly to your desired texture, mimicking a crumble topping.
- Assemble and serve: In serving cups, spoon a layer of the almond date crumble at the bottom, then add a layer of the chilled chia pudding on top. Finish with another spoonful of crumble on top and garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For a sweeter pudding, use sweetened vanilla plant-based yogurt and reduce maple syrup accordingly.
- Make sure to whisk the chia pudding after the initial 5 minutes to prevent clumps from forming.
- The crumble can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This pudding is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture.
- For variation, try substituting almonds with walnuts or pecans in the crumble.