There’s nothing quite as magical as opening the fridge to discover a chilled bowl of chocolate chia seed pudding with peanut butter ready to enjoy. This Vegetarian treat is a game-changer for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or guilt-free desserts. It’s rich and chocolatey, boosted by nutritious chia seeds and sweet dates, yet it couldn’t be simpler—or more appealing to kids and adults alike! Whether you’re after a wholesome breakfast or a cozy nighttime snack, this creamy, dreamy bowl has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pudding is its simplicity; every ingredient is there for a delicious reason. Each plays a special role in delivering the velvety texture, nutty depth, and natural sweetness you’ll crave in this Vegetarian delight.
- Milk of choice: Whether you’re team almond, coconut, hemp, or classic dairy, the milk sets the creamy foundation for our pudding.
- Chia seeds: These little nutrition powerhouses thicken the pudding naturally—no gelatin required!
- Creamy peanut butter: For a rich, nutty layer; swap for almond or seed butter if peanut allergies are a concern.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Pure, deep chocolate flavor without extra sugar—perfect for a rich taste.
- Medjool dates: Their caramel-like sweetness balances the cocoa and brings extra fiber.
- Honey or maple syrup: Sweeten as you wish; both work beautifully in this Vegetarian pudding.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to heighten all the other flavors and create that classic pudding aroma.
How to Make Vegetarian
Step 1: Whisk the Milk and Chia Seeds
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together the milk of your choice with the chia seeds. This ensures the seeds begin to absorb liquid right away, plumping up and setting the foundation for that signature thick, spoonable texture. Be patient and whisk well to evenly distribute the seeds so you end up with a perfectly smooth Vegetarian pudding base.
Step 2: Stir in the Flavor Makers
Next, add your creamy peanut butter, cocoa powder, pitted Medjool dates, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly. The peanut butter and cocoa will start to dissolve into the mixture, while the dates will soften, adding their natural sweetness. If you crave a sweeter pudding, drizzle in your honey or maple syrup at this point. Every ingredient gets a starring role in the final flavor profile!
Step 3: Chill and Set
Now, cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least four hours. This is where the chia seeds work their magic, absorbing the liquid and transforming the mixture from soupy to lusciously thick. Letting it chill also lets flavors meld, so don’t skimp on this step. By the time you’re ready to blend, your Vegetarian pudding will be perfectly set!
Step 4: Blend Until Ultra Creamy
Transfer the chilled mixture to a blender and blend on high for about two minutes. The result should be unbelievably smooth and creamy, without any grit from the seeds. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, blending again if you add more. The finished pudding will pour beautifully into jars or bowls, ready to be devoured.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dole out generous scoops into small jars or bowls. You can serve it right away (especially if your fridge time chilled it thoroughly), or let it chill a little longer if desired. Get ready to watch it disappear fast—this Vegetarian pudding is irresistible!
How to Serve Vegetarian

Garnishes
Take your pudding to the next level with fun toppings! Try a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, chopped roasted peanuts, or a drizzle of warmed peanut butter. For a bit of crunch, add granola, toasted coconut, or even a handful of fresh berries to brighten each bite. Let everyone customize their own bowl for the full experience!
Side Dishes
This pudding is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, pair it with banana slices, a fresh fruit salad, or warm, whole-grain toast. The bold chocolate-peanut combo loves a little contrast; yogurt or a fruit compote will round out the Vegetarian meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, layer the pudding in clear glasses with banana coins, berries, or crunchy granola for a beautiful parfait look. Spoon into tiny jars with fun labels for a grab-and-go treat, or swirl it with a touch of extra cocoa for a marble effect. The possibilities for serving this Vegetarian favorite are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Vegetarian pudding is a lifesaver for meal prep. Simply divide any leftovers into airtight containers and store in the fridge. It will stay fresh and lovely for about five days, making it perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
You can also freeze portions in small containers if you want to keep them even longer! Just allow the pudding to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture remains surprisingly creamy, though you may want to whip or stir it up a bit after defrosting for that signature smoothness.
Reheating
This pudding is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you like a warmer treat, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until gently warmed. Too much heat can affect the creamy texture, so take it slow and savor every spoonful of your Vegetarian pudding!
FAQs
Can I use a different nut or seed butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even tahini all offer unique flavors and work perfectly in this Vegetarian recipe. It’s an easy swap if you have peanut allergies in the house or just want to experiment.
Do I need a high-speed blender?
While a high-speed blender will give you the silkiest texture, a regular blender works too—just blend a little longer. To help things blend more easily, make sure your dates are soft (soak them in warm water if needed) and blend the mixture in batches if your blender is on the smaller side.
Is this pudding suitable for toddlers?
Yes! The ingredients are wholesome and kid-friendly, making it a fantastic snack or breakfast for little ones. If you’re serving to young toddlers, ensure the consistency is smooth and steer clear of chunky toppings or hard garnishes. You can even adjust the sweetness and cocoa level to suit your child’s taste.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
Certainly—the recipe is already Vegetarian, and making it vegan is as easy as choosing plant-based milk and using maple syrup instead of honey. You’ll get all the creamy, chocolatey goodness with zero animal products.
How do I thicken my pudding if it’s too runny?
If your pudding seems too loose after chilling and blending, simply stir in an extra tablespoon or two of chia seeds, then let it sit in the fridge for another 30 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb any extra liquid, giving your Vegetarian pudding the perfect spoonable consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and sure to make everyone smile, you cannot go wrong with this Vegetarian chocolate chia seed pudding with peanut butter. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to keep on hand for every occasion—go on, give it a try and see why it earns rave reviews with every bite!
PrintVegetarian Recipe
This chocolate and peanut butter chia seed pudding is a delicious and healthy sweet treat that is perfect for toddlers. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Blend, Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Ingredients
Milk Chia Seed Mixture:
- 2 cups milk (almond, coconut, regular, hemp, etc)
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
Pudding Base:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (almond butter or seed butter can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 medjool dates, pitted
- 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Milk Chia Seed Mixture: Whisk together milk and chia seeds.
- Mix Pudding Base: Stir in peanut butter, cocoa powder, dates, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until cold.
- Blend: Transfer mixture to a blender and blend on high for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Divide into small jars or a large bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- Barely adapted from this Edible Perspective
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 279 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 88mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 8mg