Almond Joy Chia Seed Pudding

Almond joy chia seed pudding is a delicious and healthy way to satisfy a sweet craving any time of day – for dessert or an easy make-ahead breakfast.

(Recipe originally published December 18, 2014, but pictures and post text have since been updated)

Yes, yes, it’s another chia pudding recipe. This isn’t just any old chia seed pudding though – its ALMOND JOY chia pudding, and that makes all the difference in the world considering that Almond Joy candy bars are pretty much the best thing ever. Chocolate, coconut, and almonds are all perfectly fine on their own, but together it’s sheer heaven.

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is one of my go-to desserts. My husband’s favorite is a decadent coconut chia pudding, so we have some form of chia pudding in the fridge all the time.

Plus, babies love this stuff! I make it for my little bean all the time. I tone down the sweetness a bit, but otherwise the same. It’s excellent for baby-led weaning and teaching babies to use a spoon!

As long as you get the right spoon for them and don’t use too much maple syrup, its completely baby friendly. Mine wasn’t crazy about the chocolate (surprisingly) but loved the almond/coconut layer.

This recipe is a fun change of pace from other chia seed pudding recipes since it’s got layers! The layers aren’t just there for fun, they add a flavor contrast that you just don’t get if you mix the two pudding types together.

Trust me, I tried mixing them and it just wasn’t anything special. The layers make this one. Plus it makes it fancy enough for sharing even. I served some to a friend that had never had chia pudding before and she was instantly converted. 

Its a great dessert option for even your pickiest of health-minded friends. If you have people with different dietary restrictions, this is a good go-to because it fits nicely into most diet plans. With January – the season of dieting – right around the corner, you need a recipe like this in your back pocket.

Ingredients in Almond Joy Chia Seed Pudding

I went on and on about my love for chia seeds in my almond chia seed pudding post, so I’ll spare you those details. Just know that they are tasty and filling.

You’ll also need some cocoa powder. To be clear, we’re talking about unsweetened raw cocoa powder here, not the sweetened stuff.

The last major component is the coconut. Use unsweetened desiccated coconut since we’re adding a touch of sugar with the maple syrup.

Why does this matter? Because most sweetened shredded coconut includes high fructose corn syrup. I still use sweetened coconut for treats, but for wholesome snacks like this, it isn’t necessary. Plus, there are far better options out there.

You convinced that you need almond joy chia seed pudding yet? If not, check out these baked pears, these chocolate coconut balls, or this piña colada “nice-cream”.    You’re bound to find a sweet treat you’ll love. 😉