Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Pudding (Printable Version)
Creamy layers of fresh strawberries, tangy cheesecake filling, and protein-rich chia seeds make this a satisfying treat any time of day.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chia Pudding Base
01 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
02 - 1/2 cup chia seeds
03 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Cheesecake Layer
06 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
08 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
09 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
→ Strawberry Layer
10 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Garnish
13 - Sliced strawberries
14 - Crushed graham crackers
15 - Fresh mint leaves
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Whisk together almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumping. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thickened.
02 - Beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and lemon zest in another bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
03 - Combine strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mash lightly with a fork to release juices while maintaining some texture.
04 - Layer the chilled chia pudding, cheesecake mixture, and strawberry compote in glasses or jars. Repeat layers as desired for multiple striations.
05 - Garnish with sliced strawberries, crushed graham crackers, and fresh mint leaves if using. Serve chilled.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- You get all the indulgence of cheesecake without turning on your oven or spending hours in the kitchen
- The texture contrast between creamy layers and those little chia seeds makes every spoonful interesting
- It is one of those make ahead breakfasts that feels like eating dessert for breakfast
02 -
- Whisking the chia mixture twice is the secret to preventing those gelatinous clumps that nobody wants in their pudding
- The chia pudding needs those full 4 hours in the fridge to reach the right consistency so do not rush this step
03 -
- Use frozen strawberries in winter when fresh ones are not at their best just thaw them first
- Adding a drop of almond extract to the cheesecake layer makes it taste even more like the real thing