Every busy mum deserves a ridiculously easy-to-make meal in their arsenal for when hectic days strike. We all have them! You know, those days when everything seems to be happening at the same time and taking longer than it should?
This basic vanilla chia seed pudding recipe is easy, nutritious, and oh so yummy --- you really can’t go wrong! Really, the little munchkins over at the WMBT HQ can’t get enough of it.
A definite winner in our book, so we’re sharing this recipe as well as 5 fun flavors to tickle your picky eaters’ taste buds. Plus, it’s sure to keep you and your whole family energized throughout the day!
And guess what mums, if you like this recipe, you will enjoy the other eight included in WMBT’s soon-to-be-released booklet, "Tiny Mid-Week Hacks". Where you’ll find many different ways to rock kitchen preps for your family. So be sure to check that one out, too!
Chia is a champion for kids
The real stars of this recipe are the Chia seeds. These tiny seeds pack a lot of nutritional punch! They are small and mighty, just like your munchkins.
The essentials are there, including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, complete proteins --- nine essential amino acids, calcium, and soluble fiber. All in support of young children's rapid brain growth and to boost immune systems.
The dietary fiber in Chia seeds also helps keep your kids’ tummies healthy, working to help prevent constipation while keeping them nice and full until the next meal. This means no overeating and no, “mum I’m still hungry!” --- 30 minutes after breakfast.
If it’s your first time serving your family these super seeds, you should know that there is no recommended daily limit of Chia.
Chia seeds should, however, only be consumed after being soaked in liquids until they expand --- like milk, water, or even yogurt. Chia seeds soak all that fluid right up, giving them a texture that makes them easy to chew and digest. And because this pudding is meant to be served cold, it’s great as a refreshing dessert, too!
Kids LOVE This Recipe
Offering our tiny humans a wide variety of food early on helps with food acceptance, helping shape their food preferences as they grow.
This Chia Pudding recipe is a great starter to getting our fussy eaters gobbling up some nutritious, delicious food because it’s so versatile. The sky’s the limit when it comes to toppings and flavours, and serving it up in an adorable silicone snack box makes it even more of a treat!
This WMBT Snackie is mum’s best friend! Perfectly portioned, it makes creating culinary treats just like this easy-peasy and leftover-free. It’s also non-stick and non-slip, super durable, and shatter-proof. That needs to be said with toddlers around, right?
And because it doesn’t take much to get this kid-friendly Chia pudding prepped and ready, it’s a fun activity for tiny hands to get involved in. Simply gather all the ingredients beforehand and watch the kitchen magic begin!
Let your kids have a go at whisking and pouring! They’ll have a blast choosing and plating their own toppings, too.
Top Tips For Perfect Pudding
- Milk: Any milk will work, whether breastmilk, dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or coconut milk. Feel free to experiment and find out which works best with the toppings you choose.
- Keep it clump-free by stirring! Whisk well and let sit for about 5 minutes, give it another whisk before letting it set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible.
- Serving your pudding to a baby or prefer a smoother texture? Blend the chia seeds and milk before refrigerating. You’ll end up with a silkier and creamier pudding rather than one that’s tapioca-like.
- To make your pudding thicker, add a teaspoon of chia at a time. Let it sit in the fridge for another 30 minutes or until it becomes thick. If it's too thick, you can add more milk.
- When ready to eat, give it a good stir to break up any lumps.
Makes 1 Snackie | Prep 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 60 g (½ cup) white chia seeds
- 250 ml (1 cup) milk of choice
- ½ tsp vanilla, ground
- ½ tsp dried lemon peel, ground
- fresh seasonal fruit, optional
- cream, optional
Method
In a bowl, whisk together the chia seeds and the milk.
Allow the chia seeds to swell in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible.
Add the vanilla and lemon peel and stir to combine before transferring to your favourite We Might Be Tiny Snackie.
Top with fresh fruit and cream and enjoy!
Hungry for more
Over at the WMBT HQ, we like to top ours with fresh fruit, but there are so many other fun options if you want to switch it up!
Here are a few of our other favourites.
- To the basic recipe, whisk in 1 tablespoon of smooth peanut butter + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
Top with bananas and some chocolate chips.
- To the basic recipe, replace your milk with canned full-fat coconut milk, and whisk in 2 tablespoons finely minced mango.
Top with mango, avocado, and unsweetened shredded coconut.
- To the basic recipe, add 1 tablespoon mashed blueberries + 1 tablespoon mashed banana + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
Top with yoghurt, more zest, blueberries, walnuts.
- To the basic recipe, add 1 tablespoon chopped cherries + 1 teaspoon maple syrup + 1 tablespoon ground almonds.
Top with whipped cream, almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- To the basic recipe, whisk in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder + 1 teaspoon honey.
Top with chopped strawberries, granola, and cream.
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