This no-cook chocolate chia pudding with fresh pomegranate seeds and pure maple syrup takes only 5 minutes to make and is a simple yet impressive dessert; perfect for the holidays!

This easy pudding is one of my new favorite holiday recipes because it's a nice break from all of those heavier sweet treats that surround us this time of year.  Plus the star of this dish is one of my favorite healthy foods - chia seeds (which, when in chocolate pudding form, happen to go perfectly with whipped cream, pomegranate seeds, and maple syrup)! :D

I love chia seeds, and I use them in many recipes.  But my favorite way to use them is definitely for pudding.  If you haven't had chia seeds as a base for pudding before, it's time to try it!  And if you're curious about the texture, I think it's very much like tapioca.

I've talked about chia seeds quite a bit on the blog... but as a quick recap, chia seeds are basically tiny powerhouses in the world of nutrition!

They're an excellent source of fiber, protein, and heart-healthy omega 3 fats.  Just 1 tablespoon of whole chia seeds has about 60 calories, 3 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and a healthy serving of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.  

So when you're making pudding out of these little beauties, there's really no reason to feel guilty because there is a whole bunch of goodness in there! 

And if you need more convincing to try this little bit of deliciousness, here's another reason:  it is really easy to make!  If you're short on time but want to impress company, or you're simply meal-prepping for the week and want a healthy sweet treat in your meal plan, this recipe is just the thing.  

To make this pudding, you'll need three things:  a bowl, spoon, and a little bit of patience while you wait for the pudding to "cook" itself in the fridge. 

You simply add the chia seeds, milk, cocoa, and syrup to a bowl, give it a quick mix, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) while the chia seeds work their magic and gel into a pudding-like texture.  

This pudding can be made 2-3 days in advance and will hold well in the fridge. When you're ready to serve it, all you need to do is give the pudding a quick mix, put it in bowls, and top with fresh pomegranate seeds, whipped cream, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Chia Maple Pomegranate Pudding

Makes 2 servings 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds 
  
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, separated
  
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
  
• 3/4 cup unsweetened low fat milk  (can use cow's milk, almond, soy, or other favorite milk)
  
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pomegranate seeds for topping
• whipped cream for topping 

Directions:

1. Place the chia seeds, 1 tablespoon of the syrup, cocoa powder, and milk in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Note:  there will be chunks of cocoa powder at the top of the mixture; they will mix evenly into the pudding after it sets.
   
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.  
3. To serve, give the pudding a quick stir, place in a bowl, and top with the pomegranate seeds, whipped cream, and the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup.

 Happy Eating!

~Amber

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