Dates are the surprising ingredient that sweeten this chia pudding, and they really do give it a surprising caramel flavor! This decedent chia pudding, like our raspberry chia jam, is thickened with whole chia seeds. The chia seeds absorb liquid in the coconut milk and water and form a pudding texture, without cooking, without eggs, and without dairy!
This recipe is fast and can be done with an immersion blender in a tall container, or in a regular blender or food processor. Allowing the chia to fully absorb the liquid overnight is ideal, but this pudding can be enjoyed after a couple hours as well.
Quick breakfast
Finally, because the only sweetener in here is fruit, I often serve this as an easy and cool breakfast. My kids love eating pudding for breakfast… and I love that they’re getting the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk and gut-nourishing (source) soluble fiber in chia seeds.
Whole30 Notes
Finally, though the ingredients in this recipe are Whole30 compliant (other than the vanilla, which contains alcohol), puddings are ‘not within the spirit of the Whole 30’ and are not allowed. You can read more about the Whole 30 here.
GAPS, Paleo, Gluten Free, Egg Free
This recipe is suitable for the GAPS Diet, is completely gluten free and egg free, and if you omit the optional nuts for garnish it is nut free as well!
Recipe
Delicious Overnight Sea Salt and Caramel Coconut Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 10 dates pits removed
- 1/2-3/4 cup hot water
- 1 can full fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons whole black chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Cover dates with hot water in your blender container. Allow to sit for a minute to absorb the water (start with 1/2 cup and add another 1/4 cup at the end if too thick).
- Puree dates and water until a smooth paste forms.
- Add in coconut milk, chia seeds, vanilla, and sea salt and puree.
- Pour into one large bowl or 6 small custard cups.
- Cover, and chill overnight.
- Enjoy!
- Will keep one week in the refrigerator, covered.
** Note for those on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet: Chia is not allowed, as it contains polysaccharides. I think these are as fiber, so I doubt they would feed the bad bacteria, but I’m not completely sure. They are allowed on GAPS after the introduction diet.
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Donna in Inwood
August 27, 2017 at 8:17 pmThis is delish! I just made a batch, which is chilling in the fridge. I’m sure it will be wonderful when it’s cold. Thanks.
Kathy
September 10, 2017 at 3:49 pmCan you use ground flaxseed in place of chia seeds?
Cara
September 11, 2017 at 2:52 pmHi Kathy, I don’t think flax gels quite as much, but it might. If you try it can you let us know?
Kara
September 18, 2017 at 10:17 amOK first off…you are amazing lady! Your recipes always turn out just as promised. They are simple and healthy and I can eat them. I don’t usually comment..but for this pudding recipe I just had to. I finally got around to making these. And omg what a really simple and fast delicious dessert to come together. Really. It’s mindless. And really good. My five year old will take these in his lunch. My husband snakes them all on me. I’m lucky to get a portion. Really really really good.
Cara
September 18, 2017 at 10:24 amHi Kara, I’m so glad you enjoy the recipes! Thank you for your comment :)
Paige Davis
April 30, 2019 at 4:28 pmHey Cara
Wanted to let u know this makes great frozen popsicles too. We loved it as pudding so decided to try it frozen. Thank u for recipe. It makes 8 of the stainless steel rocket shaped pops.
Cara
May 1, 2019 at 11:34 amThat’s so cool! Thanks for sharing, and I’ll have to try it