Layered Chia Pudding Parfaits

You may have tried chia pudding but these layered chia pudding parfaits will take your breakfast game to a whole new level. Layers of smooth chocolate protein chia pudding, yogurt and raspberries topped with chunks of dark chocolate create the perfect breakfast for a hot summer day.

How to make these layered chia pudding parfaits

Before I have all the chia pudding texture haters coming after me let me make this clear: this is BLENDED chia pudding aka the smoothest, creamiest chia pudding you will ever eat. Say goodbye to the days of tasting all those little seeds and hello to a thick and creamy chocolate pudding.

All you have to do to get these nutrient packed layered chia puddings is grab a high powered blender add in all your ingredients and blend until smooth. In the morning (or even the night before) layer your smooth chia pudding with yogurt and berries and top with some chocolate granola or chocolate chunks! Leave them in the fridge for an easy grab and go breakfast or eat them right away for a nutritious snack.

Can I add protein powder to chia pudding?

Of course! With any of my breakfast recipes I personally love adding a protein source to my breakfasts whenever I can. Although I always try to get most of my nutrients from food sources as much as possible sometimes using supplements like protein powder are a great way to get some additional protein AND yummy flavour!

Although chia seeds do naturally contain healthy fats like... fibre and even protein already I like adding a little extra protein to help keep me full and satisfied until my next meal!

My recommendation for protein powder chia pudding: substitute half of the cocoa powder with chocolate protein powder and decrease the maple syrup by half. This creates the same perfectly sweetened chocolate chia pudding with a little less sugar and more protein! Perfect for anyone wanting to increase their protein intake.

Don't forget to use the code NOURISHEDBYNIC to save 15% on my favourite protein powder (the chocolate flavour is SO good in oatmeal and chia pudding)!

What ingredients do I need for layered chia pudding parfaits?

Chia seeds- You can't have chia pudding without chia seeds (they are what turn your liquid into a pudding texture when they expand)! Chia seeds are little nutritional powerhouses, not only do they contain tons of fibre, they also are packed with healthy fats and protein too making them a great option for a breakfast that will keep you satisfied all morning long! Black or white chia seeds will both work for these layered chia pudding parfaits (though black seem to be more easily accessible).

Cocoa powder- For that rich chocolate flavour! If you wanted to create a protein powder chia pudding see the text above for my recommendations.

Maple syrup- For a touch of natural sweetness. I personally like maple syrup because I find it actually has a less distinct taste when mixed with chocolate than honey does, however and liquid sweetener will work!

Cinnamon- This is optional if you aren't a cinnamon fan. I think a small touch of cinnamon helps elevate the rich chocolate flavour cocoa powder brings however it's not necessary to create this chocolate protein chia pudding.

Salt- OK hear me out. Salt and chocolate is the BEST combination. A touch of saltiness helps balance out the sweet chocolate and creates the most perfect flavour. Once again if you don't feel like using salt this isn't a critical ingredient to leave out.

Milk- The second most important ingredient in this chocolate protein chia pudding. Submerging the chia seeds in milk allows the chia seeds to expand to develop a gel-like texture making the creamiest chia pudding! Use whatever milk you have on hand!

Vanilla extract- My personal favourite ingredient. Since we aren't baking this recipe I'd recommend pure vanilla extract if it's available to you as it has the best flavour however the choice is really yours!

Yogurt- To create the perfect chocolate raspberry chia pudding parfaits (or any fruit)! If you want to forgo the yogurt layers and just eat your chocolate chia pudding alone that is totally an option as well. However if you want to create layered chia pudding you will need the yogurt layers! I personally use plain Greek yogurt but any yogurt of your choosing will work perfectly.

Fruit- strawberries, raspberries, bananas or even cherries! The choice is yours I personally think chocolate raspberry chia pudding sounds incredible but get creative and play around with whatever fruit you think will pair with this chocolate protien chia pudding the best to create your perfect layered chia pudding parfaits.

High-powered blender- Not fully an ingredient. However if you want to create the creamiest, smoothest chia pudding you will need a high-powered blender to help break down the seeds and get rid of the chunky texture some people don't love. We have this Vitamix that we've loved for years and I fully believe it is such a great investment if you are getting started on your health journey! Once again this is optional! If you don't mind the texture of chia pudding naturally than feel free to skip the blending.

PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these layered chia pudding parfaits don't forget to tag me on Instagram - @nourishedbynic or leave a comment below letting me know how they turned out!

Other summer breakfasts to try:

• high protein cheesecake overnight oats
• Blended chocolate covered strawberry overnight oats
• berry crumble baked oats