This apple crumble chia pudding is an easy, make-ahead breakfast or snack that tastes like dessert. It blends creamy almond milk and chia seeds with sweet, crisp apple and warm cinnamon. The texture is silky and spoonable, with crunchy granola and nuts on top for contrast. The smell is cozy and cinnamon-forward; the flavor mixes tart apple with maple sweetness and a toasty crumble finish. If you enjoy maple-spiced apple dishes, you might also like this roasted apple idea for a warm side or topping: maple-roasted apples and carrots.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (chill time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving
- Calories per serving: 360 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Why Make This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
This pudding gives you the flavor of apple crumble in a healthy, ready-to-go format. It needs very little hands-on time and develops a rich, pudding-like texture in the fridge. It’s naturally filling thanks to chia seeds and fiber from the apple. Serve it for breakfast, a quick dessert, or a travel snack. The contrast of creamy pudding and crunchy granola makes every spoonful satisfying.
How to Make Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
This recipe is mostly assembly and chill time. You whisk the milk and chia, fold in apple and cinnamon, then let it set. Finish with granola, almond butter, and nuts for texture. No cooking required unless you prefer sautéing the apple first for a softer, warmer version.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)
- Nuts or seeds for topping (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Measure the milk and chia seeds into a bowl or jar. If you like a sweeter pudding, add the maple syrup now. Use a whisk or fork to combine so the chia begins to suspend in the milk.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the diced apple and cinnamon until evenly distributed. Make sure the apple pieces are small enough to eat easily with a spoon. Taste and add a touch more maple syrup or cinnamon if you want a sweeter or spicier flavor.
Step 3: Cooking
Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the chia seeds absorb the liquid and form a thick, pudding-like texture. No heat required.
Step 4: Finishing
Spoon the set pudding into bowls or jars. Top with granola and a drizzle or dollop of almond butter, if using. Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and a sprinkle of cinnamon for aroma. Serve chilled.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
Serve this chilled in individual bowls or jars. Add warm toppings (like sautéed apples or warm fruit compote) for a cozy dessert. For breakfast, pair with a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of whole-grain toast. For a portable option, layer the pudding and granola in a jar and seal it for a grab-and-go snack.
How to Store Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep granola and crunchy toppings separate to preserve texture; add them just before serving.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the pudding may change texture when frozen and thawed.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble pudding and chill overnight. Keep toppings in a sealed container for up to a week.
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- Use small dice: Cut the apple into small pieces so every spoonful has apple without big chunks.
- Choose your milk: Thicker milks (oat, full-fat dairy) give creamier results; almond milk yields a lighter pudding.
- Sweetness control: Start with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, then adjust after chilling since flavors mellow overnight.
- Soften apples if desired: Sauté diced apples briefly in a pan with a bit of butter or coconut oil and maple syrup for a warm, tender topping.
- Avoid clumps: Whisk the chia thoroughly into the milk and stir again after 5 minutes to break up any clumps before chilling.
- Texture swap: For a silkier texture, blend half the chia mixture before chilling, then fold in whole chia and apples.
Delicious Variations
- Warm Apple Crumble: Sauté apples with cinnamon and a splash of maple, then spoon warm apples over chilled pudding.
- Berry Crunch: Replace apple with mixed berries and top with almond flour crumble instead of granola.
- Nutty Caramel: Swap maple syrup for a spoon of date syrup and top with chopped pecans for a caramel-like taste.
- Pumpkin-Spiced: Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice for an autumn twist.
- Vegan Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of plant-based protein powder or 2 tablespoons hemp seeds for added protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess moisture first, or briefly sauté frozen apples to remove extra liquid. Too much moisture can make the pudding runny.
Q: How thick should the pudding be after chilling?
A: It should be spoonable and thick, similar to yogurt. If it’s too loose, stir in another teaspoon of chia and refrigerate 30–60 minutes more.
Q: Can I make this without maple syrup?
A: Absolutely. The apple adds natural sweetness. You can also use honey, agave, or a mashed banana as alternatives.
Q: Will the granola stay crunchy if I add it before storing?
A: No—granola will soften if left in the pudding. Store granola separately and add right before serving for the best crunch.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Yes. It’s mild, sweet, and easy to eat. Chop the apple small and skip the nut toppings if there are allergy concerns.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Multiply ingredients and use a larger container. Stir the mixture well so chia seeds are evenly distributed before chilling.
Conclusion
This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is a simple, comforting treat that balances creamy texture with crisp apple and crunchy topping. It’s flexible, healthy, and great for busy mornings or a light dessert. For another take on maple-spiced apples, see the full version at Plant Based RD’s Apple Crumble Chia Pudding. Give this one a try — it’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Print
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthy, make-ahead dessert that combines creamy almond milk and chia seeds with sweet apple and cinnamon, topped with crunchy granola.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)
- Nuts or seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Measure the milk and chia seeds into a bowl or jar. If desired, add the maple syrup; whisk to combine.
- Stir in the diced apple and cinnamon, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken.
- Serve chilled in bowls or jars, topped with granola, almond butter, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
For a warmer version, sauté the apple before mixing. Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, keeping granola separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
