X’mas chia pudding is a fantastic combination of flavor, nutrition, and ease, making it a great choice for any time of the year. Whether you’re craving something creamy, naturally sweet, or packed with wholesome ingredients, this festive chia pudding is a perfect option. With its rich texture, spiced undertones, and a topping of orange-soaked dried fruits, it feels indulgent while still being nourishing.
At its core, this pudding is made by soaking chia seeds in milk or a dairy-free alternative until they absorb the liquid and form a thick, pudding-like consistency. What makes this version special is the addition of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, and a bright, citrusy twist from the orange-soaked dried fruits. These elements create a well-balanced dessert or breakfast that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you enjoy it as a quick make-ahead breakfast, an elegant dessert, or a nourishing treat, this festive chia pudding brings together the best of flavor and health in a simple yet satisfying way.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT THIS
- Naturally Sweetened
- Warm & Comforting Flavors
- Customizable
- Light Yet Satisfying
- Easy to make
INGREDIENTS USED IN MAKING X’MAS CHIA PUDDING
MILK
Milk is the key ingredient that provides the pudding with its smooth and luscious texture. It allows the chia seeds to absorb moisture and expand, giving the pudding its signature thickness. The warmth of the milk helps release the aromas and flavors of these spices, allowing them to infuse deeply into the mixture, giving the pudding a fragrant, aromatic essence.
Milk adds essential nutrients to the dish, including calcium, proteins, and vitamins like A, D, and B12. I have used Nestle milk but you can use any of your choice. You can alternate with vegan options as well.
HONEY
Instead of refined sugar, this pudding is sweetened with honey, which complements the spices and dried fruits beautifully. Honey not only enhances flavor but also provides antioxidants and antibacterial properties. For alternatives, you can use: maple syrup, date syrup or jaggery syrup.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds have a remarkable ability to absorb liquid and expand, creating a gel-like consistency. This property turns the mixture into a thick, pudding-like texture without the need for cooking or additional thickeners. Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fibre, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This makes chia pudding a nutrient-rich option. Chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavour that blends well with various ingredients, allowing them to take on the flavours of other components in the pudding.
SPICES
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger transforms this chia pudding into a cozy and comforting treat. Each spice brings a unique flavor and health benefit. Brings a touch of heat and brightness while aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
COCOA POWDER
A touch of unsweetened cocoa powder gives the pudding a mild chocolaty depth, balancing the warm spices. Cocoa not only enhances the overall taste but also provides antioxidants, mood-boosting properties, and a hint of indulgence.
Orange-Soaked Dried Fruits
The citrus-soaked dried fruit topping is what makes this pudding extra special. These fruits not only add natural sweetness, chewiness, and bursts of flavor, but also bring in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The dryfruits include- Slightly tart and sweet apricots, caramel tasting prunes, tangy cranberries, black and golden raisins.
EQUIPMENTS USED IN MAKING X’MAS CHIA PUDDING
It’s an easy recipe and doesn’t require a lot of equipment. My set of Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons always come in handy and are the most important part of any recipe.
A sauce pan to make orange soaked dried fruits.
A glass to assemble the chia pudding.
RELATED RECIPES FROM THE BLOG
TIPS TO MAKE X’MAS CHIA PUDDING
To achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and balance in your X’mas Chia Pudding, keep these expert tips in mind:
- If the pudding feels too thick after setting, add a splash of milk and stir to loosen it.
- While 2–3 hours is enough, overnight soaking gives the best results, making the pudding thick and creamy.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice.
- Add orange-soaked dried fruits on top right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- The pudding tastes best when served cold as the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Choose fresh, high-quality chia seeds. They should be plump and have a neutral scent. Quality seeds ensure a better texture in the pudding.
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg powder
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp black raisins
- 1 tbsp golden raisins
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 dried apricots, chopped
- 2 prunes, chopped
- In a bowl, add milk, honey, cocoa powder, cinnamon powder, ginger powder, nutmeg powder. Mix everything until combined.
- Add chia seeds in the spiced milk and mix it nicely.
- Refrigerate it for 3-4 hours until chia seeds swells and mixture thickens.
- Meanwhile, prepare the soaked dryfruits. In a saucepan, take orange juice and water.
- Add black raisins, golden raisins, dried apricot, dried cranberries, prunes to the juice mix and cook till it thickens and dry fruit absorbs all the fruits.
- Once the chia pudding thickens, assemble it in a bowl or a glass. Add soaked fruits on top and enjoy.
If you like my Xmas chia pudding recipe and happen to make them in your kitchen, do tag me on Instagram and share pictures with me using #Bakewithshivesh. Happy Baking!
Leave a Reply