This apple pie chia pudding is what fall breakfast dreams are made of. It starts with a creamy chia pudding with notes of apple and vanilla, topped with juicy and sweet warm apples. Crushed nuts and graham crackers are the finishing touches to give all the apple pie vibes in each bite!
If you're new to chia seed pudding, it's a perfect make-ahead breakfast dish that can be personalized for the season or your cravings.
It has a creamy texture that's similar to pudding but slightly thicker with little seeds throughout. It's a great way to start the day because chia seeds are high in fiber and healthy fats. Chia pudding also pairs well with fruit, especially apples this time of year!
Even if you aren't a chia pudding lover, the warm maple cinnamon apples are a must. Eat them as is or add them to a bowl of overnight oats.
P.S. another apple season must-make is this vegan, gluten-free apple crisp.
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Apple pie chia pudding ingredients & substitutions
This healthy chia pudding recipe comes together with just a few ingredients and is topped with a delicious caramelized nut & apple mix.
- Chia seeds: black or white chia seeds both work and have essentially the same nutritional value, so use whatever you have or is easier to find.
- Unsweetened non-dairy milk: I love using flax milk for the added omegas and calcium, but almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk are options as well. Using a vanilla variation adds flavor to the pudding with minimal effort. If using an unsweetened and unflavored plant milk, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon of vanilla bean seeds.
- Unsweetened applesauce: added for additional flavors of apple in each bite. Cinnamon applesauce also works. In a pinch (or for less apple flavors), substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Red Apple: Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are my picks for this recipe, but any red apple will work. Pink lady is also a a great option if you love tart apples.
- Maple syrup: used to naturally sweeten and form a caramel-like coating over the apples. Date syrup also works.
- Water: Provides moisture in the saucepan to help the apples become tender.
- Cinnamon: optional, but totally recommended for additional warmth and cozy flavors.
- Chopped pecans and crushed mini vanilla cookies: adds notes of buttery flavors and textures expected from a traditional apple pie crust. Walnuts and crushed graham crackers also work well.
How to make apple pie chia seed pudding
- Prep pudding: First, combine chia seeds, non-dairy milk, and apple sauce in a 16 oz mason jar (or something similar). Place covered in the fridge to chill and gel.
- Prep caramelized apples: Chop an apple into bite-sized pieces and add to a saucepan with maple, water, and cinnamon. Keep on a low simmer for 6-8 minutes or until the apples are tender and the maple has caramelized over the apple pieces.
- Top & serve: Remove chia seed pudding from fridge, spoon out desired amount, and top with warm apples. Garnish with chopped pecans, graham crackers or a few crushed vanilla cookies (I used Homefree Treats).
Variations & other chia pudding recipes
- Cinnamon apple pie chia pudding: Add ¼-1/2 teaspoon to the apple pie chia pudding or sprinkle with a few dashes of cinnamon before eating.
- Dessert style: top with vegan whipped cream, a sprinkle of brown sugar, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Extra nutty: top with this oat-free granola
- Additional sweetness: sprinkle apples with turbinado or coconut sugar.
- Peanut butter cup chia pudding
Storage
Store this apple pie chia pudding recipe in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. It's a great easy meal prep idea to have breakfast covered for the week!
If possible, store the apple topping separately from the chia pudding. If taking with you on the go, the topping and pudding can be stored together for a few hours (just pack crushed nuts, cookies, and/or graham crackers separately).
As the chia pudding sits, it can thicken. To thin, add a splash of milk and stir well.
Sautéed apples will store well in the fridge for 2-4 days.
📋 Recipe
Easy & Healthy Apple Pie Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- whisk + 16 oz. mason jar
- measuring cups & spoons
- cutting board + knife
- small saucepan
Ingredients
Chia Seed Pudding
- ¼ scant cup chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons applesauce
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla flax milk (I used Good Karma)
Apples
- 1 red apple (Fuji or Gala work best), sliced and diced into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Toppings
- handful chopped pecans
- crushed GF vanilla cookie or graham cracker (optional, but highly recommended. I used Homefree Treats mini vanilla cookies)
Instructions
- Whisk together chia seeds, milk, and applesauce in a 16 oz. mason jar or something similar. Cover and place in the fridge.
- While the chia seed pudding forms and chills, make the cinnamon apples. First, dice or chop an apple into bite-sized pieces and add to a small saucepan with water, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Stir together, cover and heat on low.
- Remove the cover and stir occasionally (I checked in about every 2 minutes or so). Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the apples are tender (a fork easily goes through) and the maple appears almost caramelized. Stir in a handful of crushed pecans when the apple are almost done.
- Remove from heat, add the desired amount of chia seed pudding to a bowl, and top with warm apples and pecans. Optional: add crushed vanilla cookies or graham crackers.
Notes
If you make this apple pie chia seed pudding recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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