Hey everyone! Want a snack or breakfast that tastes like dessert but is actually good for you? Then you HAVE to try this Low-Cal Chia & Almond Butter Pudding Bowl. It’s super easy to make, packed with good stuff, and totally yummy. Think creamy, dreamy pudding, but secretly healthy. Let’s get cooking!
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Low-Cal Chia & Almond Butter Pudding Bowl
This recipe is so simple, you’ll be making it all the time! It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert after dinner. The best part? It’s low in calories, so you can enjoy it guilt-free!
What You’ll Need – Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to whip up this tasty pudding. It’s mostly stuff you can find at any grocery store.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chia Seeds | 3 tablespoons | The magic ingredient! |
| Unsweetened Almond Milk | 1 cup | Makes it creamy and keeps it low-cal |
| Almond Butter | 1 tablespoon | For that yummy nutty flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/2 teaspoon | A little bit of sweetness and flavor |
| Low-Calorie Sweetener | to taste | Like stevia or erythritol – or skip it! |
| Pinch of Salt | Tiny pinch | Just a little to bring out the flavors |
| Optional Toppings | Make it even more fun! | |
| Berries | 1/4 cup | Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries |
| Sliced Almonds | 1 teaspoon | For a little crunch |
Let’s Get Cooking – Instructions
Making this pudding is easier than you think! No cooking required, just a little bit of waiting.
- Grab a bowl or jar: A mason jar or any container with a lid works great.
- Mix it up: Pour the almond milk into your bowl. Add the chia seeds, almond butter, vanilla extract, sweetener (if using), and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Stir, stir, stir: Mix everything together really well until it’s all combined. Make sure there are no big clumps of chia seeds.
- Give it a shake (optional): If you’re using a jar with a lid, put the lid on tight and shake it like you mean it! This helps mix everything even more.
- Chill out: Pop your bowl or jar into the fridge. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This is when the chia seeds work their magic and turn it into pudding!
- Stir again: Before you eat it, give it another good stir. It should be nice and thick. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk.
- Top it off: Now for the fun part! Add your favorite toppings. Berries and sliced almonds are yummy and healthy choices.
- Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your delicious and healthy pudding bowl!
Macro Breakdown – What’s Inside?
Here’s a rough idea of what’s in one serving of this pudding without toppings. Remember, this can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Under 250 |
| Protein | 7-10g |
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |
These values are estimates and can vary.
Top Tips for Pudding Perfection
- Stir it twice! Make sure to stir the pudding again after about 10-15 minutes in the fridge to stop clumps from forming.
- Patience is key: Chia seeds need time to soak up the liquid. Don’t rush the chilling time!
- Make it ahead: This pudding is awesome for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and have breakfast ready all week.
- Taste and adjust: Everyone likes different levels of sweetness. Taste the pudding before chilling and add a bit more sweetener if you like it sweeter.
- Get creative with toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to keep things exciting!
Swaps and Remixes – Ingredient Alternatives
Want to change it up? Here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Milk magic: Try different kinds of milk like oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk (though coconut milk will be higher in calories).
- Nut butter switch: Not a fan of almond butter? Use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead.
- Sweetness swap: Instead of low-calorie sweetener, you could use a tiny bit of maple syrup, honey, or agave if you don’t mind a few extra calories. You can also use mashed banana for sweetness and creaminess.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Chocolate cravings: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey pudding.
What Goes Well With…
This pudding is great on its own, but here are some ideas to make it a full meal or snack:
- Fresh fruit: Berries, sliced banana, peaches, or kiwi are all delicious.
- Granola: Add a sprinkle of granola for extra crunch.
- Nuts and seeds: Sliced almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds add healthy fats and texture.
- Yogurt: Layer it with a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
- Fruit compote: Top with warm fruit compote for a cozy dessert.
Good For You? – Suitable Diets
This pudding is a winner for lots of different eating styles:
- Low-Calorie: Perfect if you’re watching your calorie intake.
- Vegetarian & Vegan: Made with plant-based ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: If you use plant-based milk, it’s dairy-free.
- High-Fiber: Chia seeds are packed with fiber, which is great for your digestion.
