If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, nourishing treat that feels indulgent but is totally guilt-free, then you’re going to love this Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe. It’s one of my absolute favorites to make when the weather starts to turn crisp and the pumpkin spice cravings kick in. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up and packed with wholesome ingredients that keep you feeling good. Stick around—I’m sharing all my tips so you can nail it perfectly, every single time!

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, making it super convenient.
Perfect Texture Balance: Chia seeds swell to the ideal pudding consistency without being gloopy or gritty.
Balanced Sweetness: Maple syrup adds just the right hint of natural sweetness that complements pumpkin beautifully.
Nutrient-Packed: Rich in fiber, protein, and a vitamin boost from pumpkin—all in one easy-to-make pudding.

Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding, Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding, Nourishing Pumpkin Pudding, Easy Pumpkin Dessert, Wholesome Pumpkin Snack - A close-up of a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface filled with a smooth yellow mixture speckled with small black and brown seeds, being gently stirred by a silver metal whisk with thin, curved wires resting partly in the mixture. The bowl edges are visible with some of the mixture clinging to the inner sides, showing a light texture and fluidity. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe plays a special role, creating a dessert that’s as good for your body as it is for your tastebuds. I always recommend picking pumpkin puree made from 100% pumpkin (not pie filling) to control sweetness and spice.

Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding, Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding, Nourishing Pumpkin Pudding, Easy Pumpkin Dessert, Wholesome Pumpkin Snack - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of smooth bright orange pumpkin puree, a few whole brown chia seeds sprinkled next to it on the white marble surface, a small white bowl filled with creamy milk, another small white bowl containing amber maple syrup, a tiny white bowl with reddish-brown pumpkin pie spice powder, and a very small white bowl holding fine white salt crystals, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk of choice: Whether you opt for almond, oat, or good old dairy, it forms the creamy base our chia seeds soak up.
Pumpkin puree: Adds natural sweetness, fiber, and that classic fall flavor.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that blends perfectly without overpowering.
Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses warms notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—key for that cozy vibe.
Salt: A pinch awakens flavors and balances sweetness.
Chia seeds: The magic thickener and nutrition powerhouse packed with fiber and omega-3s.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I love tweaking the sweetness depending on my mood or swallowing my spice anxiety by adjusting the pumpkin pie spice—it’s your kitchen, your rules!

Variation: When I’m craving a little crunch, I stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts right before serving. Adds an amazing texture contrast.
Dairy-Free Option: I usually go with oat milk or coconut milk to keep things creamy and plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
Extra Protein Boost: Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla protein powder in the mix for a post-workout snack that feels like dessert.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Base

Start by mixing your milk of choice with the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl. I use a whisk to really smooth everything out so you don’t end up with clumps of pumpkin. This makes sure your pudding will have that silky texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Mix in the Chia Seeds

Once your pumpkin mixture is smooth, add in the chia seeds and stir them in really well so they’re evenly distributed. A quick tip—I like to stir one more time about 10 minutes in to break up any seeds that might be clumping at the bottom.

Step 3: Chill Until Set

Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This step is key because it lets the chia seeds soak up all that liquid and puff up into the perfect pudding consistency. Don’t rush this—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When it’s set, give the pudding a gentle stir and dig in! You can enjoy it as-is or add your favorite toppings to elevate it even more.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Stirring Early: Stir the pudding again 10 minutes after mixing chia seeds to avoid clumps gathering at the bottom.
Maple Syrup Tweak: I start with 1 tablespoon maple syrup—then taste before adding more depending on sweetness preference.
Pumpkin Purity: Always use pure pumpkin puree, never pumpkin pie filling, to keep control over sugar and spice levels.
Chilling Patience: Don’t shortchange the chilling time; the longer it soaks, the creamier and more pudding-like it becomes.

How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding, Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding, Nourishing Pumpkin Pudding, Easy Pumpkin Dessert, Wholesome Pumpkin Snack - The image shows a spoon holding a small scoop of a layered dessert with two clear glass jars filled with the same dessert in the background. The bottom layer in the jars is a yellowish-brown pudding with visible chia seeds, giving it a slightly bumpy texture. On top of the pudding is a thick, white cream layer lightly dusted with a brown spice, likely cinnamon. One jar has a woman’s hand partly visible holding a spoon covered with the white cream layer and some pudding drips on the rim. The background and surface are smooth with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a few classic pumpkin-friendly toppings: a dollop of coconut whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts, and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. Fresh berries are also a great way to brighten up the bowl and add a fresh counterpoint to the spice.

Side Dishes

This pudding makes for a fantastic breakfast or snack, and I often pair it with a warm cup of chai tea or my morning coffee. If you’re serving it for brunch, a side of whole-grain toast or a small fruit salad complements it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this pudding in small glass jars with granola and roasted pumpkin seeds to create a festive autumn parfait. You can even pipe in little swirls of maple-sweetened yogurt for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 4 days. Before eating, I give the pudding a quick stir as chia can sometimes settle or thicken up more overnight.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite for this recipe because chia pudding’s texture can change once thawed—it often becomes too jelly-like or separates. If you want to freeze meals ahead, I recommend doing so only if you plan to blend it after thawing to refresh the texture.

Reheating

This pudding is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and stir well to maintain that pudding consistency without warming it too much.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

I don’t recommend using pumpkin pie filling because it already contains sugar, spices, and other ingredients that can throw off the flavor balance and sweetness of your pudding. Stick to plain pumpkin puree for best control over taste and nutrition.
How long does it take for chia seeds to thicken the pudding?

Chia seeds generally need at least 4 hours to fully absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture. Overnight chilling works best to ensure the pudding is creamy and set.
Can I make this pudding without pumpkin pie spice?

Absolutely! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. Or simply use cinnamon alone for a milder spiced flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! Just be sure to use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk and a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup, and you’re good to go.
Can I add additional toppings for texture?

Definitely! Nuts like toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add a wonderful crunch. Fresh fruit or a sprinkle of granola also makes the pudding more exciting to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen because it hits that comfort-food spot without any guilt. Each time I make it, I’m reminded how something so simple can feel so special and nourishing at the same time. If you try it, start with the basic version, then play around with your own twists—you’ll find it’s a recipe that grows with you. Trust me, this one’s worth keeping in your recipe rotation and sharing with friends!

Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 58 reviews

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and nutritious Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding that combines the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the health benefits of chia seeds. This easy no-cook dessert or snack is sweetened naturally with maple syrup and can be enjoyed chilled with toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, cinnamon, or nuts.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup milk of choice
1/2 cup pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chia seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and has an even consistency.
Add Chia Seeds: Stir the chia seeds into the pumpkin mixture until they are evenly incorporated.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours or until the pudding has set and thickened.
Serve: Enjoy the pudding cold, topped with your choice of whipped cream, fresh fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Store Leftovers: Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

The nutritional information is based on using 2% milk; values will vary with different milk choices.
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Adjust maple syrup amount to your preferred sweetness level.
Pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
For a thicker pudding texture, you can increase chia seeds slightly or chill longer.