Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sat on my porch savoring the crisp autumn air, the idea of each spoonful of Apple Crumble Chia Pudding danced through my mind. This delightful recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of fall with a nutritious twist, making it a perfect start to any day. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up in advance, but it’s also a health-conscious choice packed with fiber, setting you up for a successful day ahead. With a creamy chia base layered with sweet stewed apples and a crunchy oat crumble, this breakfast is truly a treat for both the palate and the body. What variations can you come up with to make it your own? Why is this Chia Pudding Special? Creamy Comfort: The blend of unsweetened plant-based yogurt and chia seeds creates an irresistibly creamy base that’s perfect for any time of day. Flavor Combinations: With warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, this recipe embraces the cozy vibes of fall while allowing for personalized variations—feel free to swap apples for your favorite fruits! Nutritious Fuel: Packed with fiber and antioxidants, our Apple Crumble Chia Pudding stands as a guilt-free treat that both nourishes and satisfies your sweet cravings. Easy Prep: Ideal for meal prepping, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several days, making busy mornings a breeze. Crowd-Pleasing Harmony: Serve this as a filling breakfast or a delightful dessert, and don’t forget to pair it with a warm cup of herbal tea for an extra cozy experience! Looking for other fruity options? Check out our Pineapple Chicken Rice for a savory twist, or enjoy a sweet bite with Pineapple Adobo Chicken. Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Ingredients For the Chia Pudding Unsweetened Plain Plant-Based Yogurt – Provides a creamy texture and probiotics; feel free to use dairy yogurt if you prefer. Apple Butter – Adds natural sweetness and flavor; can be replaced with pureed apples for a similar taste. Medjool Dates – Acts as a natural sweetener with a chewy texture; substitute with maple syrup if needed. Yellow Miso Paste (optional) – Enhances the umami flavor; consider omitting if you want a sweeter profile. Vanilla Extract – Infuses depth to the pudding; using pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; adjust the amount based on your personal taste. Cardamom – Brings floral notes to the dish; can be omitted or replaced with nutmeg. Kosher Salt – Balances out sweetness; adjust according to your preference. Soy Milk – Serves as the liquid base; swap for almond, oat, or coconut milk for a different flavor. Chia Seeds – The star of the dish, thickening and adding fiber; no direct substitute, although ground flax seeds could work. For the Crumble Gluten-Free Rolled Oats – Supplies a crumble texture and adds fiber; use regular oats if gluten-free is not necessary. Walnuts or Pecans – Provide crunch and healthy fats; feel free to substitute for almonds or cashews if desired. For the Stewed Apples Stewed Apples – Offer natural sweetness and fiber; can be replaced with pears or other apple varieties based on your preference. Maple Syrup – Adds sweetness to the stewed apples; agave syrup can be used as a substitute if preferred. Creating this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is straightforward, allowing you to savor a delicious and healthy breakfast that will keep you satisfied for hours! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Step 1: Prepare Chia Pudding In a blender, combine unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt, apple butter, Medjool dates, yellow miso paste (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, kosher salt, and soy milk. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. This mixture forms the base of your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, bringing together lovely flavors that will set the stage for your dish. Step 2: Combine with Chia Seeds Once blended, transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the chia seeds. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you prefer a thicker pudding. This resting period lets the chia seeds absorb moisture and swell, creating that delightful creamy texture. Step 3: Make the Crumble While the pudding chills, prepare the crunchy topping. In a mini food processor, pulse gluten-free rolled oats, walnuts or pecans, and a few Medjool dates until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble, about 20-30 seconds. This crumbly topping will provide a delicious contrast to the creamy chia pudding and the soft stewed apples, enhancing the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding experience. Step 4: Prepare Stewed Apples In a medium saucepan, combine diced apples, a splash of water, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cook over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape. The warmth and sweetness from the stewed apples will complement the chia pudding beautifully, making it a delightful layer in your dish. Step 5: Assemble To serve, take the chilled chia pudding from the refrigerator and divide it into individual bowls or jars. Layer generously with the warm stewed apples and finish by sprinkling the oat crumble on top. This multilayered assembly creates not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, as the vibrant colors of the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding shine through. Step 6: Serve You can enjoy your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding immediately for a delightful breakfast or snack. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor this comforting dish multiple times. Whether enjoyed fresh or chilled, this treat will warm your heart and nourish your body, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoons! How to Store and Freeze Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Fridge: Store leftover Apple Crumble Chia Pudding in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure to separate the crumble topping to maintain its crunchiness. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the chia pudding without the crumble. It can last in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: If you prefer your pudding warmed, gently heat the thawed pudding in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. Preparation Tips: Consider making the chia pudding ahead of time so the flavors develop. It’s a perfect meal prep option for busy mornings or healthy snacks! Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Variations Feel free to embrace your creativity and give this comforting recipe a twist that tantalizes your taste buds! Berry Bliss: Replace stewed apples with mixed berries for a tart and sweet explosion of flavor. Berries burst with juiciness, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy base while also infusing a vibrant color. Nutty Swap: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch. Each nut brings its unique flavor profile, transforming the crumble into something special just for you. Protein Power: Add a scoop of protein powder to the chia pudding base. This enhances the nutritional value while satisfying your hunger even longer, making it great for post-workout fuel! Tropical Twist: Substitute apples with diced mango or pineapple for a refreshing flair. The sweetness and tropical essence will transport your taste buds to sunny destinations, giving a delicious escape in every bite! Sweeten Naturally: Try stevia or honey as an alternative sweetener to maple syrup. These options allow you to adjust sweetness while maintaining a healthy dish that fits your dietary needs perfectly. Creamy Luxury: Top your pudding with whipped coconut cream for a rich finish. This decadent addition brings a luscious texture that elevates the dish to a delightful dessert experience. Spiced-Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne for a gentle heat that contrasts with the sweetness. The unexpected kick brightens up the overall flavor, perfect for those who fancy a little zest in their breakfasts. Oat Variations: Incorporate flavored oats, like apple cinnamon or vanilla, to up the taste factor. These subtle hints can transform the crumble topping, making every layer sing in delicious harmony! Explore these exciting variations as you create your delightful Apple Crumble Chia Pudding! Looking for more fruity inspirations? Check out our delicious Pineapple Chicken Rice or savor the sweetness of Pineapple Adobo Chicken. Make Ahead Options These Apple Crumble Chia Pudding are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chia base up to 24 hours in advance by blending all the ingredients and storing it in the fridge in an airtight container. The stewed apples can also be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just reheat them gently before layering over the chia pudding. For the crumble, you can mix the oats and nuts in advance and store them in a separate container to maintain their crunch. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the pudding with the stewed apples and the crumble for a delicious, satisfying breakfast that feels fresh and homemade, saving you precious time on busy mornings! Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Even Texture: Make sure to stir the chia seeds well into the mixture to prevent clumping and ensure a silky-smooth Apple Crumble Chia Pudding. Sweetness Adjustments: Taste the pudding before refrigerating; feel free to increase or decrease the amount of maple syrup and apple butter to suit your sweetness preference. Make Ahead: Prepare the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding a day in advance for deeper flavors while also making your busy mornings simpler! Layer Wisely: For the perfect visual and textural contrast, layer the stewed apples and crumble just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the topping. Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to try different fruits and nuts—this recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to your taste! What to Serve with Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Enjoy a delightful blend of flavors and textures to create a full meal experience. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding. Nutty Granola: Adds an extra crunch and a dose of wholesome energy, enhancing the satisfying texture of your pudding. Cinnamon-Spiced Tea: Warm up with a cup of herbal or chai tea, which complements the warming spices in the chia pudding beautifully. Maple-Glazed Bacon: For a sweet and smoky twist, serve crispy bacon on the side for an indulgent breakfast experience. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layering with Greek yogurt introduces extra creaminess and protein, making this a well-rounded meal. Honey Drizzled Toast: A slice of whole grain toast topped with honey enhances natural sweetness and rounds out your breakfast beautifully. Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe FAQs What type of apples are best for stewing? Absolutely! For stewing, I’d recommend using sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, as they hold their shape well and enhance flavor. Granny Smith apples can also be used for a tart twist; just balance them with a little extra sweetness. How should I store Apple Crumble Chia Pudding? Very! To keep your pudding fresh, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the crumble topping, so it stays crunchy until you’re ready to enjoy. Can I freeze Apple Crumble Chia Pudding? Yes! You can freeze the chia pudding without the crumble. Scoop it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and store for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, serve it cold or warmed gently in the microwave. What should I do if the chia pudding is too thick? If your pudding turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Simply stir in a splash of milk (almond, soy, or oat work well!) until you reach your desired consistency. Adjusting the moisture can easily bring your pudding back to that creamy texture. Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies? I often make this for friends with nut allergies! You can replace the walnuts or pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain the crunch while keeping it safe. Just ensure that your yogurt and milk alternatives are also nut-free. Can I use a sweetener other than maple syrup? Definitely! Feel free to substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, honey (if not vegan), or even stevia to lighten the sugar load. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference, and remember to taste as you go to find that perfect balance! Delicious Apple Crumble Chia Pudding for a Cozy Morning Treat Enjoy a nourishing Apple Crumble Chia Pudding that combines creamy chia layers, sweet apples, and a crunchy oat crumble for a delightful breakfast. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsRefrigeration Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 2 bowlsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chia Pudding1 cup Unsweetened Plain Plant-Based Yogurt or dairy yogurt1/4 cup Apple Butter can be replaced with pureed apples2 count Medjool Dates acts as a natural sweetener1 tbsp Yellow Miso Paste optional1 tsp Vanilla Extract using pure enhances flavor1 tsp Cinnamon adjust according to taste1/4 tsp Cardamom can be omitted1/4 tsp Kosher Salt adjust as preferred1 cup Soy Milk or almond/oat/coconut milk1/3 cup Chia SeedsFor the Crumble1 cup Gluten-Free Rolled Oats or regular oats1/2 cup Walnuts or Pecans or almonds/cashewsFor the Stewed Apples2 count Stewed Apples can be replaced with pears1 tbsp Maple Syrup agave syrup can be used Equipment BlenderLarge bowlmini food processorMedium saucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a blender, combine unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt, apple butter, Medjool dates, yellow miso paste (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, kosher salt, and soy milk. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.Once blended, transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the chia seeds. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.Prepare the crumble by pulsing gluten-free rolled oats, walnuts or pecans, and a few Medjool dates in a mini food processor until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble.In a medium saucepan, combine diced stewed apples, a splash of water, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cook over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes.To serve, divide the chilled chia pudding into bowls or jars, layer with warm stewed apples and sprinkle the oat crumble on top.Enjoy your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 8gSugar: 15gVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg NotesMake sure to stir the chia seeds well into the mixture to prevent clumping. Prepare the pudding a day in advance for deeper flavors. Layer the stewed apples and crumble just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
