I was visiting the city with one of my close friends—she’s from there—and we spent the weekend wandering around SoHo. One morning we stopped at a little café where I had this chilled coconut chia bowl that was somehow light and rich at the same time. It hit all the right notes: creamy, just sweet enough, full of texture, and honestly, it just felt like care.
When I got back home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So, I set out to recreate it in my own kitchen. After a few rounds of tweaking, this version stuck. Now it’s one of my go-to recipes when I want to start the day with something that feels both grounding and elevated—no blender, no fuss, just a few simple ingredients that come together overnight.
It’s cool and creamy, and super easy to prep ahead. Whether your morning is slow or you’re grabbing something on your way out the door, this one shows up for you.
Fun fact: Chia seeds were once a staple for the Aztecs and Mayans—highly valued for their ability to fuel endurance and strength. That energy-supporting reputation still holds today, making them a solid addition to your everyday routine.
Coconut Chia Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: Overnight
Servings: 2 (or 3 if you’re feeling light)
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut yogurt
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Dash of cinnamon
- Dash of vanilla extract
- Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries
- Your favorite granola
- A drizzle of honey
- Cacao nibs
Instructions
- Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the coconut yogurt, coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir well to evenly distribute the chia seeds (they tend to clump if you walk away too soon).
- Chill: Cover and place the bowl in the fridge overnight to let the chia seeds do their thing and create that signature pudding texture.
- Assemble: The next morning, divide the pudding into two bowls, jars, or ramekins. (You can stretch it to three servings if your appetite’s lighter.)
- Top it off: For a next-level breakfast, layer some granola at the bottom of your bowl, add the chia pudding, and top with berries, a little more granola, and a drizzle of honey.
This is one of those recipes that feels indulgent, but it’s got enough healthy fat and fiber to keep you steady, and the texture is pure comfort.
Eat it slowly if you can. Or grab it on the way out the door. Either way, you’re taking care of yourself—and that’s always the move.
