A Fall-Inspired Nutritional Powerhouse
As the air cools and fall settles in, there’s nothing like a comforting, nutrient-dense breakfast to start the day. Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding is the perfect blend of seasonal flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s a delicious and nourishing option for a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. In this post, I’ll explore how to make this creamy, spiced treat and dive into the powerful nutritional benefits of its main ingredients: pumpkin and chia seeds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nutrient-Packed: This pudding isn’t just tasty; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Pumpkin and chia seeds offer an array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this a nourishing and satisfying option.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious breakfast or snack ready to go.
Rich in Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree, almond butter, warm spices, and the natural sweetness of maple or date syrup is perfect for a seasonal treat.
Dairy-Free and Plant-Based: This recipe is plant-based and perfect for vegans, dairy-free, or whole-food plant-based lifestyles.
Supports Digestion: Pumpkin and chia seeds are rich in fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Boosts Immune Health: Pumpkin’s antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, support immune function, especially during the colder months.
Sustains Energy: Thanks to the slow-digesting carbohydrates and fiber from chia seeds and pumpkin, this pudding offers long-lasting energy without blood sugar spikes.
Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food packed with benefits. Here’s why you should incorporate more pumpkin into your meals:
- Rich in Vitamin A: Pumpkin has beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A, supporting healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
- High in Fiber: Pumpkin provides a good amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a sense of fullness, which can help with weight management.
- Low in Calories: Despite its creamy texture, pumpkin is low in calories, making it a perfect ingredient for those seeking a nutrient-dense yet low-calorie meal option.
Nutritional Benefits of Chia Seeds:
- A Source of Minerals: These seeds are a great source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, essential for bone health and energy production.
- High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3s, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Rich in Fiber: Just two tablespoons of chia seeds offer around 10 grams of fiber, which supports gut health and helps you stay fuller longer.
- Complete Protein: Chia seeds contain nine essential amino acids and are a source of plant-based protein.
Be sure to check out more Chia-inspired plant-based recipes:
- Overnight Chia Oats
- Carrot Chia Pudding
- Chai Spice Apple Muffins
- Moroccan Spiced Vegan Eggnog
- Easy Breakfast Chia Pudding
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding is an easy-to-make breakfast, dessert, or snack perfect for the fall season. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds while nourishing your body. With its customizable nature and countless health benefits, this pudding may become a staple in your plant-based kitchen.
I’d love your feedback on this pumpkin spice chia pudding in the comments below! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won’t miss it!
This recipe is Certified Plantricious because it meets the following guidelines.
The Trusted Seal for
Plant-Based Nutrition
- Must be whole food plant-based, contains no animal products
- May be minimally processed
- No added oil
- No added sugars
- No artificial additives or preservatives
- Sodium (mg) to Calories ratio, 1 ≤ 1
- Total Fiber to Calories, 2g ≥ 100 calories
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or try my homemade version
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (Made with just pumpkin, no salt)
- 2 tbsp almond butter (Made with just almonds)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or date syrup)
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup chia seeds found in most health food stores
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds chopped walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut or small chocolate chips.
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of almond milk into a glass bowl and add pumpkin puree. whisk until the puree is completely dissolved.
- Add the almond butter, vanilla, maple syrup, or date syrup, and pumpkin spice and whisk until incorporated. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, use 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, a pinch of ground clove, and a pinch of allspice.
- Add remaining almond milk and begin adding the chia seeds, whisking to mix.
- Let stand for 5 minutes and then whisk to incorporate the chia seeds throughout the pudding.
- Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes then remove and whisk again.
- Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
- Top with pumpkin seeds, walnuts, coconut or small chocolate chips if desired.
Yummy!!!
Yay, so glad you enjoyed the recipe!