Protein Coconut Cream Pie Chia Pudding Cups
Published 1/10/2024 • Updated 9/16/2024
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These protein-packed coconut cream pie chia pudding cups are the perfect make-ahead dessert (or breakfast!) Not only are they full of amazing flavors like vanilla bean and creamy coconut, but the protein content is next level thanks to the chia seeds and protein powder.
To really go out with a bang, we topped ’em with a delicious coconut whip that sets this creamy chia pudding apart from the rest.
If there is one recipe on Fit Foodie Finds that the whole team is obsessed with, it’s this coconut cream pie chia pudding. It legit tastes like coconut cream pie, is sweet without being too sweet, and is the perfect protein-packed dessert (or breakfast!).
What’s In Coconut Cream Pie Chia Pudding?
- Chia seeds: black chia seeds absorb all the creamy coconut milk, making a luscious pudding-like texture.
- Vanilla protein powder: we used Vital Protein Vanilla Coconut Collagen Protein Powder for a boost of protein and flavor! Feel free to use your favorite protein powder if you wish.
- Unsweetened coconut milk: use canned or cartoned full-fat coconut milk for best results.
- Agave syrup: agave syrup is used for both the chia pudding and coconut whip. It’s an excellent natural sweetener that pairs well with the coconut flavors.
- Shredded coconut: you’ll again want to use unsweetened coconut so that the pudding doesn’t become too sweet. It adds a lot of extra coconut flavor!
- Coconut chips: similar to coconut flakes, these chips will be the perfect crunchy topping for this chia seed pudding recipe.
- Coconut cream: this is whipped to perfection to make the tasty coconut whip topping. Make sure to refrigerate to separate the cream from the liquid before using.
Best Protein Powders
Check out our top protein powder recommendations for baking, smoothies, and everything in between.
Garden of Life
Raw Organic Protein
Simply Tera's
Pure Whey Protein
Sun Warrior
Protein Powder
Garden of Life
Organic Whey Protein
Variations and Substitutions
Of course, you can pave your own scrumptious path with this creamy coconut chia pudding. For instance, you could replace the vanilla protein powder with chocolate protein powder, or add some cacao powder to make a chocolate chia seed pudding! Note that the brand of protein powder will change the flavor slightly.
You could also use maple syrup or honey instead of agave syrup. The flavor will change slightly based on what sweetener is used, but it will still be delicious. If you don’t have any coconut milk on hand, other plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk work just fine. Just know that the flavor and texture will vary from using coconut milk.
There is also always room for a little bit of fun! Additions like fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or even peanut butter can give this chia seed pudding a unique twist. Go ahead and experiment to find your favorite flavor combination!
FAQ
Coconut chips are essentially coconut flakes that are toasted and crispy. In this recipe, we make our coconut chips homemade by simply roasting shredded coconut in the oven until golden brown and crunchy. This adds a delicious texture to the chia pudding cups.
This recipe should give you the perfect consistency, but if you have some substitutions in your recipe, the texture may vary. If your pudding is too thin, simply add more chia seeds! For every 1 teaspoon of chia seeds, add another tablespoon and let it sit for another 30 minutes to thicken.
You bet it is! This recipe was created with meal prep in mind. Make a batch of these creamy chia pudding cups on Sunday and have breakfast ready to go for the week. It’s a convenient way to start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied.
Storage + Freezer Directions
Use a ½ cup scoop to separate the coconut cream pie chia pudding into 4-6 airtight containers, preferably glass. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place in a freezer-safe, airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 weeks.
What to Serve with Coconut Cream Pie Chia Pudding
Just as there are plenty of different ways to enjoy these creamy puddings, there are also a variety of great dishes to pair them with. We’ll focus on breakfast since this recipe is perfect for meal prepping your breakfasts.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cheesy Sous Vide Egg Bites
- Kale Smoothie
- Bananas Foster French Toast
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Burritos
- Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs (every time!)
Protein Coconut Cream Pie Chia Pudding Cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder, we used Vital Protein Vanilla Coconut Collagen Protein
- 3 cups unsweetened coconut milk, canned or cartoned
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
- ½ cup coconut chips
Coconut Whip
- 15 oz. coconut cream, refrigerated to separate
- 2 teaspoons agave syrup
Instructions
- Add the chia seeds, protein powder, coconut milk, agave syrup, and vanilla extract into a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until there are no protein powder chunks left in the bowl.
- Add the salt and shredded coconut and stir again.
- Cover and transfer the bowl to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the toasted coconut. Transfer the shredded coconut to a baking sheet. Turn the heat to broil and toast the coconut for 30 seconds to a minute or until the coconut has browned. Remove immediately and set aside.
- Prepare the coconut whip. Add the hardened part of the coconut cream to a mixing bowl along with the agave syrup. Use an electric hand mixer to whip until it forms peaks.
- After 2 hours (or longer) when the chia seed pudding is thick and creamy, use a ½ cup to separate it into 4-6 containers. Top each cup with whip and toasted coconut. Enjoy.
Tips & Notes
- The brand of protein powder used will change the flavor slightly.
- You can used canned coconut milk or coconut milk in a carton.
- Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of the agave syrup. The flavor will change slightly based on what sweetener is used.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Photography: photos taken in this post are by Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.
I have been on a big coconut kick and this was a fun treat! Is have not made chia seed pudding before and this was tasty! Very light but still protein filled!
I made these for meal prep breakfast this week! Love the flavor combo of the chia seeds and coconut milk! The extra protein is keeping me full til lunch, which is awesome!
I added some chocolate syrup on top because, why not?!
I added some chocolate syrup on top because why not?!
Fun snack and a flavor I don’t enjoy often enough! Left the whip off because I meal prepped these as an after school snack for the week but will have to try again with the topping!
This chia pudding is so delicious! It definitely has the flavor of a rich coconut cream pie. The coconut whip is worth the extra step!