The unmistakable scent of autumn lingers in the air as I prepare to unveil my favorite breakfast treat: Apple Crumble Chia Pudding. Combining the sweet embrace of apple butter with energizing chia seeds, this vegan delight is not only rich in fiber but can also be prepped in advance for your busiest mornings. I love how its creamy texture offers comfort regardless of the season, while the spiced stewed apples and crunchy oat crumble add a delicious dimension that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, it’s an effortlessly clever way to kick-start your day with a nutrient boost! Are you ready to transform your mornings into something scrumptious? Why Is This Pudding a Must-Try? Deliciously Comforting: Each bite of this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding envelops you in cozy fall flavors that soothe your soul. High in Fiber: Packed with chia seeds and oats, this dish supports digestion while keeping you full throughout the morning. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time, making busy mornings a breeze—grab and go without sacrificing flavor! Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to substitute fruits, nuts, or plant-based milks based on what you have at home; creativity is encouraged! Perfect Balance: The combination of creamy pudding, warm apples, and crunchy crumble creates a delightful textural experience that will leave everyone satisfied. Why not explore other fruity options like Southern Pineapple Pecan for a twist on comfort desserts? Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Ingredients For the Pudding Base • Chia Seeds – Provide soluble fiber and a satisfying texture. Substitution: Blend seeds for a smoother pudding if preferred. • Miso Paste – Balances sweetness and enhances apple flavor. Substitution: Omit if unavailable; adjust salt instead. • Medjool Dates – Natural sweetness and binding. Substitution: Other dried fruits like dried apricots can be used. • Spices (Cinnamon and Cardamom) – Add warmth and depth. Note: Substitute with apple pie spice blend if desired. • Soy Milk – Adds protein and creaminess. Substitution: Any plant-based milk (like oat milk) can work well. • Yogurt (Soy) – Contributes creaminess and tang. Substitution: Use any preferred yogurt type. For the Crumble Topping • Oats – Base for the crumble, adding texture. Substitution: Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option or replace with more nuts. • Walnuts – Provide crunch and healthy fats. Substitution: Pecans or almonds can also be used; skip if nut allergy. For the Stewed Apple Layer • Apples – Essential for the stewed apple layer. Substitution: Fresh sliced banana can replace cooked apples for a quicker version. • Apple Butter – Adds concentrated apple flavor and sweetness. Substitution: Use sautéed apples mixed with cinnamon if apple butter is unavailable. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Step 1: Blend Base Mixture In a blender, combine yogurt, apple butter, Medjool dates, miso paste, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and soy milk. Blend on high until the mixture is perfectly smooth, about 30-60 seconds. This creamy base forms the heart of your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, offering both flavor and texture. Step 2: Mix Chia Seeds Transfer the blended mixture into a bowl, then whisk in the chia seeds until thoroughly incorporated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and swell. After the time is up, whisk again to break up any clumps. This ensures a delightful creamy consistency in your pudding. Step 3: Prepare Crumble While your chia pudding sets, preheat a food processor. Add oats, walnuts, Medjool dates, and a pinch of salt, pulsing until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture. This crumble will add a delightful crunch to your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, perfectly complementing the creamy and soft layers. Step 4: Cook Stewed Apples In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté diced apples with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a splash of water. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender and caramelized. This warm, spiced apple layer adds a cozy flavor to your pudding. Step 5: Assemble To assemble your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, divide the chia mixture into jars or bowls. Layer it with the warm stewed apples and finish with a generous sprinkle of the crumble topping. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little more apple butter or maple syrup over the top before serving. Expert Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Maintain Texture: Allow the chia pudding to sit for at least 5 minutes before whisking to prevent clumps. A second whisk will ensure a creamy consistency in your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding. Fruit Alternatives: Experiment with seasonal fruits when making the stewed apple layer. Pears or peaches can provide delightful variations while keeping the fiber content high. Nut-Free Option: If nut allergies are a concern, you can skip walnuts in the crumble and replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar texture. Perfect Creaminess: Adjust the thickness of your pudding by gradually adding milk until you reach your desired creaminess, making sure it doesn’t get too runny. Storage Secrets: To maintain the texture, store the crumble topping and stewed apples separately from the chia pudding in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh up to 3-4 days! Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Variations Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch to this delightful recipe! Fruit Substitution: Swap out the apples for pears or ripe peaches for a refreshing twist. Each fruit brings its unique flavor and sweetness that can shine through the pudding. Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds to maintain crunch without the nuts. This variation not only caters to allergies but also introduces a delightful seediness! Spiced Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the spice mix for an extra zing. Personalize the flavor profile to match your mood or the season; you could even try a chai blend for a cozy twist. Creamy Boost: Stir in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter into the chia base for a creamier texture and a protein punch. This will create a luscious indulgence that’s still healthy! Protein Packed: Incorporate your favorite protein powder into the chia base for an energy boost. This is perfect for mornings when you need extra fuel to kick off your day. Sweetness Variation: Use maple syrup or honey instead of Medjool dates to sweeten the pudding according to your taste. Each option can enhance the syrupy sweetness to match your preferences. Cold Treat: Make this pudding a chilled dessert by allowing it to set in the fridge overnight, adding a refreshing component for warmer days. Enjoy it with a hint of fresh mint on top to brighten the flavors! If you’re looking for more creative combinations, try the delightful Southern Pineapple Pecan cake for a tropical flavor fiesta, or check out the delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot for another fruit-inspired twist in your dessert repertoire! How to Store and Freeze Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Fridge: Keep your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This helps retain its creamy texture and prevents any unwanted odors from other foods. Crumble Topping: Store the crumble separately in a sealed container for optimal crunch. It can last in the fridge for about a week. Stewed Apples: If you cook extra stewed apples, keep them refrigerated in a covered dish for up to 5 days. Just reheat before layering on your pudding. Freezer: You can freeze the chia pudding base for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and freshen it up with a whisk or a splash of plant-based milk! What to Serve with Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Elevate your breakfast experience by pairing this delicious pudding with complementary dishes that add texture and flavor. Fresh Berries: Juicy blueberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness and tartness, balancing the sweetness of the pudding beautifully. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola offers an extra layer of texture, providing satisfying bites that pair perfectly with the creamy pudding. Coconut Yogurt: A dollop of coconut yogurt adds creaminess and a delightful tropical twist that harmonizes with warm apple flavors. Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: A warm cup of coffee, infused with cinnamon, enhances the cozy vibe of your morning and seamlessly ties into the spices of the pudding. Sliced Bananas: Firm yet sweet, banana slices bring a naturally creamy element while enhancing the fiber-rich nature of your breakfast. Chai Tea: A cup of chai wraps you in warmth, the spices echoing the flavors in the pudding while inviting comfort to your meal. Homemade Applesauce: A scoop of homemade applesauce allows extra apple flavor without overpowering the dish, adding moisture and heartiness. Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle some toasted almonds for a boost of healthy fats and a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding. Almond Milk Smoothie: Blend almond milk with spinach and banana for a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink to accompany your pudding neatly. Make Ahead Options These Apple Crumble Chia Puddings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chia base mixture and stewed apples up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the chia seeds to absorb all the delicious flavors without losing their texture. Simply store the chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy consistency, while the stewed apples can be kept in a separate container to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, layer the pudding with the warm apples and sprinkle on the crumble just before enjoying, ensuring you’ll have a delightful, ready-to-go breakfast that is just as delicious as if made fresh that morning! Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe apples for the stewed layer? Absolutely! Look for apples that are firm, fragrant, and have a vibrant color. Ideally, varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work wonderfully for stewing, as they hold their shape and sweetness. Avoid apples with dark spots or signs of bruising, as these can affect the flavor and texture. What is the best way to store Apple Crumble Chia Pudding? Very! Store your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and preserves its creamy texture. For the best results, I recommend storing the crumble topping separately to maintain its crunch. Can I freeze Apple Crumble Chia Pudding? Yes, you can! To freeze, prepare your chia pudding base and pour it into a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months. Just remember to label it! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir in a splash of plant-based milk to refresh its consistency before serving. What should I do if my chia pudding is too thick? If your chia pudding seems a bit too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a tablespoon of soy milk (or your preferred plant-based milk) at a time, whisking until you reach the desired consistency. This method allows you to control the thickness and achieve that perfect creamy texture you’re aiming for. Are there any common allergens in this recipe I should be aware of? Absolutely! This recipe contains soy (from soy milk and yogurt) and nuts (from walnuts). However, it’s easily adaptable! You can substitute soy products with almond or coconut yogurt and use seeds instead of walnuts for a nut-free option, ensuring it fits most dietary needs. Always check with guests to address any allergies! Apple Crumble Chia Pudding: Cozy Comfort for Mornings Experience the delightful Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, a vegan breakfast rich in fiber and autumn flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: BreakfastCuisine: VeganCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pudding Base1 cup Chia Seeds Blend seeds for a smoother pudding if preferred.2 tablespoons Miso Paste Omit if unavailable; adjust salt instead.6 pieces Medjool Dates Other dried fruits can be used.1 teaspoon Cinnamon Substitute with apple pie spice blend if desired.1/2 teaspoon Cardamom1 pinch Salt2 cups Soy Milk Any plant-based milk can work well.1 cup Yogurt (Soy) Use any preferred yogurt type.For the Crumble Topping1 cup Oats Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option.1/2 cup Walnuts Pecans or almonds can also be used; skip if nut allergy.For the Stewed Apple Layer2 cups Apples Fresh sliced banana can replace cooked apples.1/2 cup Apple Butter Use sautéed apples mixed with cinnamon if apple butter is unavailable. Equipment BlenderBowlfood processorskillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Crumble Chia PuddingIn a blender, combine yogurt, apple butter, Medjool dates, miso paste, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and soy milk. Blend on high until the mixture is perfectly smooth, about 30-60 seconds.Transfer the blended mixture into a bowl, then whisk in the chia seeds until thoroughly incorporated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and swell.Preheat a food processor. Add oats, walnuts, Medjool dates, and a pinch of salt, pulsing until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté diced apples with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a splash of water for about 3-4 minutes until just tender.To assemble your pudding, divide the chia mixture into jars, layer with warm stewed apples, and finish with a sprinkle of the crumble topping. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 8gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 8mg NotesAllow the chia pudding to sit for at least 5 minutes before whisking to ensure a creamy consistency. Store the crumble topping and stewed apples separately from the chia pudding to maintain texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
