If ever there was a dessert that could wrap you up in a velvety hug, it’s Sticky Date Chia Pudding. Imagine all the deep, caramel-like sweetness of classic sticky date pudding, but made lighter, creamier, and entirely plant-based. With just the right balance of wholesome chia seeds, luscious coconut yogurt, and gooey Medjool dates, this pudding is pure cozy indulgence. It’s a crave-worthy treat you’ll want to make on repeat—whether for a feel-good breakfast or a decadent after-dinner delight.

Sticky Date Chia Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sticky Date Chia Pudding comes together with a handful of simple ingredients—each one totally essential for building up the rich flavor and silky texture that makes this dish so irresistible. Don’t skip any! Every component plays a part, from sweetening to creaminess to a pop of warming spice.

Natural coconut yogurt: The creamy, tangy backbone of your pudding, giving each spoonful its luscious feel.
Soy milk (or any plant milk): Adds just the right amount of moisture, and using plant milk keeps things dairy-free.
Chia seeds: The magic thickener—chia seeds swell up to create that iconic pudding texture without cooking.
Medjool dates, pitted: These naturally sweet, sticky fruits deliver old-school sticky date flavor and richness.
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon brings cozy, warming spice notes that round out the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Adds a heady, comforting aroma and depth to every bite.
Maple syrup: For a touch of earthy sweetness in the silky caramel, with a flavor you just can’t fake.
Cashew butter: This creates the creamy, dreamy caramel sauce—don’t substitute with peanut butter unless you want a flavor twist!
Extra soy milk: Helps the caramel come together smooth and pourable, totally dream-worthy.

How to Make Sticky Date Chia Pudding

Step 1: Blend the Flavor Base

Start by adding coconut yogurt, soy milk, pitted dates, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to your blender. This will be the core of your Sticky Date Chia Pudding, so go ahead and blend until everything turns smooth, creamy, and the dates are completely broken down. The aroma alone will have you swooning!

Step 2: Add the Chia Seeds

Pour your thick, sweet date mixture into a mixing bowl or straight into jars. Now’s the time to sprinkle in those magical chia seeds. Stir them in thoroughly so that every seed gets cozy in that pudding base. This is where the alchemy happens!

Step 3: Let It Set

Distribute the pudding mixture into individual jars or containers. Pop them in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or, if you’re planning ahead, overnight is even better. The chia seeds will soak up the liquid and swell to create the dreamiest, thick-and-creamy texture.

Step 4: Make the Maple Cashew Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, cashew butter, and a splash of soy milk. Stir this luscious blend over low heat for one to two minutes. You want it smooth, pourable, and smelling like the warmest sweet shop ever.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When your pudding is perfectly chilled and thick, drizzle the warm caramel sauce right on top just before serving. This final flourish turns every spoonful into a total showstopper. Grab a spoon and dig in!

How to Serve Sticky Date Chia Pudding

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, a few extra slices of Medjool date, or a dusting of cinnamon. If you want to really up the ante, a dollop of extra coconut yogurt or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt will make your Sticky Date Chia Pudding look and taste straight out of a fancy café.

Side Dishes

Serve this pudding as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit salad, crisp granola, or even a warm spiced tea. It also pairs beautifully with black coffee or herbal teas, which help cut through the rich, mellow flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your Sticky Date Chia Pudding in clear glasses for a parfait effect, alternating with toasted oats or fresh fruit. Or, make mini puddings in shot glasses for a party—everyone loves personal-sized desserts! You could even use it to top pancakes or waffles, letting the caramel drizzle soak right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chia pudding is a champion when it comes to meal prep. Store your Sticky Date Chia Pudding in sealed jars or containers in the fridge for up to five days. Just keep the caramel sauce separate and add it fresh, so everything stays perfectly creamy.

Freezing

While chia puddings can be frozen, it’s not always ideal—the texture may change a bit after thawing. If you need to freeze, portion the pudding into airtight, freezer-safe containers, ideally without the caramel sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then stir well before eating.

Reheating

The pudding itself is best enjoyed chilled, but if you want to warm up the caramel sauce, just pop it back into a saucepan or microwave for a few seconds until it’s nice and pourable. Avoid reheating the pudding base, as it tastes freshest and creamiest cold.

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Date Chia Pudding entirely gluten free?

Absolutely! All the listed ingredients are naturally gluten free, but always check your coconut yogurt and plant milk labels to be sure there’s no trace of gluten or additives.

What can I use instead of cashew butter for the caramel sauce?

Almond butter makes a lovely, slightly nuttier alternative. Sunflower seed butter can also work if you need a nut-free version—just know the flavor will change a bit.

How long in advance can I make Sticky Date Chia Pudding?

You can prep it up to five days ahead and store it in the fridge. For ultimate freshness, add the caramel sauce on the day you serve.

Will other types of dates work if I don’t have Medjool?

Medjool dates are softest and sweetest, but you can use Deglet Noor or other soft dates; just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to help them blend smoothly.

Is this pudding suitable for breakfast, or is it dessert only?

The beauty of Sticky Date Chia Pudding is that it’s nourishing enough for breakfast and decadent enough for dessert! You decide if you want to start or end your day with blissful spoonfuls.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a make-ahead treat that delivers cozy flavor, plant-based goodness, and café-level vibes, Sticky Date Chia Pudding is the answer. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at just how special a few pantry staples can become!

Sticky Date Chia Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and decadent goodness of Sticky Date Chia Pudding. This luxurious dessert combines the richness of coconut yogurt with the sweetness of dates, all topped off with a luscious caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pudding:

1 cup natural coconut yogurt
1/3 cup soy milk (or any plant milk)
3 tablespoons chia seeds
6 Medjool dates, pitted
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup cashew butter
2 tablespoons soy milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a blender, combine coconut yogurt, soy milk, dates, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl or jar. Stir in chia seeds until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer into jars or containers and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until thick and pudding-like.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, stir together maple syrup, cashew butter, and soy milk over low heat for 1–2 minutes until smooth and pourable.
Step 5: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over your chilled pudding just before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

You can top the pudding with chopped nuts or fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.
This pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Blending, Refrigerating, Stovetop
Cuisine: Global