Hey y'all! If you love cozy, wholesome treats that taste like dessert but are healthy enough for breakfast, this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is about to be your new favorite recipe. Bursting with sweet-tart apples, warm cinnamon, and a nutty crumble, it’s perfect for meal prep breakfasts, guilt-free desserts, or brunch with friends. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- It’s creamy, crunchy, and bursting with apple-cinnamon flavor for a dessert-meets-breakfast vibe.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it for days!
- Loaded with fiber and omega-3s thanks to the mighty chia seeds.
- Totally customizable with your favorite non-dairy milks, toppings, and sweeteners.
- Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and can be made nut-free for everyone to enjoy.
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Ingredients
- 1 large apple, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- Extra cinnamon for sprinkling
How to Make Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
Step 1: Mix the Chia Pudding Base
In a medium bowl or large jar, whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, vanilla, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until thick and pudding-like. Stir after the first 10 minutes to prevent clumping.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a small skillet over medium heat, add diced apples, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Cook, stirring, for 3-5 minutes until apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Make the Oat Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Spread onto a small baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 7-8 minutes until golden and crunchy. Cool before serving.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
Spoon the thick chia pudding into jars or bowls. Top with caramelized apples and crunchy oat crumble. Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup or sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy chilled!
Notes for the Best Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- Stir chia pudding a few times in the first 30 minutes to prevent clumping.
- For quick assembly, store apples and crumble separately, then layer right before serving.
- Learn more about the nutritional benefits of chia seeds from Healthline.
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Variations
- Apple Pie Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the chia pudding base for extra staying power.
- Caramel Apple: Swirl in a spoonful of almond butter or date caramel before layering.
- Baked Pear & Spice: Swap apple for pear and add a pinch of nutmeg for a fragrant twist.
Required Equipment for Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- Mixing bowls or large jars with lids
- Small nonstick skillet
- Baking sheet or toaster oven tray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Storage & Shelf Life
Store assembled chia pudding in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best crumble crunch, keep oat topping separate and sprinkle just before serving. The apple filling will stay fresh refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream for extra creaminess.
- Pair with a hot cup of chai tea or bold coffee for an indulgent breakfast.
- Turn it into a brunch parfait by layering with berries and extra nuts.
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Pro Tips
- Use crispy, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Want extra creaminess? Use canned coconut milk as your base for a luscious pudding texture.
- Check out this step-by-step chia pudding guide for more troubleshooting tips.
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding FAQ
- Can I make this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding nut-free?
Absolutely! Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. - Can I use ground chia seeds?
Yes! Ground chia seeds will make the pudding smoother and less textured—just use the same measurement. - Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids love the sweet apple flavor! For little ones, skip the nuts and chop the apples very fine.
For more healthy chia pudding variations, check out Bon Appétit’s chia pudding guide.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for crumble, optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
1In a medium bowl, mix almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
-
2Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and cinnamon. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until tender.
-
3For the crumble, mix rolled oats, coconut oil, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp.
-
4To assemble, layer the chia pudding, baked apples, and oat crumble in serving glasses or jars.
-
5Serve immediately or chill until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!