This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding combines the comforting flavors of fall with a fiber-packed breakfast that’s easy to prepare in advance. The creamy chia pudding, topped with stewed apples, a crunchy crumble, and apple butter, creates a delightful texture and flavor combination. It’s the perfect healthy breakfast or snack, full of warming spices and just the right amount of sweetness.

Full Reipe: 

Ingredients

Chia Pudding

• 1/3 cup unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt

• 3 tbsp apple butter

• 2 medjool dates

• 1 tsp yellow miso paste (optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp cardamom

• 1/4 tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)

• 3/4 cup soy milk

• 1/3 cup chia seeds

Crumble

• 3 tbsp gluten-free rolled oats

• 3 tbsp walnuts or pecans

• 2 medjool dates

Stewed Apples

• 2 apples, diced or thinly sliced

• 2 tsp maple syrup

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Optional for serving

• Extra apple butter and maple syrup

Directions

1. Prepare the chia pudding: Add the yogurt, apple butter, dates, miso, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and milk to a blender. Blend until smooth.

2. Combine with chia seeds: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl or storage container and stir in the chia seeds. Whisk together and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir again to break up any clumps. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Make the crumble: Add oats, walnuts, and dates to a mini food processor. Pulse until crumbly, adjusting texture to your liking.

4. Prepare the stewed apples: Heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, and 1/4 cup water. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, adding more water as needed, until apples soften and most liquid evaporates.

5. Assemble: Divide the chia pudding between three jars or bowls. Layer with stewed apples and sprinkle with crumble. Optional: Add extra apple butter and drizzle with maple syrup.

6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Total Fat: 18 g

  • Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

• Sodium: 210 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 46 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 10 g

  • Sugars: 20 g

• Protein: 6 g

• Vitamin A: 15% of daily value

• Vitamin C: 8% of daily value

• Calcium: 10% of daily value

• Iron: 12% of daily value

Why Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Is the Perfect Breakfast or Snack

Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is an ideal breakfast or snack for several reasons. Firstly, it’s packed with nutrients that will fuel your body and keep you full for hours. The chia seeds provide a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, all of which are important for overall health. They help improve digestion, boost heart health, and regulate blood sugar levels. Combined with the plant-based yogurt, which is rich in probiotics and calcium, this chia pudding offers a great start to your day or an afternoon pick-me-up.

The stewed apples add a naturally sweet flavor and are a great source of vitamin C and fiber. Apples are known for their antioxidant properties, which help support a healthy immune system and protect against oxidative stress. The maple syrup and cinnamon give the apples a deliciously sweet and spiced taste, making them the perfect topping for the chia pudding. The crumble topping, made from oats, walnuts, and dates, adds crunch and extra healthy fats, which promote satiety and give the dish a satisfying texture.

Another reason Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is an excellent choice for breakfast is its convenience. This dish can be made in advance, so you don’t have to spend time preparing it in the morning. Simply blend the ingredients for the chia pudding, layer it with the stewed apples and crumble, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, you’ll have a ready-to-eat breakfast that’s healthy, filling, and delicious. It’s also easy to portion out and can be packed into jars for a grab-and-go option, making it perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.

Health Benefits of Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits that make it a great addition to your daily diet. Chia seeds are the star ingredient in this dish, offering a rich source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. The fiber content helps regulate digestion, promotes gut health, and keeps you feeling full longer, making chia pudding an excellent choice for weight management. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

The chia seeds also contain antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic conditions. The plant-based yogurt in this recipe provides probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and immune function. It also provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, plant-based yogurt is a great dairy-free alternative for those with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet.

The stewed apples add a natural sweetness to the dish, making it a healthier alternative to sugary breakfast options. Apples are high in fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestion and gut health. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body fight off infections. Cinnamon, a key spice in the stewed apples, offers additional health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and may even improve brain function.

The walnuts and oats in the crumble topping provide healthy fats, protein, and additional fiber. Walnuts are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. The oats in the crumble provide complex carbohydrates that are slow-digesting, giving you sustained energy throughout the day.

The Flavor Profile of Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

The flavor profile of Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. The chia pudding itself is smooth and slightly nutty, with the subtle sweetness of the plant-based yogurt and apple butter. The addition of cinnamon and cardamom in the chia pudding gives it a warm, comforting flavor, while the maple syrup adds a hint of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

The stewed apples provide a burst of sweetness and a hint of tartness, which is balanced by the richness of the chia pudding. The cinnamon and maple syrup in the apples give them a warm, spiced flavor that evokes the feeling of fall and adds depth to the overall dish. The walnuts and oats in the crumble topping add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the pudding and the softness of the apples. The dates in the crumble bring a natural sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.

The combination of textures and flavors—creamy chia pudding, tender stewed apples, and crunchy crumble—creates a satisfying and indulgent experience with every bite. The warm spices from the cinnamon and cardamom, paired with the natural sweetness of the apples and dates, make this dish a comforting and flavorful treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

How to Customize Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

One of the best things about Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can easily swap out the apples for other fruits such as pears, peaches, or berries. Each fruit will provide its own unique flavor and texture, while still pairing beautifully with the chia pudding base.

For those who want to add more protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the chia pudding mixture before blending. This is especially helpful for those who are looking to make the dish more filling or are following a higher-protein diet. You can also swap the walnuts for other nuts such as almonds, pecans, or cashews, depending on your preference.

If you want to make the dish even more decadent, you can add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a drizzle of honey on top of the stewed apples for extra richness. For a dairy-free version, simply ensure that all ingredients, such as the yogurt and apple butter, are plant-based. You can also make the recipe vegan by using maple syrup or agave nectar in place of any honey or dairy products.

If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar-free apple butter or adjust the amount of maple syrup used in the stewed apples. The dates in the crumble topping provide natural sweetness, so you can always experiment with reducing the sweeteners if you prefer a less sugary version of the dish.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It can be enjoyed as a filling breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert. The dish is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. This makes it a convenient and healthy option for busy mornings or when you need a quick snack throughout the day.

To serve, simply divide the chia pudding between bowls or jars, top with the stewed apples and crumble, and garnish with additional apple butter, maple syrup, or chopped nuts if desired. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for later. It also makes a great dish to serve at brunch or as part of a healthy breakfast spread.

If you’re serving it as a dessert, consider pairing it with a cup of herbal tea or a warm beverage like spiced chai to complement the warming spices of the dish. The creamy texture of the chia pudding pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the crumble, making it a delightful and indulgent treat that feels comforting and wholesome at the same time.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack that combines the best of fall flavors with the benefits of a fiber-packed, low-sugar meal. The creamy chia pudding, topped with stewed apples, crunchy crumble, and apple butter, creates a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are both comforting and nutritious. With the ability to customize the dish based on personal preferences and dietary needs, Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is a versatile and satisfying choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal.

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support overall health, from heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the chia seeds and walnuts to the vitamins and antioxidants found in the apples and cinnamon. Whether you enjoy it as a filling breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is sure to become a favorite in your healthy meal rotation.