Apple Pie Chia Pudding

Apple pie for breakfast? Yes please.

This apple pie chia pudding has warm cinnamon apples and creamy chia pudding that tastes like dessert but is still a healthy breakfast.

It’s simple to make, filling, and great if you want something cozy without turning on the oven.

You mix the pudding in minutes, cook the apples quickly on the stove, and layer everything together.

The result tastes like apple pie filling over creamy pudding.

This recipe makes 2 servings.
Total time: 15 minutes prep + 4 hours chilling.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love apple pie, but I don’t always want to bake a whole pie just to enjoy that flavor. One morning I had some apples and chia seeds sitting in the kitchen and thought, why not turn apple pie into breakfast?

After one try, it became a regular recipe for me.

Here’s why I keep making it:

It tastes like apple pie but is healthy
It’s a great make ahead breakfast
The warm apples and cold pudding taste amazing together
Simple ingredients you probably already have
Naturally sweet and very filling

The cinnamon apples make the whole kitchen smell like fall.

Recipe and Ingredients

Servings: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours

Ingredients

3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon dark liquid vanilla extract
1 medium apple diced
1 tablespoon maple syrup (for apples)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon water

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Spoon or whisk
Small pan
Spoon for stirring
Two serving bowls or jars

Pro Tips

Dice the apples small. Smaller pieces cook faster and taste more like pie filling.
Stir the chia mixture twice. Stir once right away and again after 5 minutes so the seeds don’t clump.
Let the pudding chill fully. Four hours makes it thick and creamy.
Serve apples warm or cold. Both ways taste great.

Substitutions and Variations

Use oat milk or coconut milk instead of almond milk.
Swap maple syrup with honey or agave.
Add nutmeg or apple pie spice for stronger apple pie flavor.
Top with granola, walnuts, or coconut flakes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the chia pudding up to 3 days ahead. Store it in the fridge and cook the apples fresh when ready to serve.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Chia Pudding Base

In a bowl combine 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 3 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon dark liquid vanilla extract. Stir well so the chia seeds spread evenly.

Step 2: Let the Pudding Thicken

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight until thick.

Step 3: Cook the Cinnamon Apples

Add 1 diced apple, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon water to a small pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring until apples are soft and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pudding

Spoon the chia pudding into two bowls and top with the warm cinnamon apples.

Macros Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values

Calories: 240
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 10 g
Fat: 9 g
Sugar: 20 g

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Chia seeds absorb liquid and form a gel because they contain soluble fiber. When they soak in milk, they thicken naturally and create pudding without cooking.

Apples soften when heated because their pectin breaks down, which makes them tender and syrupy. Cinnamon and maple syrup give the apples a classic apple pie flavor.

Common Mistakes

Not stirring the chia mixture twice

Chia seeds can clump if you don’t mix them again after a few minutes.

Cutting apples too large

Large pieces take longer to soften.

Not chilling long enough

The pudding needs time to fully thicken.

Too much cinnamon

Too much can overpower the apple flavor.

What to Serve With

This pudding goes great with:

Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
Granola
Whole grain toast
A smoothie
Scrambled eggs

Leftovers and Storage

Store the chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The cooked apples keep for 2 days in the fridge. Reheat quickly on the stove or microwave.

FAQ

Can I use apple pie spice?
Yes. Replace cinnamon with ½ teaspoon apple pie spice.

Can I use another milk?
Yes. Oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk all work.

Can I skip cooking the apples?
Yes, but cooked apples give the best apple pie flavor.

Can I add oats?
Yes. Add 2 tablespoons oats to the chia mixture.

Final Thoughts

Apple pie chia pudding is one of those breakfasts that feels comforting and special but takes very little effort. The creamy pudding and warm cinnamon apples are a great combination.

If you try this recipe, save it for later and come back to share how it turned out. 🍎🥣