I've always loved tiramisu but never wanted to deal with the raw eggs and all the fuss. One morning I had leftover cold brew coffee and a jar of chia seeds staring at me from the pantry, and I thought, why not combine them? This Tiramisu Chia Pudding turned out to be one of my best breakfast experiments ever.
My daughter said it tasted like dessert for breakfast, which is exactly the vibe. It's creamy, coffee-flavored, and has that classic tiramisu taste without any of the complicated steps. Perfect for meal prep or when you want something sweet that's actually good for you.
Why You'll Love This Tiramisu Chia Pudding
This Tiramisu Chia Pudding is ridiculously easy and tastes indulgent without the guilt. You mix everything the night before, let it sit in the fridge, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast or snack. My sister loves how it satisfies her coffee cravings and sweet tooth at the same time. It's packed with omega-3s from the chia seeds, naturally gluten-free, and you can make it vegan by swapping the dairy.
The cocoa powder on top gives it that authentic tiramisu look. Plus, it keeps in the fridge for days, so you can make a big batch and have breakfast sorted for the week.
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What You'll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples and takes about five minutes to throw together. The magic happens while you sleep.
Core Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
- ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled (espresso works too)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for topping
- Ladyfinger cookies for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
You can add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult version, swap the mascarpone for coconut cream to make it vegan, or layer it with crumbled graham crackers for extra texture. A drizzle of chocolate syrup on top never hurts either.
Don't guess, the recipe card gives all the details.
How to Make Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Mix the Base
In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the chia seeds, almond milk, brewed coffee, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined so the chia seeds don't clump together.
Let It Set
Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and turn into a thick, pudding-like consistency. I usually make mine before bed and it's perfect by morning.
Prepare the Cream Layer
In a small bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth and creamy. This mimics the creamy layer in traditional tiramisu.
Can you make chia pudding without refrigerating overnight?
You can speed it up by letting it sit for 2 hours and stirring it a few times, but overnight gives you the best texture. The seeds need time to fully absorb the liquid and soften.
Layer and Top
When you're ready to serve, spoon half of the chia pudding into a glass or bowl. Add a layer of the mascarpone mixture, then top with the remaining chia pudding. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve. My mom likes to crumble a ladyfinger cookie on top for that authentic tiramisu touch.
Serve and Enjoy
You can eat it right away or let it chill for another 10 minutes so the layers set up nicely. It's delicious cold and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to blend.
Aliana's Pro Advice
The key to great chia pudding is using enough liquid.
If it's too thick, just stir in a splash more milk.
If it's too thin, add another tablespoon of chia seeds and let it sit for 30 more minutes.
Also, don't skip cooling your coffee before mixing it with the chia seeds, hot liquid can make the chia clump up weird.
Use strong coffee or espresso for the best flavor.
My husband tried making it with weak coffee once and said it tasted like nothing.
He learned his lesson.
Swaps and Variations
No almond milk? Use coconut milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk. Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup or a few drops of stevia. For a chocolate version, stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder with the chia seeds. You can also make this into a vegan chia pudding by using coconut cream instead of mascarpone and plant-based milk. For a low carb chia pudding, skip the honey and use a sugar-free sweetener.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the pudding in an airtight container or individual jars in the fridge for up to 5 days. The layers might blend together a bit over time, but it still tastes great. Don't freeze it, chia pudding gets a weird texture when thawed. My daughter meal preps five jars every Sunday and grabs one on her way out the door each morning.
What to Serve With Tiramisu Chia Pudding
This pudding works great on its own, but you can pair it with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a handful of granola for crunch. It's also delicious alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a more substantial breakfast, serve it with toast and almond butter.
FAQs About Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes. Dissolve a tablespoon of instant coffee in half a cup of hot water, let it cool, then use it in the recipe. It works just as well as brewed coffee.
Why is my chia pudding slimy?
That's just how chia seeds are. The gel-like texture is normal and means they're working properly. If you really don't like it, try blending the pudding smooth after it sets.
Can I make this without coffee?
You can, but it won't taste like tiramisu. Try using chocolate milk or adding extra cocoa powder to the base for a chocolate chia pudding instead.
How do I make it thicker?
Use less liquid or add more chia seeds. A ratio of 1 part chia seeds to 4 parts liquid usually gives you a thick, spoonable pudding.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into healthy chia seed recipes, you'll want to try my coconut chia seed pudding and overnight chia seed pudding. Both are just as easy and delicious. My coffee chia pudding is another favorite for caffeine lovers. For more vegan Dessert ideas, check out my chia oatmeal pudding and healthy sweets collection.
Gave this recipe your own spin? Share it on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes, I can't wait to see your take on it!
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Pairing
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