Tiramisu Chia Seed Pudding

High-Protein Tiramisu Chia Pudding

Tiramisu is Cody’s hands-down favorite dessert ever, and I make the real deal from scratch every year for his birthday. But recently I had the thought….why am I not incorporating this flavor profile into EVERYTHING?

It started with tiramisu overnight oats, and now we’re going all in on Tiramisu Chia Seed Pudding that’s 1000% worth the hype. The pudding is thick and creamy, almost like a mousse, and the white chocolate topping takes it over the top. I go to bed dreaming about eating this in the morning! It’s high protein, healthy, and the best breakfast. You guys are going to LOVE this one.

You’ll Also Love: Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tiramisu Flavor – The pudding base is naturally sweetened and given lots of depth with the addition of espresso powder. Then, the topping adds extra sweetness that makes this breakfast taste like a treat. 
• Great for Meal Prep – This recipe makes 3-4 servings and holds up well in the fridge. I like to prep it at the beginning of the week to have it on hand for the next several days!
• Easy Prep – There’s no actual cooking involved. Just blend the base and melt the chocolate. The fridge takes care of the rest. 
• Nutritious – With protein powder, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese, this chia seed pudding has 24 grams of protein, and the chia seeds add lots of healthy fats and fiber. 

RELATED: Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding

Ingredients

Chia Pudding

• Chia Seeds – These form the base of the pudding, creating the thick consistency. 
• Protein Powder – I like using vanilla protein powder for extra flavor and sweetness, but unflavored protein powder also works. I’ve used both whey protein and some of my top-rated vegan protein powders. They all work, so use whatever you like best! 
• Milk – Any kind of regular or plant-based milk works great. 
• Cottage Cheese – I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for the most dessert-like flavor, but low-fat is totally fine. 
• Vanilla – This enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle vanilla taste.
• Maple Syrup – Adjust to taste. Honey can be substituted, but it will alter the flavor of the pudding. 
• Instant Espresso – This creates the classic coffee taste. Feel free to use decaf instant espresso if preferred! 
• Salt – This is optional, but I highly recommend including just a pinch. It enhances the flavors and helps the coffee and chocolate taste shine. 

Topping

• White Chocolate Chips – I prefer white chocolate chips for a stronger flavor contrast, but milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or dark chocolate also work. 
• Coconut Oil – This helps create a smooth, spreadable chocolate layer. 
• Greek Yogurt – This thickens the topping and adds a boost of protein. 
• Cocoa Powder – For a classic tiramisu finish! 

How to Make Tiramisu Chia Pudding

Preparing classic tiramisu can be a pretty time-intensive process, but not this recipe! All you need is a blender, a microwave-safe bowl, and airtight containers or overnight oats jars. Here’s how to make Tiramisu Chia Pudding: 

1. Prepare the base – Use a blender to combine all the pudding ingredients until smooth. Then, divide the mixture among glass jars or meal prep containers, and chill in the fridge to help it thicken. 
2. Prepare the topping – Melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent it from seizing or burning. Then, whisk the yogurt into the melted chocolate mixture a tablespoon at a time. 
3. Add the topping – Once smooth, spread the chocolate mixture evenly over each pudding jar, and finish with a dusting of cocoa powder. 
4. Chill – Transfer the chia pudding back to the fridge. This is technically optional, but I highly recommend it! The extra chill time helps the topping set, creating an almost magic shell-like effect. Enjoy! 

Tips

• Blend the pudding base until completely smooth. This gets rid of any cottage cheese clumps and helps create a thick, mousse-like texture. 
• Adjust the coffee flavor. Use 2 tablespoons of instant espresso for a lighter coffee taste or 3 tablespoons if you want a stronger flavor.
• Let it chill long enough. The pudding will begin to set after about 1 to 2 hours, but I prefer refrigerating it overnight for the thickest, creamiest texture. 
• Customize the consistency. Add closer to 3/4 cup of milk for a thick, spoonable pudding or up to 1 cup if you prefer a softer, creamier consistency.
• Whisk the topping gradually. Add the yogurt to the melted white chocolate a little at a time to keep the mixture silky smooth and prevent it from seizing.

RELATED: Gingerbread Chia Seed Pudding

Variations

Add cookies. For a more traditional tiramisu-inspired recipe, sprinkle crushed ladyfinger cookies over the pudding before serving or layer them in the pudding base.

Make chocolate tiramisu chia seed pudding. Blend 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the pudding, and top it with dark chocolate shavings instead of cocoa powder.

Keep it dairy-free. Use dairy-free cottage cheese or silken tofu in place of the cottage cheese, coconut yogurt for the topping, dairy-free white chocolate chips, and your favorite plant-based milk.

Add hazelnut flavor. Stir in a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread or chopped hazelnuts for a nutty twist. 

How to Store

Refrigerator: Store tiramisu chia pudding in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. If prepping ahead, I like to leave off the cocoa powder until just before serving to keep it fresh. 

More Chia Seed Recipes

• Chia Seed Jam 
• Easy Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats
• Dulce De Leche Chia Seed Parfaits
• Vegan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
• Banana Cashew Butter Chia Seed Pudding
• Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Smoothie

Healthy Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes 

• Palm Springs Date Overnight Oats
• Cottage Cheese Coffee Cake
• Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• The Best Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
• Strawberry Overnight Oats