This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It’s not only a tasty breakfast option but also a nutritious one, packed with fiber and healthy fats. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty breakfast throughout the week or serve it for special occasions like brunch with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal effort and just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious pudding in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of apple butter, warming spices, and fresh apples creates a comforting taste that embodies the essence of autumn.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for quick breakfasts during busy mornings or as an easy snack.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with chia seeds, nuts, and apples, this pudding is loaded with nutrients to fuel your day.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the toppings or add your favorite fruits and nuts for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Storage container or bowl
- Mini food processor
- Saute pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: A high-speed blender ensures all ingredients are well combined for a creamy consistency in your chia pudding.
- Mini Food Processor: This tool is perfect for creating a crumbly texture for the topping without overprocessing it.
- Saute Pan: Ideal for cooking the apples gently, allowing them to soften while infusing them with flavor.

Ingredients
This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding features wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a satisfying meal.
For the Pudding Base
- 1/3 cup unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt
- 3 tbsp apple butter
- 1 medjool date
- 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
For the Crumble Topping
- 3 tbsp gluten-free rolled oats
- 3 tbsp walnuts or pecans
- 2 medjool dates
For the Stewed Apples
- 2 apples, diced or thinly sliced
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
How to Make Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
Follow these easy steps to create your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding from start to finish.
Step 1: Blend the Pudding Base
- To a blender cup add the yogurt, apple butter, date, miso (if using), vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and soy milk.
- Blend on high until completely smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Chia Seeds
- Add chia seeds to a storage container or bowl.
- Pour the blended mixture on top and whisk together.
- Allow it to sit for 5 minutes; whisk again to remove clumps.
- Cover and store in the fridge for at least an hour.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a mini food processor, combine oats, walnuts, dates, and a pinch of salt.
- Pulse until you reach your desired crumbly texture.
Step 4: Cook the Stewed Apples
- Heat a saute pan over medium-low heat.
- Add diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, water (1/4 cup), and a pinch of salt.
- Stir well and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened; add more water if needed.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pudding Jars
- Divide chia pudding among three jars.
- Top each jar with stewed apples and sprinkle crumble on top (about 2 tbsp per jar).
- Optionally serve with extra apple butter and maple syrup drizzle if desired.
Enjoy this delicious Apple Crumble Chia Pudding as part of your fall breakfast routine!
How to Serve Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding makes for a delightful and nutritious breakfast or snack option. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish that will enhance your experience.
Layered in Jars
- Use small glass jars for serving, creating layers of chia pudding, stewed apples, and crumble. This presentation is visually appealing and perfect for meal prep.
Topped with Extra Apple Butter
- Drizzle a spoonful of apple butter on top before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness that complements the pudding beautifully.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Serve with additional fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries on the side. This adds a refreshing contrast and more nutrients to your meal.
With a Dollop of Nut Butter
- Add a dollop of almond or peanut butter on top for extra protein and healthy fats. This will make your breakfast even more satisfying.
Enjoyed Warm or Cold
- You can serve your chia pudding either chilled straight from the fridge or warmed slightly in the microwave. Both options provide different textures and flavors.
How to Perfect Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
To achieve the best results with your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, consider these helpful tips that elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh apples and high-quality apple butter. Freshness enhances the flavor significantly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving; depending on your preference, you might want to add more maple syrup or sweetener to balance flavors.
- Soak Chia Seeds: Allow chia seeds to soak long enough to create a creamy texture. Aim for at least one hour in the fridge.
- Customize Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices like cinnamon and cardamom based on your taste preferences for a unique twist.
- Add Textural Variety: Include various nuts or seeds in your crumble mixture for added crunch and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
Pairing side dishes with Apple Crumble Chia Pudding can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent side options:
- Greek Yogurt: A scoop of creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the pudding.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can complement the dish while providing freshness and additional vitamins.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola brings texture and extra fiber, making it a hearty addition that pairs well with the pudding.
- Smoothie Bowl: A light smoothie bowl topped with seeds or nuts offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of chia pudding.
- Whole Grain Toast: Serve slices of whole grain toast spread with nut butter for a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
- Vegetable Sticks: Crisp vegetable sticks like carrots or celery provide a crunchy side that balances out the sweetness of your meal while adding nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring the soaking time: Not allowing the chia seeds to soak properly can lead to a watery pudding. Make sure to let them rest in the fridge for at least one hour.
- Skipping the spices: Omitting cinnamon and cardamom can result in a bland flavor. Don’t skip these warming spices; they enhance the fall vibe of the dish.
- Using unripe apples: Selecting apples that are too firm can make them crunchy rather than soft and stewed. Choose ripe apples for better texture and sweetness.
- Not blending thoroughly: A lumpy pudding is less appealing. Blend your ingredients well until completely smooth for the best consistency.
- Overdoing the sweetness: Adding too much maple syrup or apple butter can overpower the dish. Taste as you go and adjust sweetness gradually.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers to keep fresh.
- Consume within 3-5 days for optimal taste and texture.
- Keep the crumble separate until ready to serve for added crunch.
Freezing Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- Freeze in individual portions for easy access.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air.
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer pudding to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: In a small saucepan over low heat, stir gently until warmed. Add a splash of soy milk if needed for creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apple Crumble Chia Pudding?
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option made with chia seeds, apple butter, and warming spices, layered with stewed apples and a crunchy crumble topping.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! The Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based yogurt, soy milk, and no animal products.
How do I customize my Apple Crumble Chia Pudding?
Feel free to swap out apples for other fruits like pears or berries, or try different nuts and seeds in your crumble for variety.
How long will Apple Crumble Chia Pudding last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is not only a delightful way to enjoy fall flavors but also offers versatility for customization. You can adjust sweetness levels or change up toppings according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying on busy mornings!
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Crumble Chia Pudding. This creamy and nutritious treat combines the wholesome goodness of chia seeds with the sweetness of apple butter and fresh apples, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert. The crunchy oat and nut crumble topping adds texture, while warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom create a comforting aroma reminiscent of autumn. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy mornings or looking to impress guests at brunch, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt
- 3 tbsp apple butter
- 1 medjool date
- 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
- 3 tbsp gluten-free rolled oats
- 3 tbsp walnuts or pecans
- 2 medjool dates
- 2 apples, diced or thinly sliced
- 2 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Blend together yogurt, apple butter, date, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and soy milk until smooth.
- Mix chia seeds with the blended mixture in a storage container; let sit for 5 minutes, whisking again to remove clumps. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a mini food processor, combine oats, nuts, and dates; pulse to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Sauté diced apples with maple syrup and cinnamon in a pan until softened.
- Layer chia pudding in jars topped with stewed apples and crumble before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (approximately 280g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg