When you need a quick, refreshing, and nourishing treat, this lemon cream chia pudding is the answer. It’s light yet satisfying, combining bright citrus flavor with a velvety texture. This recipe takes the comforting richness of a lemon dessert and gives it a wholesome twist, ideal for any time of day.
Made with simple ingredients, it requires no cooking and minimal effort. Just blend, mix, and chill. Whether you’re meal prepping or just craving something light and creamy, this lemon pudding is a winner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pudding feels indulgent but is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Its smooth texture and tangy flavor make it feel like a dessert, but the nutrients from chia seeds, cottage cheese, and lemon juice offer lasting satisfaction.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to. You only need a few everyday ingredients, and it takes minutes to prepare. It’s ideal for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a light dessert. Plus, you can customize it to suit different dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish adds flavor, texture, or nutrition. Here’s what goes into the pudding and why it matters.
Chia Seeds (1/4 cup): These tiny superseeds expand when soaked, creating a gel-like texture that thickens the pudding. They’re also packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fats.
Coconut Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and subtle coconut flavor. Full-fat varieties will give you a richer result, while lighter versions create a more delicate texture.
Cottage Cheese (3/4 cup): Blends into a creamy base and adds a generous amount of protein. Use one with at least 2% milkfat for a fuller, smoother mouthfeel.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): Provides that signature tartness and brightness. Squeezed from fresh lemons, it tastes clean and vibrant without the bitterness of bottled versions.
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Adds intense lemon aroma and depth of flavor. Make sure to zest only the outer layer for the best taste.
Maple Syrup or Honey (1–2 tablespoons): Naturally sweetens the pudding and balances the citrus tang. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth that softens the tart lemon and enhances overall flavor.
Turmeric (pinch, optional): Adds a warm yellow hue. It doesn’t affect taste but improves the visual appeal of the pudding.
How to Make Lemon Cream Chia Pudding
Making this pudding is easy. You’ll first create a lemon cream base in a blender, then combine it with chia seeds and let the mixture sit in the fridge. Over time, the chia seeds absorb the liquid and thicken the mixture into a pudding-like consistency.
Start by blending the liquid ingredients, cottage cheese, lemon zest, and sweeteners until completely smooth. Then, pour that mixture into a bowl and stir in the chia seeds. Mix thoroughly to prevent clumping. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight for the best results. By morning, you’ll have a thick, creamy lemon pudding ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blend your base
Combine the coconut milk, cottage cheese, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and turmeric (if using) in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Mix with chia seeds
Transfer the lemon blend to a mixing bowl and add chia seeds. Stir well until the seeds are fully mixed in and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Refrigerate to set
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pudding sit for at least two hours to thicken. For best texture and flavor, allow it to chill overnight.
Step 4: Stir before eating
Once set, give the pudding a good stir. If it feels too thick, add a splash of coconut milk to loosen it.
Step 5: Top and serve
Spoon the pudding into serving bowls or jars. Add toppings like berries, yogurt, or crushed graham crackers for a more indulgent experience.
Helpful Tips
Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor. Bottled juice tends to taste flat and less fresh.
Use full-fat coconut milk and 2% cottage cheese or higher for a richer consistency. Low-fat versions may lead to a thinner texture.
Sweeten the lemon cream before adding chia seeds so you can adjust to taste.
To avoid clumping, stir the chia seeds once or twice during the first 10 minutes of chilling.
Store your pudding in individual jars for easy grab-and-go snacks or breakfast.
Details
Flavor: Light and citrusy with creamy richness
Texture: Smooth and thick with gentle crunch from chia seeds
Occasion: Breakfast, snack, dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: At least 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Method: Blending and mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Can be made dairy-free and vegan
Notes and Variations
For a plant-based version, substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free option or use blended silken tofu.
Swap coconut milk for almond or oat milk if you prefer a milder flavor.
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
Top with chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or granola to create different flavor combinations.
Layer the pudding in jars with toppings to create a meal-prep-friendly parfait.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Fiber | 7g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure the lemon flavor isn’t bitter?
Use only the zest and juice from fresh lemons. Avoid the white pith when zesting, as it can add bitterness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. You can use a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute or silken tofu along with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
How long does it take for chia pudding to set?
It needs a minimum of two hours, but letting it sit overnight gives the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best sweetener to use?
Maple syrup and honey both work well. For lower sugar, try monk fruit or stevia.
Storage Instructions
Store the pudding in a covered container or individual jars in the fridge. It keeps well for up to five days. Stir before serving, especially if it has thickened too much. Freezing is not recommended because it can change the texture.
Print
Lemon Cream Chia Pudding | Simple, Refreshing, and Creamy
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Lemon Chia Pudding tastes like a lemon cheesecake for a delicious and healthy treat.
Ingredients
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup cottage cheese (2% or higher)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of turmeric (optional)
Instructions
1. Blend coconut milk, cottage cheese, lemon juice, zest, maple syrup, vanilla, and turmeric until smooth.
2. Transfer to bowl and mix in chia seeds thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Stir before serving. Adjust texture with milk if needed.
5. Top with yogurt, berries, or crushed graham crackers.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice only.
Adjust sweetness depending on lemon tartness.
Add turmeric for color.
Store refrigerated up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 14g
Conclusion
This Lemon Cream Chia Pudding is a perfect blend of zesty citrus, creamy texture, and nourishing ingredients. It’s a fuss-free recipe you can enjoy anytime, whether you’re rushing in the morning or winding down in the evening. With minimal prep and endless topping options, this pudding easily becomes a staple in your kitchen. Make it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.