Flaxseed pudding is a creamy, nutrient-packed treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Think of it as chia pudding’s underrated cousin—thicker, heartier, and loaded with fiber and omega-3s. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, you can customize it with endless flavors and toppings!
This easy flaxseed pudding recipe is healthy because flaxseeds are loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like calcium and potassium. I love how it keeps me full for hours without needing a mid-morning snack. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with different flavors and toppings.
Contents
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Super nutritious: Packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein.
- Ridiculously easy: Just mix, chill, and enjoy—no cooking required!
- Customizable: Add cocoa, cinnamon, nut butter, or fresh fruit to switch things up.
- Great for meal prep: Make it ahead and enjoy it for days.
- Diet-Friendly: It can be made to fit many different diets like Whole30, paleo, keto, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
🗝️ Key ingredients and substitutions
- Ground flaxseed (flaxseed meal): It thickens into a pudding-like texture and is packed with fiber and omega-3s. If you only have whole flaxseeds, blend them in a coffee grinder or food processor.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a rich, chocolatey flavor. You can skip it for a more neutral taste or swap it for a little cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or matcha.
- Milk of choice: Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or even dairy milk all work. Pick your favorite!
- Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a mashed banana can add natural sweetness. If using powdered erythritol or stevia, start with less and adjust.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and gives it a warm, slightly sweet aroma.
- Salt: A tiny pinch makes all the flavors pop!
🥣 How to make flaxseed pudding
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps everything blend evenly.
- Add the liquid: Pour in half of the milk, your sweetener of choice, and the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Whisk, whisk, whisk: Slowly add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Taste test: Give it a quick taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Chill out: Pour the mixture into jars or small bowls and pop them into the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour (or overnight for the best texture).
- Check consistency: If the pudding isn’t thick enough after an hour, give it a good stir and let it sit a little longer.
- Serve and enjoy: Top with fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch!
🪄 Recipe notes & tips
- Sweetness control: Start with a little sweetener and add more if needed after tasting. Flax absorbs flavors differently than chia, so adjust as you go.
- For the best texture: Let the pudding sit overnight. The longer it rests, the creamier it gets!
- No ground flaxseeds? No problem: Just blend whole flaxseeds in a coffee grinder or food processor until fine.
- Whisk well: This prevents clumping and ensures an even, smooth consistency.
- Stir before serving: The pudding may separate slightly in the fridge—just give it a quick stir before eating.
- Thicker pudding? Add a tablespoon more flaxseed meal and let it sit longer.
- Thinner pudding? Stir in a splash of extra milk before serving.
✨ Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or some chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Nutty: Stir in some almond butter or peanut butter, or sprinkle crushed walnuts or toasted coconut flakes on top for added texture and flavor.
- Fruity Fun: Mix in your favorite berries or diced fruit for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Spice It Up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm things up, perfect for a cozy breakfast.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap cocoa powder for pumpkin spice and a dash of nutmeg for an autumn-inspired treat.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra nutrient kick.
- Tropical Twist: Use coconut milk as your liquid and top with shredded coconut and pineapple chunks.
- Coffee Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a mocha-style pudding.
- Chia-Flax Mix: Use half flaxseed and half chia seeds for a hybrid pudding with extra texture!
🫙 Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the flaxseed pudding in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Meal prep friendly: Divide into single-serving jars for an easy grab-and-go snack.
- Stir before serving: The pudding may separate slightly—just give it a good stir before eating.
- Freezing not recommended: The texture changes too much when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
🍽️ What to serve with this recipe
- Toppings: Chopped almonds, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, sweet pumpkin seeds, granola, toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs, sliced banana, fresh berries, mango, pineapple, yogurt, almond butter, coconut cream, maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, dark chocolate chips, cinnamon.
- Breakfast Spread: Serve with overnight oats or chia pudding for a variety of textures.
- Protein Boost: Pair with a side of scrambled eggs or a protein smoothie.
- Dessert: Add chocolate chips and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy treat.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I make flaxseed pudding without cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Just skip the cocoa powder for a plain version, or substitute it with another flavoring like cinnamon or vanilla.
Can I use sugar instead of liquid sweeteners?
You can use granulated sugar, but it might not dissolve as well. For a smoother texture, liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup work best.
Why is my pudding too thin?
It might need more time to set. If it’s still too runny after a few hours, stir in an extra tablespoon of ground flaxseed and let it sit longer.
Can I make this without sweetener?
Absolutely! You can skip it or use a mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Does flaxseed pudding taste like chia pudding?
It’s similar but a bit thicker and smoother since flaxseeds create a more gel-like texture.
Can I warm up flaxseed pudding?
Yes! Heat it gently on the stovetop or microwave if you prefer it warm.
Can I use water instead of milk?
You can, but the pudding will be less creamy. Plant-based or dairy milk gives it a richer texture and better flavor.
🤔 Flaxseed vs. Linseed – are linseed and flaxseed the same?
Yes! Linseed is just a different name for flaxseed. There are a few variations on the name:
- Linseed: Both ground Linseed and Linseed meal are milled linseed/flaxseed.
- Flaxseed: Both ground flaxseed and flaxseed meal are also milled linseed/flaxseed.
- Linseed is commonly used in the UK, whereas flaxseed is referred to in the US.
😋 More dessert recipes you will love
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📖 Recipe
Chocolate Flaxseed Pudding Recipe
Flaxseed Pudding is a super easy and tasty way to start your morning or cap off your evening. It’s full of healthy fats and fiber, making it super satisfying and great for your health. Plus, this recipe comes together with minimal fuss and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick, healthy snack!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk of choice unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons sweetener to taste , (e.g. honey, maple syrup, liquid stevia, powdered erythritol, or 1 blended banana) *see note 1
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ground flaxseed, cocoa powder, and salt.1/2 cup ground flaxseed, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Add half of the milk, a little of your preferred sweetener, and the vanilla extract and whisk together.1 cup milk of choice, 2 tablespoons sweetener, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mix in the rest of the milk, and whisk until there are no lumps.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Pour into a large jar, ramekins, or small bowls and place them into the fridge.
- Chill for at least 1 hour (preferably 2 or overnight) until thick.
- Serve with fresh fruit, nuts, or yogurt to garnish.
Notes
- Sweetener: Start with less sweetener and add more as needed after tasting. I tend to add 3 tbsp of honey or 2 tbsp powdered erythritol.
- Consistency Check: If your pudding hasn’t set after an hour, give it a good stir and let it sit a little longer.
- For Best Flavor: Let it chill overnight, just like overnight oats. The flavors meld together beautifully with a bit more time.
- Whole Flaxseeds: If all you have on hand is whole flaxseeds, no problem! Just pop them into a coffee grinder or food processor and blend the whole seeds into a fine powder.
- Serving Suggestions: This pudding is versatile! Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or part of your healthy breakfast.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Keep the flax seed pudding in an airtight container like a mason jar in the fridge.
- Shelf Life: It’s good for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Single Servings: Pour the pudding into individual jars or containers if you prefer grab-and-go convenience.
- Stir Before Serving: The pudding may separate slightly, so give it a good stir before enjoying it again.
Nutrition
Calories: 129kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 315mgPotassium: 214mgFiber: 7gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
My kids love these and don’t realize they’re healthy… win!
This pudding is so tasty and healthy too!
These look amazing!
This pudding is so tasty and healthy too!
I loved this pudding, the perfect afternoon snack!
I loved this pudding, the perfect afternoon snack!
I love flaxseed puddings and this chocolate version is so good!