Unlock your mornings with this delicious and simple Overnight Apple Chia Pudding, the ultimate protein-rich, heart-healthy, make-ahead breakfast for steady energy and all-day satiety.
For more healthy breakfast recipes, check out our high-fiber muffins (oil-free), apple cinnamon overnight oats, Greek yogurt chia pudding, healthy granola recipe.
Effortless Overnight Prep for a Brighter, Healthier Morning
We’re still savoring the last of the autumn air here in Todi, and while Louise and I love a long Italian morning, we also need a breakfast that supports our busy day and prioritizes heart health and steady energy. That’s how this cozy, creamy, Overnight Apple Chia Pudding came to be!
This recipe is proof that delicious, nutritious food doesn’t require a lot of time or a large budget. It’s an easy make ahead breakfast that requires just 5 minutes of prep the night before, allowing you to wake up to a comforting, fiber-rich meal. 🍎
Based on simple, wholesome ingredients we always keep in our pantry, this recipe is naturally low in saturated fats and fits beautifully into a Mediterranean diet breakfast pattern. The combination of high-fiber chia seeds and protein-rich Greek yogurt is designed to promote satiety and support a balanced diet.
It’s the perfect simple home cooking solution for those seeking easy ways to increase their vegetable intake (yes, apples count!) and enjoy a fulfilling start to the day. It truly is a recipe that tastes like a treat but treats your body right. Enjoy! ☀️🥄
Ingredients
Find complete ingredient list, quantities, and substitutions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.
- Chia Seeds: The tiny fiber and omega-3 powerhouses that give this pudding its creamy texture. They are non-negotiable for this high fiber chia pudding!
- Greek Yogurt: This is what makes the pudding thick, creamy, and satisfyingly high in protein—perfect for helping you feel full and manage weight. For even more protein, feel free to use low-fat Greek yogurt, Skyr, or a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: It adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a comforting apple flavor. You can also use mashed banana or pumpkin purée for a seasonal twist.
- Milk (Any Kind): The liquid base that allows the chia seeds to bloom. Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or regular skim milk based on what you have and what fits your family’s budget.
- Sweetener (Honey or Maple Syrup): Just a small touch of natural sweetness is all we need. Skip it entirely if your applesauce is sweet enough, or swap it for a few drops of liquid Stevia if you are focusing on low sugar chia pudding.
- Cinnamon: A beautiful, warming spice that elevates the apple flavor and is also a delicious pairing if you are interested in diabetes friendly breakfast recipes.
- Vanilla Extract or Lemon Zest: Vanilla adds richness, while fresh lemon zest offers a bright, Mediterranean lightness. Use whichever you have on hand!
How to Make Your Overnight Apple Chia Pudding
Step 1: Whisk the Creamy Base
Start with your creamy elements. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, applesauce, milk, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This easy step is what makes this a simple 5-minute breakfast solution!
Step 2: Incorporate the Chia Seeds
Stir in your 4 tablespoons of chia seeds. It is crucial to whisk this mixture for about 30 seconds to ensure the seeds are evenly dispersed and don’t clump at the bottom. Even soaking ensures a uniform, creamy texture, perfect as one of our satisfying low cholesterol breakfast ideas.
Step 3: The Overnight Chill
You can transfer the mixture to individual jars (great for quick grab-and-go mornings!) or cover the mixing bowl (that’s what we usually do). Refrigerate the pudding for a minimum of 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This gives the seeds plenty of time to fully bloom and thicken into a delicious pudding texture.
Step 4: Stir, Top, and Serve
Before enjoying, give the pudding a quick stir—this is the final step to ensuring creamy consistency. Top your portion with fresh diced apple, crunchy nuts, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a light drizzle of sweetener if desired.
Tips
- The Best Time to Sweeten: If you are actively managing your sugar intake, wait to add sweetener until after the pudding has chilled and you’ve tasted it. The applesauce is often sweet enough, which also supports a budget healthy breakfast goal.
- Ideal Meal Prep: This pudding lasts perfectly for 4–5 days in the fridge. Batch prep on Sunday makes it an ideal option for any vegetarian breakfast for weight loss plan, keeping healthy options ready all week.
- Milk Matters: Choose wisely! Use unsweetened almond milk for low calories, or high-protein dairy/soy milk for a richer, protein-rich breakfast.
- Topping Crunch: Always add fresh, crunchy toppings (like fresh apple, nuts or granola) right before serving to prevent a soggy texture and keep the presentation beautiful.
- True No-Cook: Since this is a no bake breakfast, you can skip any stovetop preparation. Simply dice a fresh apple and stir it in just before serving for a great crunch.
- Speed Up the Chill: Need it fast? You can partially thicken the pudding in the freezer for 30 minutes, but set a timer to avoid a chia popsicle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Clumping happens when seeds settle quickly. The fix is simple: whisk vigorously when mixing, then let it sit for 5 minutes and whisk a second time before chilling. This two-whisk method makes this simple 5-minute breakfast foolproof.
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts perfectly for 4 to 5 days.
No. Chia seeds create a unique gel-like texture without cooking. Oats require cooking or a different amount of liquid to achieve the same creamy, ready-to-eat pudding result. For a recipe with steal cut oats, check out our apple cinnamon overnight oat recipe.
Substitute with other high-protein alternatives like Skyr, or blended cottage cheese. You can also use a thick plant-based yogurt (cashew or coconut).
More Easy Breakfasts
- Banana oatmeal muffins
- Sheet pan eggs and veggies
- Sweet potato oatmeal muffins (oil-free)
- Oil-free carrot cake muffins
- Protein apple muffins
- Protein banana bread (oil-free)
- Greek scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal pancakes
If you tried this Apple Chia Pudding recipe or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!
Apple Chia Pudding (Healthy Greek Yogurt Breakfast)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup apple sauce unsweetened
- ½ cup milk any
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – you can drizzle more on top later if not sweet enough
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon zest
Instructions
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ cup apple sauce, ½ cup milk, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the Chia Seeds: Stir in 4 tablespoons chia seeds. Whisk for 30 seconds to break up clumps. Let the mixture rest on the counter for 5 minutes, then give it one final, quick whisk before chilling. This is the secret to perfect thickness!
- Chill Until Thick: Pour the mixture into serving jars or cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. The mixture is ready when it has fully thickened into a creamy pudding consistency.
- Serve and Top: Before serving, stir the pudding to ensure creaminess. Top with fresh diced apples, nuts, honey, and any other desired additions. Enjoy cold!
Notes
- Greek Yogurt –> Low-fat Greek yogurt, Skyr, or any thick plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Unsweetened Applesauce –> Mashed banana or pumpkin purée.
- Milk (Any Kind) –> Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or regular skim milk.
- Honey or Maple Syrup –> Skip it entirely, or use liquid Stevia.
- Cinnamon –> Nutmeg, allspice, or a pumpkin pie spice blend.
- Vanilla Extract –> Fresh lemon zest.
- Milk Matters: Choose unsweetened almond milk for low calories, or high-protein dairy/soy milk if you want a maximum protein-rich breakfast.
- Sweeten Later: If you are actively managing your sugar intake, wait to add sweetener until after the pudding has chilled and you’ve tasted it.
- Batch Prep: This pudding stores perfectly for 4–5 days. Making a large batch on Sunday makes it the ultimate easy make ahead breakfast solution.
- Speed Up the Chill: Need it fast? You can partially thicken the pudding in the freezer for 30 minutes (just set a timer!).
- Crunch is Key: Always add fresh, crunchy toppings (like apple, nuts or granola) right before serving to prevent the texture from becoming soggy.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days, or transfer to a freezer-safe container to freeze for up to two months.
Nutrition
Hi! We are Nico & Louise
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