Name: Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup (250ml) almond milk; 4 tbsp chia seeds; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 150 g (1 cup) pitted dates; 1/2 cup (125 ml) hot water; 2 tbsp almond milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; Shaved chocolate; Hazelnuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is nourishing, let me introduce you to the one that stole my heart: the Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe. This dish marries the rich, velvety depth of chocolate with the luscious sweetness of date caramel, elevated by just a kiss of sea salt to awaken every flavor note. It’s creamy, naturally sweetened, and packs a satisfying texture from chia seeds, making each spoonful a delightful experience you’ll look forward to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass jar filled with smooth, thick, brown sauce with a shiny surface and gentle swirls, placed on a round wooden coaster. Next to the jar lies a small wooden spoon with a white handle, resting on the coaster. In the background, there are dried reddish-brown ingredients scattered on a white marbled surface. The photo feels bright and natural, taken close up to show the texture of the sauce clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, yet each one plays a starring role in crafting that unforgettable flavor and texture. From the creamy almond milk to the naturally sweet dates, everything combines to create a harmonious balance that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious.

Almond milk (1 cup/250ml): Creamy and dairy-free, sets the perfect base for a smooth pudding texture.
Chia seeds (4 tbsp): The magic behind the pudding’s thickness and a powerhouse of nutrients.
Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Provides rich, deep chocolate flavor without any sweetness.
Maple syrup or honey (1 tbsp): A touch of natural sweetness to balance the cocoa bitterness.
Pitted dates (150 g/1 cup): The star ingredient for the salted date caramel, offering natural caramel richness.
Hot water (1/2 cup/125ml): Softens the dates, perfect for blending smooth caramel.
Almond milk (2 tbsp): Extra creaminess for the caramel’s luscious texture.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors.
Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and lifts the caramel notes beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Create Your Chocolate Chia Pudding Base

Begin by mixing the cocoa powder with a small amount of almond milk until it’s smooth and lump-free. This step ensures your pudding will have that lovely deep chocolate color with no gritty bits. Next, stir in the remaining almond milk, maple syrup or honey, and chia seeds. Let this mixture rest for 5 minutes before giving it another good stir to disperse any seed clumps. Then cover it and refrigerate overnight—this is when the chia seeds soak up the liquids and create that signature pudding texture.

Step 2: Whip Up the Salted Date Caramel

While the pudding sets, soak your pitted dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them up. Then, toss the soaked dates and their water into a food processor along with the extra almond milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until you get a luxuriously smooth caramel sauce. The salt is key here—it balances all the sweetness and transforms this caramel into something truly special.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Once your pudding has firmed up nicely in the fridge, it’s time to assemble. Scoop the creamy chocolate chia pudding into glasses or bowls, then generously spoon over the salted date caramel. The contrast of the cold pudding and the sweet, salty caramel is utterly addictive.

How to Serve Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe

Two clear glass cups are filled with a two-layer dessert, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown chia pudding with a textured, slightly bumpy surface. The top layer is a smooth medium brown paste, roughly one-third the height of the bottom layer. On top of the upper layer, there are small pieces of hazelnuts and dark chocolate shavings scattered, some falling onto the surface around the glasses. Each cup has an old-fashioned silver spoon standing upright inside. The overall look is neat and rich in color contrast, with a soft natural light highlighting the texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation and add exciting textures by garnishing with dark chocolate shavings, toasted hazelnuts, or even a sprinkle of cacao nibs. These toppings provide a subtle crunch that perfectly complements the silky pudding and sticky caramel.

Side Dishes

This pudding shines on its own as a dessert or snack, but it also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a side of lightly whipped coconut cream. The tartness of berries cuts through the richness, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe in clear glass jars or small mason jars for an elegant yet rustic feel—perfect for gifting or entertaining. Layer the pudding and caramel multiple times for a beautiful ‘parfait’ effect that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chia pudding keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salted date caramel separate if possible to preserve its texture and freshness until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this pudding because the chia seeds’ gelatinous texture can become quite dense or watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This pudding is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for a bit rather than applying heat, which could alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use any type of milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! While almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor, you can swap in oat, soy, or coconut milk depending on your taste preference or dietary needs.

Is this pudding suitable for vegans?

Yes! Using maple syrup instead of honey keeps this recipe fully vegan, making it a perfect plant-based dessert option.

How long does the pudding take to set?

It needs at least a few hours in the fridge, but overnight is best to achieve that thick, creamy consistency.

Can I make the salted date caramel ahead of time?

Definitely, the salted date caramel can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed container.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the caramel?

You can use a high-speed blender, or mash the soaked dates as finely as possible and then whisk vigorously with the other ingredients until combined—though the texture may be less smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels like a treat without the guilt, perfect for any time you crave something sweet, creamy, and nourishing. Once you try it, I’m certain it’ll become your go-to dessert or snack, offering a cozy moment with every bite. So go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy the delicious magic you’ve created!

Molly

Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chocolate and Salted Date Caramel Chia Pudding Recipe