Name: Lemon Curd Chia Pudding
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons); 1/4 cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice; 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter; 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color); Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup chia seeds; 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or any plant-based milk); 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Lemon Curd Chia Pudding is a deliciously creamy and tangy treat that is perfect for a light, healthy breakfast or dessert. It combines the fresh zest of lemon curd with the smooth texture of chia pudding for a refreshing combination that will leave you feeling satisfied without being too heavy. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing start to your day or a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe is a perfect choice.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Curd:

½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

¼ cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice

2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter

1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

¼ teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)

Pinch of salt

For the Chia Pudding:

½ cup chia seeds

1 ½ cups almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)

1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Lemon Curd:

In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, maple syrup, coconut oil, cornstarch, turmeric (if using), and a pinch of salt.

Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool. The lemon curd will continue to set as it cools.

For the Chia Pudding:

In a mixing bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to ensure there are no clumps.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the chia pudding to set and thicken.

Assemble:

Once the chia pudding is ready, layer it with a spoonful of lemon curd in serving glasses or bowls.

You can either swirl the lemon curd through the chia pudding for a marbled effect or layer them separately for a more distinct presentation.

Garnish with fresh berries, a mint sprig, or additional lemon zest if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours (or overnight for best results)

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

If you’d like to customize the recipe, there are a few ways to make it your own:

Different milk: You can use coconut milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk instead of almond milk for a different flavor.

Sweetener swap: If you prefer a different sweetener, try agave syrup, stevia, or coconut sugar.

Fruit toppings: Add your favorite seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or kiwi for a fruity twist. You could also try adding a dollop of whipped coconut cream for extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

This Lemon Curd Chia Pudding is perfect for meal prep. I store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it lasts for up to 4 days. For best results, layer the chia pudding and lemon curd just before serving to keep the textures fresh. If you want to reheat the lemon curd, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat until it softens, but avoid overheating to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or stevia if you prefer a different sweetener. Just be sure to adjust the quantities to your taste.

How long should I let the chia pudding set in the fridge?

For the best results, I recommend letting the chia pudding set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for a thicker texture.

Can I make the lemon curd in advance?

Yes! The lemon curd can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based milk?

Yes, if you’re not following a plant-based diet, you can use regular cow's milk or any milk of your choice in place of almond milk.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply ensure you’re using plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter for the lemon curd, and stick to plant-based milk for the chia pudding.

Conclusion

Lemon Curd Chia Pudding is the perfect blend of tangy lemon curd and creamy chia pudding, making it a light yet indulgent treat. It’s simple to make, refreshing, and customizable, whether you want to enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With a few easy ingredients, I can make this dish ahead of time and enjoy it over several days. It’s a great option for a healthy yet satisfying treat.

Recipe:

Lemon Curd Chia Pudding

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 4 hours (or overnight for best results)
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Lemon Curd Chia Pudding is a creamy and tangy treat that combines the fresh zest of lemon curd with the smooth texture of chia pudding. It’s perfect for a light breakfast or dessert and can be made ahead for a quick, healthy option.

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, maple syrup, coconut oil, cornstarch, turmeric (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool. It will continue to set as it cools.
In a mixing bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to ensure there are no clumps.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the chia pudding set and thicken.
Once the chia pudding is ready, layer it with a spoonful of lemon curd in serving glasses or bowls.
Optionally, swirl the lemon curd through the chia pudding for a marbled effect or layer them separately for a distinct presentation.
Garnish with fresh berries, mint sprig, or additional lemon zest if desired.