Sweet chia pudding

Sweet chia pudding

1 h
Discover the joy of our sweet chia pudding, where the warm flavour of vanilla meets the satisfying crunch of almonds. Topped with a homemade salted caramel sauce and fresh orange slices, it strikes a perfect balance between rich, salty sweet, and zesty. With skyr adding a touch of sweetness and smooth texture, each spoonful is a true celebration of tastes and textures.
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Instructions

Chia pudding
  • Split the vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds – save the pod (skip this step if you’ll be using vanilla paste instead).
  • Mix the vanilla seeds (or paste) and sugar in a bowl and add chia seeds, milk, and skyr. Stir well. If using, add the scraped vanilla pod at the end.
  • Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours – preferably overnight.
Caramel sauce
  • Pour the cream, caster sugar, and syrup into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to the boil. Cook it at even heat and while stirring for 6-8 min.
  • Add butter and salt and stir the sauce until smooth. Take it off the heat and let it cool.
To serve
  • Remove the chia pudding from the refrigerator.
  • Remove the vanilla bean and stir in the chopped almonds.
  • Whip the cream to a light foam and fold it in.
  • Distribute the orange fillets in the bottom of 6 small glasses (about 200 ml each).
  • Spoon on a layer of the chia mixture, top with salted caramel sauce, and sprinkle with orange peel.
Enjoy!

Questions about sweet chia pudding

Discover the joys of sweet chia pudding with our complete guide. Curious about using different ingredients or how to store it? Our FAQ answers these questions and more, helping you master this tasty treat. Keep reading for tips that will improve your sweet chia pudding creations.

How long can I keep sweet chia pudding in the refrigerator?
You can store your sweet chia pudding in the fridge for up to five days in a sealed container. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead of time, giving you a quick snacking option any day of the week. If it becomes too thick after a few days, just stir in a bit of milk or skyr to get it creamy again.
What can I use instead of dark syrup for the salted caramel sauce?
This recipe offers the flexibility to sweeten your salted caramel sauce just the way you like it. You could opt for honey, which adds a natural sweetness and hint of floral flavour. Agave syrup is another excellent choice, offering a milder flavour. For a more robust infusion, try using molasses which imparts a rich, slightly bitter taste. When using different sweeteners, remember to taste as you go and adjust the amount to your preference.
What can I use besides milk in my sweet chia pudding?
Almond or any other nut-based drink provides a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavour that complements the almonds and skyr beautifully. Coconut drink offers a rich and creamy base with a hint of tropical sweetness, enhancing the overall flavour profile of your snack. For a lighter option, try using rice- or oat drinks, both of which provide a neutral sweetness and a smooth consistency. When using alternative liquids, you may need to adjust the amount according to your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Chia pudding
Arla® Skyr natural
200 ml
Arla Cravendale Semi-skimmed milk
200 ml
Whipping cream
150 ml
Almonds, coarsely chopped
75 g
Vanilla pod (seeds) or 1 tsp vanilla paste
1
Sugar
2 tbsp
Chia seeds
4 tbsp
Oranges, cut into fillets
3
Salted caramel sauce
Whipping cream
100 ml
Powdered sugar
50 g
Dark syrup
2 tbsp
Butter
15 g
Flake salt
½ tsp
To garnish
Grated orange peel
1

Perfecting the consistency of your sweet chia pudding

For a sweet chia pudding with the perfect texture, use a whisk to mix the chia seeds, milk and sugar, making sure everything is well combined. This helps avoid lumps. Let it sit for 15 minutes and stir again. This helps the seeds swell evenly. Then, cover and refrigerate the mix for at least an hour, but overnight is best for thickening.

If the seeds don't start to thicken after 15 minutes, they might be too old, so try using fresh chia seeds. On the other hand, if it’s too thick when you check, just stir in a bit more milk until it's creamy. For an extra smooth mixture, you can also use a blender to combine the ingredients before you chill it.

Skyr blending techniques

To get the skyr mixture just right for your sweet chia pudding, it's crucial to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency while ensuring the skyr is well incorporated with the milk, vanilla and sugar. Begin by whisking the skyr thoroughly to break down any lumps and create a uniform texture.

Gradually add the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring no clumps form and the mixture remains smooth. The vanilla and sugar should be added last, blending it in gently to evenly distribute its flavour throughout the mixture. This ensures that, when combined with the chia seeds, the skyr mixture forms a deliciously creamy base that complements the nutty texture of the almonds and the slight crunch of the chia seeds in the final pudding.

Add the mix-ins and toppings just before serving

To ensure your sweet chia pudding is at its best, add the mix-ins and toppings just before serving. This step preserves the texture of the almonds and keeps the caramel sauce fresh and indulgent. Enjoy promptly to savour its richness to the fullest!

Make chia pudding ahead for easy mornings

Busy mornings call for quick, ready-to-eat snacks like our sweet chia pudding. You can prepare it in individual jars or containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. In the morning, simply add the toppings just before serving to ensure freshness and maximum flavour. This time-saving strategy ensures you start your day with a delicious snack while avoiding the rush of morning preparations.

What can I do with leftover salted caramel sauce?

If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, there are plenty of delightful ways to reuse it. You can drizzle it over your next batch of skyr pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a decadent treat.

It also makes a delicious topping for ice cream, adding a sweet and salty contrast that enhances any frozen snack. Head on over to our collection of homemade nice cream and ice lolly recipes for inspiration.

You can also use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies to add a burst of caramel flavour. Or swirl it into your next bowl of skyr or baked oats for a gourmet experience. The versatility of salted caramel sauce ensures that no matter how you choose to use it, it will elevate your dishes with its rich and buttery caramel goodness.

Create a consistent citrus flavour

For a uniform citrus taste, whisk extra orange zest into the milk and skyr before adding the chia seeds. Chilling the mixture overnight also allows the flavours to meld, resulting in a creamy pudding with a refreshing orange twist.

Present sweet chia pudding with style and crunch

Show off your sweet chia pudding in clear glasses to highlight the layers of orange, creamy chia, and caramel sauce. Use a small spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread each layer evenly, ensuring each ingredient remains separate and visible.

Take your time to add each component slowly and deliberately, tapping the glass lightly on the counter to settle the layers. Consider incorporating textures and colours alternately – such as creamy chia pudding, crunchy almonds, and smooth caramel sauce – to create a visually appealing contrast. Right before you serve, top each glass with almonds and fresh orange zest. This adds a satisfying crunch and burst of citrus aroma that pairs perfectly with the smooth pudding.

Serve chilled to maintain the layers' integrity and enhance the overall texture and flavour of the treat.