Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Pudding (Printable)
Creamy layers of fresh strawberries and tangy cheesecake meet nutritious chia seeds in this wholesome treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chia Pudding Base
01 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
02 - 1/2 cup chia seeds
03 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Cheesecake Layer
06 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
08 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
09 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
→ Strawberry Layer
10 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Garnish
13 - Sliced strawberries
14 - Crushed graham crackers
15 - Fresh mint leaves
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumping. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thickened.
02 - Beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and lemon zest in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
03 - Combine strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mash lightly with a fork to release juices while maintaining some texture.
04 - Layer the chia pudding, cheesecake mixture, and strawberry compote in glasses or jars. Repeat layers as desired.
05 - Top with sliced strawberries, crushed graham crackers, and fresh mint if using. Serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Tastes like dessert but powers you through the morning with protein and omega 3s
- The layers look stunning in clear glasses, making every serving feel like a special occasion
02 -
- The chia pudding really does need those full 4 hours to reach the right texture, so plan ahead or make it the night before
- Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly into the cheesecake layer, while cold cream cheese leaves you fighting stubborn lumps
03 -
- Mash the strawberries just enough to release their juices but not so much that they become applesauce
- A dash of almond extract in the cheesecake layer adds an extra layer of bakery style flavor