There’s nothing quite like apple season. The crisp bite of a freshly picked apple, the cozy aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, and the undeniable nostalgia of apple pie cooling on the counter all signal the arrival of fall. But what if you could capture all those comforting flavors—without the rolling pin, pie crust, or hours of baking?
Enter Cinnamon Apple Pie Chia Pudding—a healthy, no-bake treat that tastes like apple pie in a jar. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, this recipe brings together creamy chia pudding, spiced maple apples, and all the coziness of fall. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, it’s proof that comfort food can be both nourishing and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beyond the obvious apple-pie-in-a-cup deliciousness, here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your fall rotation:
- Tastes Like Dessert, Nourishes Like Breakfast: You get the warming spices and sweetness of apple pie, but with the added fiber, protein, and omega-3s from chia seeds.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it once, store it in jars, and you’ve got breakfast or snacks for the week.
- Diet-Friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, so it works for many lifestyles.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything in this recipe is pantry- or fridge-friendly.
- Kid-Approved: The naturally sweet apples and pudding-like texture make it a hit for little ones too.
Chia Seeds: The Tiny Superfood That Packs a Punch
At the heart of this recipe is the humble chia seed—a nutritional powerhouse that turns into pudding when soaked in liquid. These tiny seeds are rich in:
- Fiber: Helps keep you full and supports digestive health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Plant-based healthy fats that support heart and brain function.
- Protein: A complete source of plant-based protein.
- Minerals: Including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
The magic happens when chia seeds absorb liquid—expanding up to 10 times their size—to create a creamy, pudding-like texture without dairy, eggs, or thickening agents.
Building Flavor: From Apple Orchard to Breakfast Jar
This recipe has two key components:
- Apple-Flavored Chia Pudding: Creamy and subtly sweet, infused with cinnamon and applesauce.
- Maple Cinnamon Apple Compote: Warm, caramelized apples sautéed with coconut oil, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
Together, they create layers of texture and flavor that feel just as indulgent as apple pie filling.
Step-by-Step Recipe (Chef’s Notes Included)
Step 1: Make the Chia Pudding Base
Whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, coconut milk, applesauce, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Let sit for 5 minutes, whisk again (to prevent clumping), then refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
💡 Chef’s Note: The general chia pudding ratio is 1 part chia to 4 parts liquid. Adjust based on your preferred thickness—more liquid for a looser pudding, less for a thicker one.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
In a skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add diced apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Sauté for 5–8 minutes until the apples soften and caramelize.
💡 Chef’s Note: Use a mix of apple varieties for complexity—Honeycrisp for sweetness, Granny Smith for tartness, Gala for mild flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Jars
Layer chia pudding on the bottom, top with warm apple compote, and repeat if desired. You can serve in mason jars for meal prep, or layer in a glass for a pretty presentation.
Step 4: Store or Serve
Serve immediately if you love the contrast of warm apples with chilled pudding, or refrigerate covered for up to 1 week.
💡 Chef’s Note: For extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or granola before serving.
Full Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the pudding:
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the apple topping:
- 2 apples, diced (skin on or off)
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk chia seeds, almond milk, coconut milk, applesauce, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Chill 1 hour or overnight until thickened.
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet. Add apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Cook 5–8 minutes until softened and caramelized.
- Layer chia pudding in jars or bowls, top with apple mixture, and garnish with nuts if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 1 week.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about chia pudding is how customizable it is. Try these twists:
- Add Crunch: Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or granola.
- Boost Protein: Stir in vanilla protein powder or Greek yogurt (if not vegan).
- Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.
- Change the Fruit: Swap apples for pears, peaches, or berries.
- Make It Dessert-Ready: Add a drizzle of caramel or coconut whipped cream.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in mason jars for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Chia pudding doesn’t freeze well, but the apple compote can be frozen separately for 2 months.
- On-the-Go: Assemble in portable jars with lids—perfect for work or school lunches.
💡 Pro Tip: Store chia pudding and apple topping separately for longer freshness, then combine when ready to eat.
Nutrition at a Glance
Per serving (¼ of the recipe):
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 33g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g (9g saturated from coconut milk)
- Sugar: 22g (naturally sweetened with maple + apples)
This makes it a balanced choice for breakfast or snack—fiber for fullness, healthy fats for satiety, and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Apple Pie Chia Pudding proves that cozy comfort food doesn’t always come in the form of a pie dish. With its layers of creamy chia pudding and caramelized maple apples, this recipe captures the essence of fall in a healthier, more versatile way.
It’s quick enough for a weekday breakfast, portable enough for on-the-go snacking, and indulgent enough to serve as dessert. Best of all, it keeps you nourished and energized without weighing you down.
So next time you’re craving apple pie—or need a cozy fall treat after apple picking—whip up a batch of this chia pudding. It just might become your new autumn ritual.
