Coconut-Kefir Chia Pudding
Make once on Sunday, eat from it all week. Works as breakfast or as an evening snack.
makes ~7 servings · 5 min prep · 4 hr chill (or overnight) · evening snack or breakfast
Makes 7 servings
A streamlined version of the classic coconut chia pudding—keeps the coconut richness but cuts saturated fat by about 85% and roughly doubles the protein. Still creamy, still satisfying, still unmistakably coconut-forward. The kefir adds a subtle tang that complements the coconut. Portion into 7 small ramekins at prep time to eliminate the "just a little more" trap.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut cream
- ¾ cup plain unsweetened kefir
- ¾ cup Silk unsweetened coconut milk (or almond milk)
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon
Directions
- Whisk everything together in a large bowl or mason jar.
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Whisk again to break up any chia clumps—this second whisk is non-negotiable.
- It's what separates good chia pudding from clumpy failure.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Divide into 7 small ramekins.
- Will keep 4–5 days refrigerated.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~165 | 6g | 13g | 10g |
Sat fat 7g · Sodium 55mg · Fiber 6g · Sugars 4g · per ramekin, before toppings—coconut cream carries the saturated fat; the kefir adds the protein
Topping rotation
Add toppings at serving time, not during prep—fruit releases water and thins the pudding overnight. Rotate through: fresh blueberries or blackberries with chopped walnuts; cacao nibs and raspberries (chocolate craving killer); sliced banana and a drizzle of almond butter; toasted coconut flakes and dark chocolate shavings; orange segments with chopped pistachios and a pinch of cardamom; fresh peach slices with a tiny honey drizzle in summer. Skip granola toppings on evening servings—save that for morning use.
Why this works
Chia seeds absorb roughly ten times their weight in liquid, which is what gives the pudding its creamy texture and what makes it sit so well—fiber slows digestion and extends fullness. The combination of coconut cream and kefir delivers fat for satiety and probiotics for gut health, while the kefir's protein keeps the recipe from being just a fat-and-fiber bowl. Portioned into 7 small ramekins, each one is satisfying without being calorically expensive.