Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 8 hrs (overnight)

Servings: 4

Imagine the comforting aroma of fresh‑baked apple pie drifting through your kitchen, but in a silky, spoon‑friendly pudding that you can enjoy any night of the week. This Apple Pie Overnight Chia Pudding captures that nostalgic flavor while delivering a protein‑packed, fiber‑rich treat that feels indulgent yet stays light.

What makes it truly special is the perfect marriage of sweet, spiced apples with the natural creaminess of soaked chia seeds, all bound together by almond milk and a dash of maple syrup. The result is a dessert‑like pudding that holds its shape, making it ideal for dinner‑time cravings.

Busy families, health‑conscious diners, and anyone who loves a good dessert will adore this dish. It works beautifully as a wholesome after‑dinner snack, a midnight bite, or even a brunch starter when paired with fresh berries.

The process is straightforward: sauté apples with cinnamon, whisk together a chia‑milk mixture, combine, and let it set in the fridge overnight. In the morning you’ll have a ready‑to‑serve, velvety pudding that only gets better with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Pure Autumn Comfort: The blend of apples, cinnamon, and maple evokes classic pie flavors while staying light enough for a nightly treat.

Nutrition Powerhouse: Chia seeds deliver omega‑3s, fiber, and protein, turning a dessert into a balanced, satiating snack.

Set‑and‑Forget Simplicity: Once mixed, the pudding only needs refrigeration overnight, freeing up your evening for other tasks.

Customizable Finish: Top with nuts, granola, or a swirl of caramel for texture and flavor variations that keep the dish exciting.

Ingredients

The foundation of this pudding rests on a few key players: chia seeds for texture, almond milk for a dairy‑free creaminess, and apples for that unmistakable pie flavor. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg deepen the aroma, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweet notes, and optional toppings such as toasted walnuts or granola bring crunch and visual appeal.

Base Ingredients

1/2 cup chia seeds
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 medium apples, peeled and diced

Flavor Enhancers

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

Optional Toppings

2 tablespoons toasted walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup granola
Drizzle of caramel sauce (optional)

Together, these ingredients create a harmonious balance of texture and flavor. The chia seeds swell with the almond milk, forming a pudding that holds the diced apples and spices evenly throughout. Maple syrup and vanilla lend natural sweetness and depth, while the pinch of salt amplifies every nuance. Topping choices add contrast—crunch from nuts or granola, and a glossy finish from caramel—making each spoonful a delight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Apple Mixture

Begin by heating a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons), and the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4‑5 minutes until the apples soften and release their juices, creating a fragrant, slightly caramelized mixture. Remove from heat and let cool while you prepare the chia base.

Creating the Chia Base

Combine liquids. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. The whisk ensures the sweetener dissolves completely, preventing grainy pockets later.
Stir in chia seeds. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup chia seeds over the liquid mixture. Give it a vigorous stir, making sure every seed is fully submerged. This step is crucial because dry seeds will clump and create uneven texture.
Let it sit briefly. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes, then stir again. This second stir breaks up any seed clusters that may have formed and promotes even gelatinization as the chia absorbs the liquid.
Fold in apples. Gently fold the cooled spiced apples into the chia mixture, distributing them evenly. The apples add natural sweetness and a pleasant bite that mimics the filling of an apple pie.
Seal and refrigerate. Transfer the pudding to four individual jars or a single airtight container. Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. During this time the chia seeds will expand, creating a thick, spoon‑able consistency.

Finishing and Serving

When you’re ready to serve, give each pudding a quick stir to smooth any settled layers. Top with toasted walnuts, a sprinkle of granola, and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness. Serve chilled straight from the fridge, or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if you prefer a softer mouthfeel.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Recipe

Use Fresh Apples. Choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness that holds up during cooking.

Measure Chia Precisely. Too much chia can make the pudding gummy; stick to the 1:4 seed‑to‑liquid ratio for a perfect texture.

Stir Twice. A brief rest followed by a second stir prevents clumping and guarantees an even distribution of seeds.

Cool Apples Fully. Adding warm apples can partially melt the chia gel, leading to a runnier pudding.

Flavor Enhancements

Add a splash of bourbon or a pinch of ground ginger to the apple mixture for an adult‑friendly twist. Swirl in a teaspoon of almond butter before refrigerating for extra creaminess and nutty depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the second stir often results in pockets of dry chia. Over‑sweetening with maple syrup can mask the apple’s natural tartness, so taste before sealing. Lastly, don’t forget to refrigerate the full eight hours; a shorter set yields a thin, watery consistency.

Pro Tips

Batch Prep. Double the recipe and store portions in individual jars for a ready‑made snack all week long.

Texture Contrast. Toast nuts or seeds just before serving to preserve crunch against the smooth pudding.

Seasonal Variations. Swap apples for pears in the fall or for mangoes in summer, adjusting spices accordingly.

Use a Wide‑Mouth Jar. Larger openings make stirring and topping placement easier, especially for kids.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

Replace almond milk with oat or coconut milk for a richer mouthfeel. Use dried figs or raisins instead of fresh apples for a chewier texture. Swap maple syrup for honey or agave to adjust the flavor profile without adding refined sugar.

Dietary Adjustments

For a vegan version, ensure the maple syrup is pure and use plant‑based milk. Gluten‑free diners can enjoy this as‑is; all ingredients are naturally gluten‑free. To lower carbs, reduce the fruit amount and increase unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate‑cherry twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pudding in elegant glass jars for a visual wow factor. Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein, or a side of fresh berries to brighten the palate. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top just before serving reinforces the apple‑pie theme.

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

Allow any remaining pudding to cool completely, then seal tightly in a glass jar or BPA‑free container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer keeping, portion into freezer‑safe containers, wrap with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Instructions

Because this is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t required. If you prefer a warm version, gently microwave a single serving for 20‑30 seconds, stirring halfway, or place the jar in a warm water bath for a minute. Add a splash of almond milk if the texture feels too thick after warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Prepare a large batch, divide it into individual jars, and keep them sealed in the fridge. The pudding stays fresh for up to four days, giving you a grab‑and‑go snack or dessert any night you like. Just add fresh toppings before serving.

You can substitute with ground flaxseed (use 3 tablespoons) or hemp seeds for a similar thickening effect, though the texture will be less gelatinous. Adjust the liquid ratio slightly—add an extra ¼ cup of almond milk—to achieve the right consistency.

The natural sweetness of the apples combined with maple syrup usually yields a gentle, balanced sweetness. Taste the almond‑milk mixture before adding chia; if you prefer a sweeter pudding, add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup or a drizzle of honey after the overnight set.

Yes. Warm the pudding gently in a microwave (20‑30 seconds) or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a splash of almond milk to loosen the texture if needed, and finish with a warm caramel drizzle for a comforting, dessert‑like experience.

This Apple Pie Overnight Chia Pudding brings the beloved flavors of a classic dessert into a nutritious, make‑ahead format perfect for dinner‑time cravings or a wholesome night‑cap. By following the step‑by‑step guide, you’ll achieve a silky, apple‑spiced pudding that’s ready when you are. Feel free to experiment with toppings, spices, or alternative milks to make it truly your own. Enjoy every comforting spoonful and share the joy with those you love!