This viral tiramisu chia pudding is easy to make and packed with 29 grams of protein! It has all the flavors of the classic dessert and is the perfect healthy treat to enjoy any time of the day.
Tiramisu is one of those desserts that feels so fancy, but let’s be real, it’s not something you’re whipping up on a random Tuesday. That’s where this tiramisu chia pudding comes in!
You guys know I love my chia pudding, so as soon as I saw this recipe go viral I knew I had to try it. I first saw the recipe on Instagram via Isabella Raso. And let me tell you, this tiramisu chia pudding doesn’t disappoint. It’s got all the flavors you love from the classic Italian dessert — coffee, cocoa and creamy goodness — but in a light, healthy and ridiculously easy-to-make version.
In true EBF fashion, I amped up the protein in my version thanks to the addition of a little protein powder. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up, this chia pudding has me feeling fancy without any of the effort. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – This is such a simple recipe! It requires less than 10 minutes of prep time and only 6 ingredients to whip up.
- Protein-packed – This tiramisu chia pudding is packed with 29 grams of protein thanks to the addition of yogurt and protein powder.
- Perfect for meal prep – This chia pudding only gets better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
- Visually stunning – The layered presentation makes this dessert look like it came straight out of a café, perfect for impressing guests (or just yourself).
Ingredients Needed
You only need a few simple ingredients to bring this tiramisu chia pudding to life. I bet you already have everything in your kitchen right now. Here’s what you need:
- chia seeds – these little superstars thicken up to create that pudding-like texture we all love while packing in protein, omega-3s, fiber and healthy fats.
- almond milk – provides a light, creamy base, but feel free to use any milk you have on hand. I prefer unsweetened almond milk to keep the sweetness balanced. Sweetened milks can sometimes overpower the flavors of the coffee and protein powder.
- vanilla protein powder – I used vanilla Truvani protein powder for an extra boost of protein, but your favorite plant-based vanilla protein powder will work.
- espresso – one shot of espresso brings that bold coffee flavor we all know and love. Don’t have an espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee or mix instant espresso powder with hot water. Decaf works too if you’re avoiding caffeine.
- vanilla yogurt – I layered this pudding with Siggi’s low-sugar vanilla yogurt, which adds protein and the perfect amount of sweetness, without adding too much sugar.
- cocoa powder – a dusting of cocoa powder ties it all together and gives this pudding that classic tiramisu vibe.
Recipe Substitutions
- Use a different yogurt: Feel free to use your 150 grams of your favorite plain or vanilla yogurt instead of Siggi’s. I just recommend being mindful of the sugar content if you’re using a vanilla yogurt as many can be packed with sugar. If you’re using plain yogurt I recommend a Greek yogurt, which is protein-packed. You might want to add a touch of maple syrup or honey to the yogurt if you’re going the plain route.
- Skip the protein powder: No protein powder? No problem! You can totally skip this if you want. Just use a splash of vanilla extract for that added vanilla flavor. The protein powder also does add some sweetness, so you might want to add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup.
How to Make Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Step 1: In a small bowl or container, add chia seeds, protein powder and espresso. Pour in the almond milk.
Step 2: Mix well until the protein powder is fully incorporated. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to thicken.
Step 4: Give the chia pudding a final stir, layer with yogurt, dust with cocoa powder, and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips!
- Use fresh seeds: Older chia seeds might not absorb liquid as well so make sure you have fresh chia seeds!
- Mix well: After combining the chia seeds with the liquid, let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then stir again. This helps prevent clumps and gives you a smooth, even pudding texture.
- Let it set: Patience is key! Give the chia pudding at least 4 hours in the fridge to thicken properly. Overnight is even better if you want the perfect consistency.
- Want a smoother texture? If you aren’t a fan of the texture of chia pudding, add your chia seeds to the blender with your milk and espresso and blend until smooth! Then whisk in your protein powder.
Topping Ideas
Let’s talk toppings; because the right finish can take this tiramisu chia pudding from amazing to next-level indulgent. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Grated dark chocolate – For that extra fancy touch, grab a bar of dark chocolate and shave it right over the top. Bonus points if it’s 70% or higher!
- Whipped coconut cream – A creamy dollop makes this feel so indulgent (but secretly still healthy). It’s like the cherry on top—except it’s coconut cream.
- Fresh berries – Add some color and brightness with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. They’re the perfect fresh contrast to all that coffee and chocolate.
- Crushed cookies – For the true tiramisu lovers, a sprinkle of crushed ladyfingers, graham crackers or biscotti will hit all the right notes.
- Mini chocolate chips – Sprinkle these on for a little crunch and an extra pop of sweetness. They make everything more fun!
- Toasted nuts – Crushed almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers.
Storing Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Chia pudding stores really well in the fridge making it perfect for meal prep! This recipe only serves one, but if you want to make a big batch so you have breakfast and/or snack options for the week you can easily double or triple the recipe.
To store, keep your chia pudding in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 5 days. I recommend dusting the chia pudding with the cocoa powder right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, strong brewed coffee works just as well! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can also mix instant espresso powder with hot water for a similar bold flavor.
It does! Protein powder helps thicken the pudding slightly while adding flavor. If you leave it out, you may want to add an extra teaspoon or two of chia seeds to maintain the consistency.
More Chia Pudding Recipes
Be sure to check out all of the chia pudding recipes on EBF!
