Strawberry Crumble Chia Delight

Featured in Sweet Moments of Joy.

This strawberry chia pudding is a creamy, flavorful dish layered with a crunchy almond date crumble. It's an easy no-cook option that comes together in minutes, featuring wholesome ingredients like strawberries, soy milk, and chia seeds. You’ll love the contrast of the tangy strawberry base with the sweet, nutty crumble topping. Perfect as a make-ahead breakfast or a refreshing dessert, this pudding brings the nostalgia of a classic berry crumble with a healthy, modern twist. Add layers of freshness with extra strawberries and enjoy!

Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 13:41:58 GMT
Two glasses of yogurt with granola and strawberries. Pin it
Two glasses of yogurt with granola and strawberries. | gracefulflavors.com

This strawberry crumble chia pudding combines the nostalgic flavors of a warm berry crumble in a make-ahead breakfast that requires just 15 minutes of prep time. The layered dessert-inspired breakfast features a vibrant strawberry chia pudding base topped with a crunchy almond date crumble for the perfect balance of textures.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I needed grab-and-go breakfasts that would keep me satisfied until lunch. The combination of the creamy chia pudding with the crunchy crumble topping reminds me of my favorite summer desserts but with nutritional benefits to start the day.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Chia Pudding

  • Frozen strawberries: provides convenience and consistent flavor year round
  • Unsweetened plant based yogurt: adds creaminess and probiotics
  • Unsweetened soy milk: offers protein and silky texture
  • Freeze dried strawberries: intensifies the strawberry flavor dramatically
  • Maple syrup: natural sweetener that complements the berries perfectly
  • Vanilla extract: enhances the dessert quality of this breakfast
  • Chia seeds: the magic ingredient that creates the pudding consistency

For the Almond Date Crumble

  • Blanched almonds: provides the perfect crunch and healthy fats
  • Medjool dates: natural sweetener that helps bind the crumble
  • Rolled oats: adds hearty texture and fiber
  • Coconut flakes: brings tropical notes and additional crunch
  • Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blend the Strawberry Base:
Combine strawberries, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, freeze dried strawberries, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in your blender. Process until completely smooth making sure to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. The freeze dried strawberries will intensify the berry flavor while the yogurt creates creaminess.
Create the Chia Mixture:
Place chia seeds in a large storage container and pour the blended strawberry milk over them. Whisk thoroughly to incorporate the seeds evenly throughout the liquid. This initial mixing is crucial for preventing clumps later.
Allow Initial Setting:
Cover the mixture and let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature. This brief waiting period allows the chia seeds to begin absorbing the liquid which makes it easier to break up any clumps that start to form.
Second Whisking:
Uncover and whisk the mixture again focusing on breaking apart any clumps that have formed. This second whisking is essential for achieving a smooth consistent pudding texture without annoying seed clumps.
Complete Setting:
Cover the container again and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. The chia seeds will continue expanding and absorbing liquid creating a thick pudding like consistency.
Prepare the Crumble:
Add almonds, oats, coconut, dates, and a pinch of salt to a mini food processor. Pulse until the mixture reaches your desired crumble consistency. Avoid over processing as you want to maintain some texture.
Layer and Serve:
In serving glasses or containers, add a spoonful of the crumble mixture at the bottom. Spoon the set chia pudding on top and finish with another layer of crumble. For extra appeal, add fresh strawberry slices on top.
Two glasses of strawberry milk with granola. Pin it
Two glasses of strawberry milk with granola. | gracefulflavors.com

The freeze dried strawberries are my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their flavor boosting power accidentally when I was low on fresh berries. They concentrate the strawberry flavor in a way that fresh or even frozen berries alone cannot match creating that authentic berry crumble flavor profile that makes this breakfast so special.

Texture Perfection

The key to perfect chia pudding texture lies in the liquid to chia ratio. If your pudding sets too firm simply add a splash of milk before serving to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if your pudding seems too thin add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds, stir, and allow to set for another 30 minutes. The pudding will continue to thicken slightly over time so keep this in mind when preparing in advance.

Flavor Variations

This versatile recipe works beautifully with other berry combinations. Try substituting blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for the strawberries. Each variation offers its own unique flavor profile while maintaining the nostalgic dessert quality. For a tropical twist replace strawberries with mango and add a quarter teaspoon of ground cardamom to the blend. The basic formula remains the same but allows for endless seasonal adaptations.

Make It More Substantial

Transform this chia pudding into a complete meal by adding layers of additional toppings. Consider incorporating sliced bananas, hemp seeds, a spoonful of nut butter, or even a sprinkle of granola for added texture and satiety. For post workout recovery, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the initial blend. These additions increase the nutritional profile while maintaining the delicious dessert like quality that makes this breakfast so appealing.

Two glasses of yogurt with granola and strawberries. Pin it
Two glasses of yogurt with granola and strawberries. | gracefulflavors.com

Storage Guidelines

The chia pudding portion will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in airtight containers. Store the crumble separately in a dry container at room temperature where it will maintain its crunch for up to a week. For the best texture experience, assemble the components just before eating. If you need to prep completely assembled portions, the crumble will soften slightly but still provide textural contrast to the creamy pudding.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I sweeten the chia pudding?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup, sweetened yogurt, or even a tablespoon of strawberry jam for a stronger berry flavor.

→ How do I avoid clumps in the chia pudding?

Whisk the mixture thoroughly when adding the chia seeds, let it sit for 10 minutes, then whisk again to ensure even absorption of liquid and no clumps.

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh strawberries work well. Blend them into the milk mixture as you would with frozen ones, ensuring a smooth base for your pudding.

→ How can I adjust the consistency of the pudding?

If you prefer a thinner pudding, add a splash of milk when serving and mix to loosen the texture to your desired consistency.

→ What are some topping suggestions for the pudding?

Consider topping with fresh strawberry slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, or extra almond date crumble for added flavor and texture.

→ Can I substitute the almond date crumble?

Yes, you can use granola, crushed nuts, or even cookie crumbs as a topping if you prefer a different texture or flavor.

Strawberry Crumble Chia Pudding

Strawberry chia pudding with almond crumble for a delicious breakfast.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Barbara


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 3 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Strawberry Chia Pudding

01 140 grams frozen strawberries, thawed
02 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
03 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
04 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries
05 2 tbsp maple syrup
06 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 1/3 cup chia seeds

→ Almond Date Crumble

08 1/4 cup blanched almonds
09 2 soft medjool dates
10 2 tbsp rolled oats
11 1 tbsp coconut flakes
12 Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Step 01

To a blender cup, add the strawberries, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, freeze-dried strawberries, coconut, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender cup as needed.

Step 02

To a large storage container, add the chia seeds then pour in the blended strawberry milk. Whisk the mixture together well, cover and let the mixture set for 5 minutes. Whisk again to remove any clumps, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before enjoying.

Step 03

In a mini-food processor, add the almonds, oats, coconut, dates, and a pinch of salt. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a crumbly texture.

Step 04

Layer a spoonful of the crumble in a small cup, then add the chia pudding on top. Top with another spoonful of the crumble mix and extra fresh strawberry slices as desired.

Notes

  1. Sweeten the chia pudding to taste by adjusting the maple syrup quantity as needed.
  2. Avoid clumps by whisking thoroughly at intervals before refrigeration.
  3. If berry flavor is mild, consider mixing in 1-2 tbsp of strawberry jam for a richer taste.
  4. For thinner consistency, add a splash of milk before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender
  • Mini food processor
  • Whisk
  • Storage container

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains almonds
  • Contains coconut

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 232.5
  • Total Fat: 8.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 27.8 g
  • Protein: 6.1 g