Are you looking for a healthy breakfast recipe? Try our First Watch Chia Pudding Copycat Recipe, the A.M Superfoods Bowl, inspired by the popular restaurant First Watch. This nutritious breakfast is a blend of plump chia seeds soaked in rich coconut milk, sweetened with maple syrup, and topped with lush berry compote, crunchy granola, and fresh berries. Two minutes of prep, refrigerate for 2 hours, add your toppings, and enjoy!
This chia seed pudding recipe is an easy meal prep and tastes just as amazing as the restaurant favorite.
And if you love First Watch, try our copycat Kale Tonic recipe. If you love superfood bowls, try our Hawaiian Acai Bowl or Nekter Acai Peanut Butter Bowl! For another easy breakfast, we have Starbucks Egg White Bites.
Before getting started, I believe in the power of setting healthy intentions. Take a moment to align your thoughts for a mindful eating experience. Check out our free guide on setting intentions and using affirmations.
⚡ Quick Look: First Watch Chia Pudding Copycat
- 🎨 Flavor Profile: Creamy coconut milk chia pudding layered with berry compote, granola crunch, and fresh banana & berries
- 🔥 Method: Mix chia seeds, coconut milk, and maple syrup, chill until set, then top with granola and fruit
- ⏱️ Prep Time: ~2 minutes (plus chilling for 2 hours)
- 🍽️ Yield: 2 bowls
- 🌿 Skill Level: Easy
- 🔢 Calories: Approximately 221 cal per serving
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Chia seeds, unsweetened coconut milk, pure maple syrup, berry compote, granola, fresh banana, and mixed berries
- 🌞 Best Time to Enjoy: Breakfast, brunch, or a nutrient-dense snack
- 🎯 Main Benefits: Gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants for a good-for-you satisfying meal
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💛 Why You'll Love It
- Inspired by the popular First Watch chia pudding, make your favorite recipe at home!
- Made with clean, whole-food ingredients and no refined sugar
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect for a balanced breakfast or snack
- Packed with omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants to keep you full and energized
- Easy to prep ahead - ideal for meal prep or grab-and-go mornings
- Delicious layers of coconut milk chia pudding, berry compote, and granola for texture and flavor in every bite
Ingredients
Chia Seeds: These tiny yet mighty seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of fiber, crucial for heart health and maintaining blood sugar levels. Opt for organic black chia seeds.
Coconut Milk: This creamy liquid is packed with rich flavor and healthy fats. Organic is best. You can use fresh, organic coconut milk in a carton or canned coconut milk. Check out our article Coconut Milk in a Can vs Carton.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener, maple syrup adds a delightful touch to the pudding without spiking your blood sugar levels as quickly as sugar, in small amounts. It's best to use pure, organic maple syrup for its natural flavor and health benefits. To avoid sugar spikes altogether, consider using monk fruit sweetener!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of chia pudding lies in its versatility. Here are some easy-to-follow ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Chocolate: For a chocolate chia seed pudding, mix in cacao powder (cocoa powder). Adding chocolate chips can also enhance the flavor.
- Texture Variations: For a thicker pudding, use less liquid. If you prefer a lighter texture, simply add a bit more milk.
- Extra Toppings: Coconut flakes are a great addition to texture. Try some almond slices or walnuts in addition to or in place of the granola! Switch up the fruit to your favorite fruit! This is so versatile.
- Overnight Option: This recipe is perfect as an overnight chia pudding. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free, nutritious, and quick breakfast the next morning.
How to Make First Watch Chia Pudding
Step 1: Begin by combining the chia seeds with coconut milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mix the seeds thoroughly with the milk. This initial mixing helps to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Step 2: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then revisit it for another stir. This step helps create a pudding-like texture as the chia seeds swell and absorb the liquid. Before chilling, do a taste test and add more sweetener if desired. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
Step 3: Once the chia pudding has set, transfer it to your bowl. Gently layer it with your choice of berry compote or natural berry preserves. We suggest using a silicone brush!
Step 4: Carefully spoon your granola and fresh fruit onto the top of the chia pudding and jam, layering them for visual appeal and desired consistency.
Hint: Before refrigerating the chia pudding, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. For a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative, we prefer using beeswax wrap.
Expert tip
To ensure the perfect texture for your chia pudding, remember to give it another stir about 5 minutes after the initial mix. This step helps prevent clumping and achieve a smooth consistency.
Also, a practical note: Chia seeds can stick like glue to utensils and dishes, so it's best to rinse them immediately after use. This simple habit will save you time and effort in cleaning up.
First Watch Chia Pudding FAQ's
Chia pudding can be beneficial for gut health due to its high fiber content. The fiber in chia seeds helps promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract. It also supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding in overall digestive health.
There are a couple of reasons why chia pudding might not set properly. The most common reason is the ratio of liquid to chia seeds. If there's too much liquid, the pudding will be too runny. Ensure you're using the correct proportions - typically about ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid. Also, giving the mixture sufficient time to set, usually a few hours or overnight, is essential.
Chia seeds can be a helpful addition to a weight loss diet due to their fiber content, which can keep you feeling fuller for longer and reduce appetite. However, they are not a magic solution for losing belly fat. Healthy weight loss involves a balanced diet and regular exercise. Chia seeds can be part of this balanced diet.
Yes, it's generally safe to eat chia seeds every day as part of a balanced diet. They are a nutritious source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and several essential minerals. However, as with any food, moderation is key. Due to their high fiber content, overconsumption may lead to digestive issues for some people.
Always discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about adding new foods to your diet.
Pairing
At First Watch, the A.M. Superfoods bowl is served with a slice of whole grain artisan toast topped with luxurious Almond Butter- which is also our favorite! You can use any nut butter, like cashew butter or peanut butter, if you'd like, or eat this chia pudding alone!
More About Chia
Looking for other healthy recipes and tips? Try these:
Love our First Watch Chia Pudding Recipe? Give it a 🌟rating and let us know how it went in the comments below! Don't want to miss another recipe? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
Recipe
First Watch Chia Pudding Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Bowl
- spoon
- Silicone Brush
- cutting board
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup organic coconut milk unsweetened
- 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Toppings:
- Organic granola organic or homemade
- Berry compote or natural berry preserves
- Fresh fruits sliced banana, strawberries, and blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Chia Pudding: In a bowl, combine chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
- Prepare the Chia Pudding: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Add the Berry Compote or Preserves: Spoon the chilled chia pudding into a bowl and top with berry compote or preserves.
- Add Granola and Fresh Fruit: Follow with a layer of granola and arrange the fresh fruit on top.
Video
Notes
- The nutrition facts are calculated using organic coconut milk in a carton.
- If using coconut milk from a can, the fat content and calories will increase. These are "healthy fats" that give a creamy texture.
Kelli says
Could the Chia pudding be made with almond milk or soy milk?
Natalie Perry says
absolutely!
Lisa Fischer says
This is the best chia pudding recipe I've tried. Thank you so much!
Natalie Perry says
Glad you liked it. You are quite welcome!
dalya rubin says
I've never made chia pudding with coconut milk before-- this is a must try for me since I LOVE chia pudding!
Natalie Perry says
It is so good!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love chia seed pudding but I've never considered maple before - what a delicious idea! I ate the whole recipe by myself!! This is a definite keeper!
Natalie Perry says
Maple is one of my favorite natural sweeteners!
Andréa says
This looks like a bowl of all good things that come together. A wonderful start to each morning. Yes please!
Natalie Perry says
🙂
Nora says
This sounds like the perfect start to the day! Will try it out soon! Thanks!
Natalie Perry says
It's super easy, too!
DK says
Love this recipe, as a big fan of chia seeds! Especially with the combination of coconut milk - this dish is smooth and creamy!
Natalie Perry says
Glad you like it 🙂
Nicole NK says
I love a good Chia pudding, and this one did not disappoint. Will be adding this into my rotation.
Natalie Perry says
Wonderful!