Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a delightful, nourishing treat that feels like dessert but fuels your body, you have to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding. It’s the perfect harmony of creamy, fruity, and subtly sweet flavors wrapped up in a luscious texture that’s both fun to eat and incredibly satisfying. Each spoonful brings the fresh burst of strawberries mingling with the tangy cream cheese and the mysterious charm of chia seeds soaking up all that goodness. It’s a simple recipe that feels like a little celebration in a bowl, ideal for breakfast, snack time, or even a guilt-free dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but play crucial roles in making your Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding shine. From the wholesome chia seeds that create that perfect pudding texture, to the fresh strawberries adding vibrant color and flavor, every element matters.
- Chia seeds (3 tablespoons): The star ingredient that absorbs liquid to create a creamy, pudding-like consistency packed with fiber.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness, a pop of color, and plenty of antioxidants.
- Cream cheese (4 tablespoons, room temperature): Gives the pudding its signature cheesecake richness and tangy flavor.
- Milk (1 cup): Choose almond, coconut, or regular milk to customize the creaminess and flavor profile.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the pudding naturally and balances the tartness of strawberries and cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by measuring 3 tablespoons of chia seeds into a mixing bowl or any jar with a lid. Next, wash the fresh strawberries, hull them, and chop into small pieces to release their juicy, vibrant flavor seamlessly into the pudding.
Step 2: Combine Cream Cheese and Milk
Add 4 tablespoons of room-temperature cream cheese to the chia seeds, then pour in 1 cup of your chosen milk. This combination instantly brings a creamy, cheesecake-like base to the pudding while keeping it light and luscious.
Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor
Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These add a gentle, natural sweetness and aromatic depth, making the pudding taste like an indulgent treat without any artificial flair.
Step 4: Mix Everything Thoroughly
Whisk or stir the mixture vigorously to ensure the chia seeds are evenly dispersed and the cream cheese is fully incorporated without lumps. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping—this step is essential for achieving that smooth, pudding-perfect texture.
Step 5: Refrigerate and Wait
Cover your bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the chia seeds to soak up the liquid and flavor, transforming the mixture into the rich, velvety Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding you’re craving.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding

Garnishes
Topping your Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers instantly evokes that classic cheesecake vibe. Alternatively, a few toasted almonds or a drizzle of honey add delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs beautifully with a light green salad or a handful of crunchy granola on the side, adding contrasting textures and making your snack or brunch feel perfectly balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pudding layered in a transparent glass with alternating strawberry slices and a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy parfait effect. You can also freeze portions in silicone molds for refreshing toddler-friendly frozen treats that keep the Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding magic alive even on hot days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding will keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain its thick, creamy texture and fresh strawberry flavor for quick grab-and-go snacks.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for chia seed pudding due to texture changes, you can freeze fruit-only components like your strawberries separately and add them fresh when serving to retain that perfect consistency.
Reheating
This pudding is best enjoyed chilled. Reheating isn’t necessary and may affect the texture negatively. Just give it a good stir before serving if it has settled too thick in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this pudding?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the strawberries before mixing them in so your pudding doesn’t become too watery.
Is this pudding suitable for vegans?
Yes! Simply use plant-based cream cheese and your favorite dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk along with maple syrup for sweetness to keep it entirely vegan.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
You can swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a lighter option, though it will alter the cheesecake flavor slightly but still keep it delicious.
How long does it take for chia seeds to thicken the pudding?
Chia seeds generally need at least 4 hours to fully absorb the liquid, but chilling overnight is best for that perfect pudding consistency.
Can I make the pudding without sweetener?
Yes, but keep in mind the sweetness balances the tartness of the cream cheese and strawberries. You might want to add naturally sweet fruits if skipping honey or syrup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a wonderfully simple yet decadent treat, this Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding is just the answer. It’s a beautiful mix of textures and flavors that elevates the humble chia seed pudding to new heights. I honestly can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, it might just become a regular feature in your kitchen routine.
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
This Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding is a creamy, nutritious dessert or breakfast option that combines the rich flavor of cheesecake with the health benefits of chia seeds and fresh strawberries. Perfect for a make-ahead treat, this pudding is naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and can be made dairy or plant-based depending on your milk choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-cook, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Seeds and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 4 tablespoons of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup of milk (almond milk, coconut milk, or regular milk)
Fruits and Sweeteners
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Chia Seeds: Measure 3 tablespoons of chia seeds and place them in a mixing bowl or jar suitable for refrigeration.
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull 1 cup of fresh strawberries, then chop them into small pieces for even texture and flavor distribution.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add 4 tablespoons of cream cheese at room temperature to the chia seeds to create the creamy cheesecake base.
- Pour Milk: Pour in 1 cup of your choice of milk, such as almond, coconut, or regular milk, to hydrate the chia seeds and blend the mixture.
- Add Sweetener: Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the pudding naturally, adjusting sweetness to preference.
- Flavor Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the cheesecake flavor profile.
- Initial Mix: Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and the cream cheese is fully incorporated, giving a smooth consistency.
- Rest and Stir: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow chia seeds to start absorbing liquid, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Chill: Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to thicken and develop flavors fully.
Notes
- Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese depending on dietary preferences.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup and plant-based cream cheese.
- Strawberries can be replaced with other fresh berries if preferred.
- Adjust sweetener quantity to taste or omit if using very sweet milk alternatives.
- Stirring after a few minutes prevents chia seeds from clumping together.
- Chia pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pudding (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: chia seed pudding, strawberry cheesecake pudding, healthy dessert, make-ahead breakfast, vegan option, dairy-free, gluten-free