Name: Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds; 1 Cup Oat Milk; Zest of 1 Lemon; 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup; 1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt; 1 Cup Raw Cashews (soaked for one hour in hot water and drained); 1/2 Cup Oat Milk; 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup; 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice; 1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric (for color); 1/2 Teaspoon Lemon Extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a refreshing, wholesome treat that feels like a bright, sunny morning in a jar, the Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dessert blends the natural creaminess of oat milk with zesty lemon flavors and the hearty texture of chia seeds, creating a perfectly balanced pudding that’s both nourishing and indulgent. With its vibrant yellow hue from turmeric and the luscious cream layer made from soaked cashews, every spoonful offers a refreshing, silky experience that’s naturally sweetened and irresistibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a base layer of light brown liquid. On top, there are scattered black chia seeds forming a textured layer. A dollop of white creamy yogurt lies partially in the center, topped by bright yellow lemon zest, creating a rough, vibrant layer. A woman's hand holds a clear glass measuring cup pouring a thin stream of white liquid over the ingredients, blending softly at the center. The scene is simple with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work in harmony to deliver a luscious texture, fresh citrus brightness, and gentle sweetness. Each component enhances taste, texture, or color, making the final pudding a complete sensory delight.

Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses absorb liquid and create the perfect pudding texture while adding fiber and nutrients.
Oat Milk: Used twice and naturally creamy, it provides a mild, slightly sweet base without overpowering the lemon flavor.
Zest of 1 Lemon: Bursting with citrus aroma, it adds a fresh, bright zing to the pudding.
Maple Syrup: Used as a natural sweetener, it enhances the flavor depth with its rich, caramel notes.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of warmth that balances the tartness beautifully.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch to amplify the other flavors and cut through sweetness.
Raw Cashews: Soaked for creaminess, they blend into a silky lemon cream layer that elevates the pudding’s richness.
Lemon Juice: For that extra punch of citrus tang in the cream layer.
Turmeric: A tiny dash treasured for its vibrant golden color and mild earthy undertone.
Lemon Extract: Intensifies the lemony profile with an authentic, concentrated burst.

How to Make Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chia Pudding Base

Start by mixing the chia seeds, oat milk, lemon zest, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly for about a minute to break up clumps and ensure every seed is evenly coated. This step is key for getting that luxurious pudding texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Let the Chia Mixture Set

Transfer your chia pudding mixture to the fridge and let it rest for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This waiting game allows the seeds to swell up and form the gelatinous texture that’s so satisfying to eat.

Step 3: Soak the Raw Cashews

While your chia pudding is setting, soak your raw cashews in hot water for about an hour to soften them. This soaking process is what lets cashews blend into an incredibly smooth and creamy lemon cream layer without any dairy.

Step 4: Blend the Lemon Cream Layer

Drain the cashews, then combine them with oat milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, turmeric, and lemon extract in a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the mixture is silky smooth and evenly colored, with no lumps. This creamy layer adds richness and a beautiful pop of color that complements the chia base perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the Pudding

Divide the set chia pudding evenly into four small jars or bowls. Carefully pour the luscious lemon cream mixture on top of each chia layer, creating a delightful two-tone effect that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Step 6: Refrigerate Before Serving

Pop the jars back into the refrigerator and chill for another 3 hours to allow the lemon cream layer to firm up just right. This final chilling melds the flavors together, making every mouthful a creamy, tangy delight.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe

Three glass jars each have two layers and sit on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is pale with many small black chia seeds, giving it a speckled texture. The top layer is smooth and creamy, a light yellow color that looks soft and thick. Each jar is topped with a thin lemon slice placed vertically on the creamy layer. Around the jars, there are several lemon slices and whole lemons in the background, adding bright yellow color. A spoon on the surface shows some orange-colored powder scattered nearby. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For extra flair and texture, top your Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or a few chopped pistachios. These simple additions add a refreshing crunch and vibrant colors that make each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs wonderfully with light, fruity breakfasts like a mixed fruit salad or a side of tropical sliced mango. It also works as a wholesome dessert after a light meal, balancing indulgence with healthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the jar by layering your pudding in elegant glasses, creating a parfait look with alternating layers of lemon cream and chia pudding. For a fun twist, serve in edible citrus cups by hollowing out lemons or limes. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests and celebrate the zesty flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of the Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the pudding’s texture and freshness.

Freezing

While the chia pudding itself freezes well, the creamy lemon layer may separate after freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze only the chia portion and add the lemon cream fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

This pudding is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it a bit warmer, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes; avoid microwaving as it could alter the texture of the chia seeds and cashew cream.

FAQs

Can I use another milk instead of oat milk?

Absolutely! While oat milk offers a great creamy texture and mild sweetness, almond milk or coconut milk are good alternatives. Just bear in mind they may slightly change the flavor or consistency.

Do I have to soak the cashews?

Yes, soaking is essential to soften the cashews so they blend into that perfectly smooth cream. Skipping this step will result in a grainy lemon cream layer.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for various dietary preferences.

Can I prepare this recipe faster?

The chia pudding requires a few hours to set properly, so it’s best made ahead. However, blending the lemon cream is quick, so you can prepare that while the chia base chills.

How tart is the lemon flavor? Can I adjust it?

The lemon flavor strikes a nice balance of tangy and creamy, but you can easily adjust the lemon juice or zest amount to suit your personal taste.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk Recipe is such a wonderful way to brighten your day with wholesome ingredients that feel indulgent yet nourishing. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert, its zesty creaminess and unique texture will quickly make it a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’re going to love how fresh and satisfying it tastes!