Pumpkin puree does not have to end up in pie, muffins, or another baked fall recipe. Mixing it with chia seeds, almond milk, pumpkin spice, and vanilla turns it into a thick pudding that can work as breakfast without turning on the oven.
Chia seeds handle the thickening instead of flour or cornstarch. Once they absorb liquid and sit for 15 to 20 minutes, the mixture develops a thicker texture that can be layered with coconut yogurt and finished with cinnamon. Pumpkin puree also means most of the fall flavor is already in place. Pumpkin pie spice and vanilla build on it, while your choice of sweetener determines how far the pudding leans toward breakfast or dessert.
Mix the Pumpkin Base Before Adding Chia Seeds
Start by whisking pumpkin puree with almond milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and your preferred sweetener. The original recipe uses monk fruit but also allows granulated sugar or maple syrup as alternatives.
Mix until the pumpkin is distributed through the almond milk and no dense pockets of puree remain. Add the chia seeds after the base has been combined, then stir again so the seeds do not remain concentrated in one part of the bowl.
White chia seeds are used in the original version, but black chia seeds can take their place. The darker seeds will be more visible against the orange pumpkin mixture, but they perform the same thickening role.
Give the Chia Seeds 15 to 20 Minutes
Resting is what takes the mixture from pumpkin and almond milk to pudding. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes after adding the chia seeds, giving them time to absorb liquid and develop the gel-like coating responsible for the thicker consistency.
Check the pudding after the resting period and stir it again before serving. The finished mixture should be thick enough to spoon into a bowl or glass rather than pour like a drink.
For a layered version, alternate the pumpkin chia mixture with coconut yogurt. Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt can replace coconut yogurt if dairy is not a concern.
Finish the Pumpkin Pudding With Yogurt and Cinnamon
Spoon another layer of yogurt over the top and add a dusting of cinnamon before serving. Keeping the yogurt separate rather than blending it into the pumpkin creates a contrast between the spiced pumpkin mixture and the creamy topping.
The same combination can serve as a fall breakfast or a simple dessert. Instead of using pumpkin puree as the start of another baked recipe, chia seeds turn it into something you can eat with a spoon after about 20 minutes of thickening time.
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