Name: Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt; 3 tbsp apple butter; 1 medjool date; 1 tsp yellow miso paste (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cardamom; 1/4 tsp kosher salt or more to taste; 3/4 cup soy milk; 1/3 cup chia seeds; 3 tbsp gluten-free rolled oats; 3 tbsp walnuts or pecans; 2 medjool dates; 2 apples, diced or thinly sliced; 2 tsp maple syrup; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup water; Pinch of salt; Extra apple butter; Maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

I am so thrilled to share this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe with you because it perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall in a breakfast that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. When I first tried blending apple butter, warming spices, and silky chia pudding, I was hooked instantly. It’s creamy, comforting, and has that wonderful crunchy crumble on top that makes every spoonful a delight. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare ahead of time, making busy mornings feel a lot more special.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe

What truly makes this recipe stand out to me is the incredible combination of flavors and textures. The apple butter adds a natural sweetness and rich depth, while the warming notes of cinnamon and cardamom create that nostalgic apple crumble vibe without any fuss. The chia seeds give the pudding a silky thickness with a mild nutty flavor, and the crumble topping—made from oats, nuts, and dates—adds a perfect satisfying crunch. It feels indulgent but is completely plant-based and wholesome.

I also love how easy this recipe is to prepare. The stovetop method for the stewed apples is quick and hands-off, and the chia pudding can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making mornings hassle-free. It feels like treating yourself to an elegant breakfast, but it’s actually incredibly approachable for any day of the week. I often reach for this recipe when I want something nourishing that doubles as a cozy seasonal treat. It’s perfect for family breakfasts, brunch with friends, or even a light dessert after dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five containers with ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with small, black and white chia seeds. To the top right of the bowl is a clear glass pitcher with light cream-colored liquid. Below the pitcher is a red and yellow apple with a shiny skin. To the top left of the chia seeds, there is a white bowl containing a reddish-brown paste with smooth texture. Below this bowl, there is a smaller white bowl holding three spices with different shades – one orange, one beige, and one white grainy powder. The arrangement is simple and neatly spaced. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe are refreshingly simple yet carefully chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine. Each one plays a special role—from the creamy plant-based yogurt to the fiber-packed chia seeds and spiced stewed apples.

Unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt: Provides creaminess and tanginess while keeping the dish vegan and light.
Apple butter: Adds natural sweetness and deep apple flavor, which is key to that crumble character.
Medjool dates: Used as a natural sweetener and to bind the crumble ingredients together.
Yellow miso paste (optional): Introduces an umami depth that balances the sweetness, making it richer.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the pudding with a warm, aromatic note.
Cinnamon and cardamom: Classic warming spices that bring out the cozy autumn vibe.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Soy milk: Keeps the pudding creamy and dairy-free.
Chia seeds: The star that thickens the pudding and provides a satisfying texture.
Gluten-free rolled oats: Key to the crumbly topping that adds crunch and oats’ natural sweetness.
Walnuts or pecans: Adds heartiness and a toasty flavor to the crumble.
Apples: Fresh diced apples for stewing, adding warmth and a soft, tender bite after cooking.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that enhances the stewed apples and crumble.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the yogurt, apple butter, medjool date, yellow miso paste if using, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, kosher salt, and soy milk in a blender. Blend everything on high speed until you get a super smooth, creamy mixture with no lumps. This blend is the base of your chia pudding, so make sure it’s thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Pour this blended mixture over the chia seeds in a large bowl or storage container. Whisk well right after adding the milk to prevent clumping. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to begin absorbing the liquid, then whisk again to break up any clumps. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally overnight, so the pudding thickens to that perfect luscious texture.

Step 3: While the pudding chills, prepare the crumble. Add the gluten-free rolled oats, walnuts or pecans, medjool dates, and a pinch of salt to a mini food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some small clusters. Be careful not to over-process—you want a crumbly texture, not a paste.

Step 4: For the stewed apples, heat a skillet or sauté pan to medium-low heat. Add the diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, 1/4 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine and cook gently. Keep the heat low enough so the apples soften without burning. Stir occasionally and add a little more water if the mixture starts sticking. Cook the apples for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender but still holding their shape and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 5: To assemble your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe, divide the pudding evenly between 3 jars or serving glasses. Spoon the warm stewed apples on top of each pudding layer, then sprinkle generously with the crumble. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of apple butter and a small drizzle of maple syrup on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 3 generous servings, making it perfect for a small family or meal prep for a few days. The prep time is around 20 minutes, mainly for blending and assembling your ingredients. The stovetop stewed apples cook quickly in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the chia pudding needs at least 1 hour to set in the fridge, so factoring in that chilling time, the total time comes to roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s perfect to prepare the night before or earlier in the day to enjoy a hassle-free breakfast later.

How to Serve This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe

A clear glass cup holds a creamy chia seed pudding base with a soft grayish texture speckled with black chia seeds. On top, there is a layer of thin, soft apple slices with a warm light brown color, covered by a crumbly brown nut mixture sprinkled all over. A shiny golden spoon is placed inside the cup on the right side. The cup sits on a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When serving this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe, I love to keep things cozy and inviting. It’s perfect just as it is, but adding a few simple accompaniments can really elevate the experience. A spoonful of extra apple butter on top adds richness and a more intense apple flavor. You could also sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or extra chopped nuts for a little more texture.

For presentation, serving the pudding in small glass jars or decorative ramekins makes it feel special, especially if you’re entertaining guests or preparing breakfast for a family brunch. I like to garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a small fresh apple slice to make it visually appealing. Serving chilled is my favorite – it feels refreshing but also comforting with the warm spiced apples.

Pair this pudding with a cup of hot chai tea, spiced coffee, or even a mildly sweet sparkling apple cider. It also works beautifully as a fruit-forward dessert after a casual dinner or during holiday gatherings. I find it’s best enjoyed in smaller portions of about 1/3 to 1/2 cup if serving as dessert, but feel free to customize based on your appetite.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe is how flexible it is. If you’re not a fan of soy milk, it’s easy to swap in almond, oat, or coconut milk instead, each adding their subtle nuance to the flavor. You can also switch out the apple butter for a compote of your favorite fruit like pear or peach if you want to mix things up seasonally. For the crumble topping, replacing walnuts with pecans or even pumpkin seeds adds interesting textures and depths of taste.

For dietary preferences, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. If you want a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the amount of dates or maple syrup or replace them with a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener to maintain sweetness without the calories. To give the pudding a creamier and richer mouthfeel, I sometimes add a tablespoon of almond or cashew butter into the blender mix.

For a warm twist, instead of serving the pudding chilled, you can gently heat the chia pudding after it’s set for a comforting warm breakfast. Just be careful to warm it slowly in a saucepan over low heat to avoid clumping. This variation is something I love especially during colder months when a warm breakfast feels like a hug in a bowl.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe, I recommend storing it in airtight containers or glass jars with lids to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. The pudding itself will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while the crumble topping is best kept separate if possible to maintain its crunch.

Freezing

Freezing chia pudding can be a little tricky because the texture alters slightly upon thawing. While you can freeze the pudding portion alone in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, I don’t recommend freezing the stewed apples or crumble as the texture won’t hold up as well. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving to restore some of the creaminess.

Reheating

If you prefer your chia pudding warm, gently reheat individual servings on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid clumping or scorching. The stewed apples reheat beautifully in a small pan, and I usually add a splash of water if they seem dry. Avoid reheating the crumble; sprinkle it on after warming to keep that satisfying crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe is designed to be vegan by using plant-based milk, you can substitute with regular dairy milk if you prefer. The flavor and texture will remain delicious, though using soy or almond milk keeps it lighter and suits those following a vegan diet.

Is it necessary to use yellow miso paste in the pudding?

Yellow miso paste is optional, but I highly recommend it if you want an extra layer of umami that balances the sweetness beautifully. It adds richness without being overpowering. If you can’t find it, you can simply omit it, and the pudding will still taste fantastic.

How long can I prepare the pudding before serving?

This pudding needs at least 1 hour chilling time to thicken properly, but I often make it the night before, which lets the flavors meld and the chia seeds soak perfectly. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.

Can I make the crumble topping nut-free?

Yes! If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free option, you can swap the walnuts or pecans for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Toasting them lightly before pulsing into crumbs will add a wonderful depth of flavor and crunch.

What is the best way to sweeten the recipe if I want to reduce sugar?

You can reduce the number of dates or lick off the maple syrup drizzle and replace sweeteners with natural alternatives like liquid stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. Keep in mind that the apple butter contributes natural sweetness too, so adjusting gradually helps maintain balance.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll give this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe a try soon. It’s become one of my favorite ways to start the day when I want something cozy, wholesome, and a little bit special. The blend of sweet apple butter, comforting spices, and the satisfying crunch of the crumble always brings a smile to my face, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much. Enjoy this lovely balance of flavors and textures any time you need a nourishing treat that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.