Description
These No-Bake Chia Pudding Bars are a nutritious and delicious treat that combines creamy chia pudding with a crunchy oat base. Ideal for a quick breakfast or healthy snack, they are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Rich in fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, these bars will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day. Enjoy them as a wholesome option that’s perfect for on-the-go lifestyles!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup chia seeds
- 4 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey for a non-vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter you prefer)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- Fresh fruits for topping (like berries or banana slices)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to ensure that the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, give it another good stir to break up any clumps that may have formed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time.
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, and shredded coconut. If you’re using chocolate chips, you can add them at this stage as well.
- Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish.
- Once the chia pudding has thickened, remove it from the refrigerator. Give it a good stir to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
- Pour the chia pudding over the pressed oat base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Add fresh fruits on top of the chia pudding layer if desired.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid and return it to the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chia pudding is fully set and the bars are firm.
- After the bars have chilled and set, lift the entire block out of the baking dish using the overhanging parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the block into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
- Serve the bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the bars to your liking! You can swap out the almond butter for peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies.
- If you want to add some crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds into the oat base. Walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds can add a delightful texture.
- For a chocolatey twist, you can mix cocoa powder into the chia pudding before it sets. This will give your bars a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a bit of powdered sugar to the oat base. Just be mindful of the overall sweetness, as the chia pudding is already sweetened.
- For a tropical version, try adding diced pineapple or mango on top of the chia pudding. You can also use coconut milk instead of almond milk for a richer flavor.
- If you want to make these bars more filling, consider adding protein powder to the chia pudding or the oat base. This is a great way to boost the nutritional value, especially if you’re using them as a post-workout snack.
- Lastly, if you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step for the chia pudding and simply mix it all together. The bars will still taste great, but the texture may be a bit different.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes