Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk
A bright, creamy, no-cook dessert or breakfast layered with zesty lemon flavor and silky plant-based texture
If you love light, refreshing desserts that feel indulgent but are actually nourishing, Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk is a must-try. This layered recipe combines a naturally thick chia pudding base with a smooth cashew lemon cream that adds richness without dairy. The tangy citrus notes balance the mild sweetness from maple syrup or honey, creating a flavor that feels fresh, clean, and satisfying.
It works beautifully as a make-ahead breakfast, healthy snack, or elegant dessert served in jars or glasses. Since there’s no baking required, it’s also ideal for warm weather or busy schedules. With wholesome ingredients like chia seeds, oat milk, and raw cashews, every spoonful delivers fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based goodness while still tasting like a treat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Soaking & Chilling Time: 2–4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: About 4 hours
Servings: 3–4 jars
Ingredients
Chia Pudding Layer
Chia seeds – ¼ cup (about 60 g)
Oat milk – 1 cup (about 240 ml)
Maple syrup or honey – 2 tablespoons
Lemon zest – zest of 1 lemon
Vanilla extract – ¼ teaspoon
Sea salt – ¼ teaspoon or a small pinch
Lemon Cream Layer
Raw cashews – 1 cup (soaked in hot water for 1 hour, drained)
Oat milk – ½ cup
Maple syrup – 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
Turmeric – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for color)
Lemon extract – ½ teaspoon
Optional Toppings
Fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries work well)
Thin lemon slices or zest curls
Toasted granola or oats
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine oat milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sea salt. Stir well.
Add chia seeds and whisk thoroughly to prevent clumping.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to distribute seeds evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until thick and pudding-like.
While the pudding chills, prepare the lemon cream. Drain soaked cashews and add them to a blender.
Add oat milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon extract, and turmeric if using.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.
Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon flavor according to preference.
Assemble by spooning a layer of chia pudding into jars or glasses, then adding a layer of lemon cream. Repeat layers if desired.
Top with berries, lemon slices, or granola before serving. Chill for another 20–30 minutes for best texture.
Tips
Stir chia pudding twice during the first 10 minutes to avoid clumps.
Use fresh lemons for the best aroma and brightness.
Blend cashew cream longer than you think for ultra-smooth texture.
If your blender struggles, soak cashews longer or overnight.
Adjust sweetness based on how tart your lemons are.
Chill the jars fully before serving to help layers set nicely.
For thicker pudding, add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds.
Use unsweetened oat milk to control overall sweetness.
Add toppings just before serving to keep them crunchy and fresh.
Serve in clear glasses for a visually appealing layered look.
Variations
Add a coconut yogurt layer for extra creaminess.
Replace cashews with silken tofu for a nut-free cream option.
Stir shredded coconut into the chia layer for tropical flavor.
Mix crushed graham crackers between layers for a lemon pie vibe.
Add fresh mango or pineapple chunks for a fruity twist.
Swap maple syrup for date syrup for deeper sweetness.
Blend spinach into the lemon cream for a subtle green smoothie version.
Use almond or soy milk instead of oat milk if preferred.
Add poppy seeds to mimic classic lemon poppy desserts.
Top with toasted almonds or pistachios for crunch.
Q&A
How long does it last?
Up to 3–4 days refrigerated in sealed containers.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing changes texture, so refrigeration is better.
Is it vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I skip soaking cashews?
Only if you have a high-speed blender; otherwise soak them.
Why is my pudding runny?
It likely needs more chilling time or a bit more chia.
Can I make it sweeter?
Yes, add extra maple syrup or a few drops of stevia.
What if I don’t have lemon extract?
Increase zest slightly for stronger lemon flavor.
Is turmeric necessary?
No, it’s just for color.
Can kids eat it?
Yes, it’s naturally nutritious and mild in flavor.
Can I meal prep it?
Definitely. Prepare jars in advance for quick breakfasts.
Nutrition
(Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 7–9 g
Fat: 14–16 g
Carbohydrates: 30–34 g
Fiber: 8–10 g
Sugar: 10–14 g
Values vary based on sweetener and toppings.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Chia Pudding with Oat Milk is proof that healthy food can be both simple and indulgent. The creamy cashew layer paired with tangy lemon and naturally thick chia pudding creates a refreshing balance of flavors and textures. It’s versatile enough for breakfast meal prep, elegant enough for entertaining, and nourishing enough to keep you energized throughout the day. Once you try this bright citrus treat, it’s likely to become a regular part of your make-ahead recipe rotation.