By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 24, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 199votes
Creamy, bright, and naturally sweet, Strawberry Chia Pudding Jars are the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but fuels your day like a powerhouse. Made with simple ingredients and zero cooking, these jars are perfect for busy mornings, healthy snacking, or a light dessert that still feels special.
If you love make ahead breakfasts that look beautiful and taste even better, this is the recipe you will keep on repeat.
Table of Contents
About This Recipe
What It Is
Strawberry chia pudding jars are layered mason jars filled with vanilla chia pudding and fresh strawberry puree. The chia seeds absorb liquid overnight, creating a thick, creamy texture similar to tapioca or pudding.
Why It Works
Chia seeds naturally gel without heat, strawberries add natural sweetness and color, and layering keeps everything visually stunning and texturally interesting.
When To Make It
Perfect for meal prep Sundays, grab and go breakfasts, post workout snacks, or warm weather desserts when you want something cool and refreshing.
Print
Strawberry Chia Pudding Jars
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 jars
Description
Creamy Strawberry Chia Pudding Jars made with fresh strawberries, chia seeds, and vanilla. A no-cook, make-ahead breakfast or snack that meal preps beautifully in individual jars.
Ingredients
Chia seeds: 1/4 cup (40 g)
Milk of choice: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
Strawberries, hulled: 1 1/2 cups (225 g)
Maple syrup or honey: 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml), to taste
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (5 ml)
Fine salt: 1 pinch
Optional toppings
Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (120 g)
Granola: 1/2 cup (50 g)
Sliced strawberries: 1/2 cup (75 g)
Sliced almonds: 2 tbsp (18 g)
Instructions
1. Make the strawberry layer: Blend the strawberries until smooth. Taste and sweeten with a little of the maple syrup or honey if your berries need it.
2. Mix the chia base: In a medium bowl, whisk milk, chia seeds, remaining maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
3. Rest and whisk again: Let sit 10 minutes, then whisk very well again to prevent clumps.
4. Assemble the jars: Spoon chia mixture into 4 jars, add a layer of strawberry puree, then repeat layers until full.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, until thick and spoonable.
6. Serve: Add toppings right before eating for the best crunch and freshness.
Notes
Whisking twice is the secret to smooth chia pudding.
If your pudding is too thin after chilling, stir in 1 tbsp (10 g) extra chia seeds and chill 1 to 2 more hours.
If it is too thick, stir in 1 to 3 tbsp (15 to 45 ml) milk to loosen.
Frozen strawberries work great: thaw first and drain excess liquid for a thicker puree.
Store covered in the fridge up to 5 days. Best enjoyed cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Why You’ll Love It
- Naturally sweet with no refined sugar required
- No cook and beginner friendly
- Perfect for meal prep and busy mornings
- Rich in fiber, omega 3s, and antioxidants
- Beautiful enough for brunch but easy enough for weekdays
Key Ingredients & Notes
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are the star of this recipe. They absorb up to ten times their weight in liquid, creating a thick pudding texture. Use fresh chia seeds for best gelling power.
Milk
Any milk works here. Dairy milk makes it richer, while almond or oat milk keeps it lighter. Coconut milk adds dessert vibes.
Strawberries
Fresh strawberries give the brightest flavor, but frozen strawberries work beautifully once thawed. Blend smooth or mash for texture.
Sweetener
Maple syrup keeps things vegan and smooth. Honey works well too. Adjust sweetness based on your strawberries.
Vanilla & Salt
Vanilla adds warmth while a pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Chia Pudding Jars
Step 1: Make The Strawberry Layer
Add strawberries to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add one tablespoon of sweetener if needed. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix The Chia Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
Step 3: Rest & Whisk Again
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then whisk again thoroughly. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth pudding.
Step 4: Assemble The Jars
Spoon chia pudding into jars, then add a layer of strawberry puree. Repeat layers until jars are filled.
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until thick and spoonable.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always whisk twice to avoid chia clumps
- Use wide mouth jars for easier layering
- Taste strawberries before sweetening
- Let chill overnight for the creamiest texture
- Stir gently before eating if layers settle
- Add toppings just before serving for crunch
Variations & Substitutions
- High Protein: Add Greek yogurt or protein powder to the chia layer
- Dairy Free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk
- Extra Creamy: Replace half the milk with coconut milk
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add cocoa powder to the chia base
- Berry Mix: Swap half the strawberries with raspberries
If you love no bake healthy treats like this, you might also enjoy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups (Fresh & Creamy) or 3 Ingredient Strawberry Yogurt Cups (Healthy & Quick) for easy meal prep inspiration.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve chilled straight from the jar. Add fresh strawberries, sliced almonds, coconut flakes, or granola on top.
Refrigeration
Store sealed jars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Not recommended as chia pudding texture changes once thawed.
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold.
Conclusion
Strawberry Chia Pudding Jars are proof that healthy food can be beautiful, simple, and crave worthy. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or serving brunch guests, these jars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
If you loved this recipe, leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your jar creations. Tag your photos and do not forget to subscribe to the newsletter for more healthy no bake recipes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before blending for best texture.
Why is my chia pudding runny?
It needs more time or more chia seeds. Always allow at least 4 hours to set.
Can I blend the chia pudding?
You can, but whisking keeps the texture more traditional and layered.
Is chia pudding healthy?
Yes. Chia seeds are high in fiber, omega 3s, and plant protein. According to Healthline, they support digestion and heart health.
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely. It is naturally sweet, soft textured, and very kid friendly.
