If you’re looking for a cozy fall recipe that also doubles as an easy snack or breakfast for little ones, this pumpkin chia pudding is going to be your new favorite! It’s smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet from pumpkin, vanilla, and cinnamon.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s toddler-approved and baby-friendly! For babies, you can keep it plain or mash in some pear or banana. For toddlers, you can load it up with toppings like diced fruit, hemp hearts, or even a sprinkle of granola for crunch. The pumpkin gives this chia pudding a custard-like texture that’s nourishing and satisfying, without needing added sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chia Pudding
- toddler-approved and baby-friendly (the perfect duo!)
- naturally sweet with no added sugar
- only 5 minutes of prep - the fridge does the work
- creamy, custardy texture from pumpkin + chia
- packed with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamin A
You'd also love my 3-ingredient chia pudding and strawberry cheesecake chia pudding for other fiber-packed snack or breakfast options your toddler + baby would love!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chia Pudding
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your Pumpkin Chia Pudding
- Hint
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How To Serve Pumpkin Chia Pudding To Little Ones
- Equipment
- Storing Your Pumpkin Chia Pudding
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Pumpkin Chia Pudding Toddler Approved (easy, no added sugar)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s what goes into this pumpkin chia pudding toddler recipe:
- milk of choice: the liquid base that also adds protein (depending which milk you use)
- pumpkin purée: adds creaminess, fiber, and vitamin A
- chia seeds: the thickener + source of fiber, omega-3s, and protein
- cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice: the fall cozy flavor
- vanilla extract: adds flavor depth without the added sugar
- optional for toddlers: 1–2 teaspoon maple syrup or mashed banana for extra sweetness
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Pumpkin Chia Pudding
- Step 1: In a bowl or jar, add milk, pumpkin purée, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Step 2: Whisk all together then cover and refrigerate for 2+ hours (or overnight). Stir once after 30 minutes to prevent clumping.
- Step 3: Before serving, stir again. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
- Step 4: Enjoy plain for babies, or add toppings for toddlers.
Hint
Pumpkin naturally thickens chia pudding, so you’ll get that custard-like consistency without needing tons of chia seeds. If you want it even thicker, stir in another ½ tablespoon of chia seeds after it sits for 30 minutes!
Substitutions
This pumpkin chia pudding is already naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free! Just use whichever milk to match your toddler's dietary needs.
- dairy-free: use coconut milk, soy milk, Ripple unsweetened milk, KiKi milk, breast milk or formula
Variations
You can totally add in different mix-ins to this pumpkin chia pudding that your toddler would love! Here are some ideas:
- extra creamy – stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving
- pumpkin pie – add crushed graham crackers and a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt
- added crunch – sprinkle with hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, granola, or crushed graham crackers
- sweeter for older kids – mix in a little maple syrup or top with honey (only for 2+ yo)
- other purées – swap pumpkin for sweet potato or butternut squash for a twist (can even use a veggie pouch!)
See this simple 3-ingredient chia pudding if you don't want a pumpkin flavored version!
How To Serve Pumpkin Chia Pudding To Little Ones
For babies (6–12 months): serve plain or thin with a little extra milk. You can mash in banana or pear for extra flavor!
For toddlers: top with diced fruit, hemp hearts, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter for more texture and nutrients (PS - get them to help create their own chia seed pudding parfait!)
Equipment
The best part about chia pudding is that you don’t need anything fancy:
- mixing bowl or jar with lid – mason jars work perfectly for single-serve portions or I love these small stainless steel snack containers
- whisk or spoon – to mix everything evenly (a quick stir after 30 minutes helps prevent clumping)
- measuring cups and spoons – for consistent ratios every time
That’s it! Super minimal, mom-friendly prep.
Storing Your Pumpkin Chia Pudding
This pumpkin chia pudding toddler recipe is the ultimate make-ahead recipe. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It will naturally thicken as it sits, so just give it a good stir and add a splash of milk before serving if you want it looser. I don’t recommend freezing, since the texture isn’t quite the same once thawed.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
Chia seeds are tiny but mighty for littles! When soaked, they’re soft and easy to eat and they pack in plant-based omega-3s (for brain development), fiber (for digestion), protein, and even iron. Just 1–2 tablespoons a day can give toddlers a powerful nutrient boost in a small, easy-to-eat serving!
FAQ
Yes, as long as the chia is soaked and softened like in this recipe! It’s a great way to introduce healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein.
You can totally blend this up and make it a smooth chia seed pudding instead!
Of course! For toddlers 2+ yo, stir in maple syrup or top with a drizzle of honey if you want to make it a bit sweeter.
Yes! Both pumpkin and chia seeds are high in fiber, which can help support digestion and regularity in little ones.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this pumpkin chia pudding:
Pumpkin Chia Pudding Toddler Approved (easy, no added sugar)
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- ⅓ cup pumpkin purée
- 3 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together milk, pumpkin, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Stir once after 30 minutes to prevent clumping.
- Before serving, stir again and adjust thickness with extra milk if needed.
- Serve plain for babies or top with fruit, hemp hearts, or granola for toddlers.
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