If you’ve ever had that cozy, energizing A.M. Superfoods Bowl from First Watch and wished you could recreate it at home—this one’s for you. This chia pudding bowl has become my go-to when I want something that feels like a treat but fuels me like a champ.
It’s ridiculously easy, loaded with creamy coconut flavor, and topped with fresh fruits and crunchy granola. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy Sundays, or those in-between “don’t feel like cooking but want something good” days.
What You’ll Need for This Chia Bowl
Here’s the lineup I always reach for when making this bowl:
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Coconut milk (from a can): The canned version makes all the difference. It’s thicker and creamier—exactly what you want for that spoonable pudding texture. I once used the carton kind in a pinch, and the pudding turned out watery. Never again!
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Chia seeds: These little guys are magical. They soak up all that coconut goodness and turn it into pudding.
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Honey + Maple syrup: I love using a mix—it gives a layered sweetness that’s mellow and cozy.
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Vanilla extract: Just a splash for warmth.
For toppings:
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Granola: I usually go store-bought, unless I’ve got a batch of homemade lying around. Choose something crunchy with nuts or coconut if you like a bit of texture.
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Mixed berry jam: Swirling this into the pudding gives it that familiar First Watch feel.
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Banana, strawberries, blueberries: These are my regulars, but feel free to use whatever’s in your fruit drawer.
Easy Prep, No Cooking Needed
You don’t need a stove or a blender—just a bowl and a spoon.
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Mix the base: Combine coconut milk, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in the chia seeds.
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Let it rest: Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes at room temp. This step helps prevent clumps. I usually take this time to clean up or slice my fruits.
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Chill: Give it a stir and refrigerate for 45 minutes. Stir again, then let it chill for another 45 minutes. It should be thick and pudding-like by now.
You can totally make this the night before and wake up to breakfast ready and waiting.
Building the Perfect Bowl
Here’s how I usually assemble it:
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Scoop a generous portion of chia pudding into a bowl.
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Swirl in a spoonful of mixed berry jam—don’t skip this, it adds so much flavor.
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Add a layer of granola on top.
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Arrange sliced bananas, strawberries, and blueberries over the top.
Sometimes I go a little extra and add a drizzle of almond butter or a handful of cacao nibs if I’m craving something chocolatey.
Make It Your Own (Fun Twists to Try)
I love recipes that can be tweaked depending on what’s in my kitchen. This one is super flexible:
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Tropical Vibes: Swap in mango, kiwi, or pineapple and top with toasted coconut flakes.
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Nutty Add-ons: Almonds, walnuts, pecans—any crunchy nut will give the bowl more bite. A dollop of peanut or almond butter also adds creaminess and healthy fats.
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Seed Boost: Sprinkle on flaxseeds or hemp seeds for a little extra crunch and fiber.
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Extra Sweet Tooth? Add a drizzle of honey, agave, or even date syrup before serving.
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Different milks: Try almond, oat, or soy milk for different flavors. I’ve done this with cashew milk too, and it came out super smooth.
Why This Bowl Feels So Good (And Is Good for You)
This isn’t just tasty—it’s a bowl of simple, good-for-you ingredients that actually keep you full.
Why chia seeds are little overachievers:
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They’re full of fiber: A couple of tablespoons gives you around 10g—great for digestion and feeling full longer.
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Packed with protein: Not a ton, but enough to add to your daily intake, especially if you’re starting your day with it.
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Loaded with omega-3s: These fats are great for heart health and can help lower triglycerides.
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Rich in antioxidants: Surprisingly, chia has even more antioxidants per serving than blueberries.
Chia absorbs up to 10 times its weight in liquid, which is why it creates that thick pudding texture—without a stove. And because it slows digestion, it keeps your energy steady instead of giving you a sugar spike.
And those berries?
Blueberries, strawberries, all of them are rich in antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin C. I try to keep a box or two in the fridge at all times—whether for this pudding, smoothies, or snacking straight out of the container.
Keeping It Fresh: Storing Tips
This recipe is made for meal prep. I like to portion the pudding into small glass jars or containers and top them right before eating.
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In the fridge: It keeps well for up to 5 days.
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Too thick? Stir in a splash of almond or coconut milk to loosen it up before serving.
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Toppings: I always keep the fruit and granola separate until right before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
First Watch Chia Pudding Bowl
Start your morning with a burst of energy and color with this easy Chia Pudding Bowl, inspired by your favorite breakfast café and packed with wholesome superfoods.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granola
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mixed berry jam
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Sprinkle in chia seeds and mix well. Let the mixture rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes. Give it one more stir, then return to chill for another 45 minutes until thickened and pudding-like.
- To assemble, divide the creamy chia pudding into two bowls. Layer on the granola for crunch, then spoon over the mixed berry jam.
- Arrange sliced banana, strawberries, and scatter blueberries on top for a vibrant finish.
- Serve chilled and dive into a nutritious breakfast bowl that feels like a treat!
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1161Total Fat 78gSaturated Fat 47gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 27gCholesterol 0mgSodium 59mgCarbohydrates 106gFiber 26gSugar 45gProtein 22g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Quick FAQs
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes! Let them thaw first so they’re not too watery. Or warm them up for a quick berry compote.
Can I prep the full bowl ahead of time?
I’d keep the chia pudding separate and assemble the toppings just before serving so nothing gets soggy.
Is this sweet enough without the jam?
If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to skip the jam. But I personally love the swirl of fruity flavor it adds.
If you give this creamy chia bowl a go, I’d love to hear how you top yours. It’s become one of those breakfasts I crave again and again—easy, wholesome, and totally satisfying.
Try other Pudding recipes: