Storage
Perfect for meal prep. Keep sealed in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pudding thickens a little more the longer it sits.
Tropical Carob & Mango Chia Pudding Cups
Dairy-free, caffeine-free, and a make-ahead lifesaver. Layers of roasted carob chia pudding and bright mango puree that the kids will think is dessert.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 15 min, plus 2 hours chilling
- Makes
- 4 snack-sized cups
- Dairy free
- Gluten free
- Vegan
- Egg free
- Soy free
- Caffeine free
- Nut free (contains coconut)
“Growing up, sweet mangoes meant summer had officially arrived, so I layered fresh mango puree with our roasted carob chia pudding to create a cool, grab-and-go snack that the kids actually think is dessert.”
Method
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chia seeds, carob powder, maple syrup and vanilla until the carob is fully dissolved.
- 2
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, then whisk it hard one more time. Chia seeds clump at the bottom early on; the second whisk gives you a smooth pudding.
- 3
While the chia rests, blend the mango and lime juice on high for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth and bright yellow.
- 4
Spoon a layer of the carob chia pudding into each jar, then a layer of mango puree. Repeat until the jars are full.
- 5
Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the chia fully hydrates and thickens.
Good to know
The berry swap
If mangoes aren't in season, use the same weight of fresh strawberries or raspberries. Skip the blender and mash them with a fork for a jam-like layer.
Toasted coconut crunch
For older kids, pack a small side of toasted coconut flakes to sprinkle on right before eating. Added early, they go soggy.
Scale it up
For 24 portions, multiply everything by 6. Whisk the chia base in one large container, blend the mango in batches, and pipe the layers into cups.
Soft-texture option
For anyone who can't manage whole seeds, blend the coconut milk, chia, carob, maple and vanilla on high for 60 to 90 seconds until the seeds are fully pulverised, then layer as usual.
Why this works
The nutrition behind the recipe
Chia seeds
High in soluble fibre and plant-based omega-3s. The quarter cup here adds roughly 14 g of fibre to the batch, about 3.5 g per cup, which helps keep kids full between activities.
Mango
A bright, acidic contrast to the earthy carob and a natural sweetener. A strong source of vitamin C with extra fibre.
Carobium roasted carob powder
Rich, cocoa-like depth without caffeine or theobromine, both stimulants found in standard chocolate. Because carob is naturally sweet, the recipe needs very little added maple syrup.
This information is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.
