This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Tiramisu Chia Pudding tastes like your favorite dessert, with layers of creamy yogurt, coffee, and cocoa in every bite. It’s made with simple ingredients and a boost of protein to create an easy make-ahead breakfast or snack that feels like a treat but is still balanced.
I always try to keep a batch of chia pudding in the fridge because it’s one of the easiest things to prep ahead. It’s a great base that can be adapted into a variety of flavors to create an easy option for breakfast, snack, and even dessert.
This tiramisu version is inspired by the classic Italian dessert. It includes the classic flavor you love in a more balanced dish. If you’re a tiramisu lover, then you’ll also love my Tiramisu Overnight Oats.
Creamy Coffee-Infused Tiramisu Chia Pudding
If you love tiramisu, this is a fun way to enjoy the same flavors in an easy make-ahead option you can enjoy everyday. If has that classic combination of coffee, creamy layers, and a light cocoa finish, but comes together with simple ingredients you can prep in advance.
It feels a little more special than your typical breakfast, without being overcomplicated.
- All the classic tiramisu flavors. Coffee, vanilla, creamy yogurt, and cocoa combine to mimic the flavor of traditional tiramisu.
- High protein and high fiber. This recipe has 33g of protein and 9g of fiber per serving.
- Layered and creamy. The chia pudding base and mascarpone-style topping create that signature layered texture in every bite.
- A dessert-inspired easy breakfast. It feels indulgent, but works as a balanced option you can enjoy any time of the day.
- Simple to prep ahead. Mix everything in one jar and let it set, then add the topping just before serving. It’s great for meal prep!
- Perfect flavor when you want something different. This recipe is great when you want something that feels a little more elevated or tastes like dessert.
Ingredient Notes
Just like most chia pudding recipes, this recipe uses simple ingredients to recreate the classic flavor and texture of tiramisu in a lighter way.
For full recipe instructions and complete list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Chia seeds: With plenty of fiber and healthy fats, chia seeds create the base of the pudding. Since they also absorb liquid, they help create the creamy pudding-like consistency.
- Milk: Any milk works here. If you want it richer and creamier, then I recommend using 2% or whole milk. You can also use almond milk, coconut milk, or other milk of choice.
- Instant coffee or espresso powder: This is what gives the pudding its signature tiramisu flavor. Espresso powder will give it a deeper more pronounced coffee flavor, while instant coffee is a bit milder.
- Vanilla protein powder (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and boosts the protein without overpowering the flavor. I highly recommend including the protein powder for the extra protein, but you can omit, if desired. I use Clean Simple Eats protein powder for this recipe.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warming flavor that pairs well with the coffee and cocoa.
- Maple syrup: Lightly sweetens the pudding keeping the flavor balanced and not overly rich.
- Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and structure while providing a boost of protein, making it more filling.
- Mascarpone: This is a spreadable Italian cream cheese. Just a little bit adds richness and that signature tiramisu flavor.
- Cocoa powder: A light dusting on the top of the pudding brings everything together and gives that classic tiramisu finish.
Dessert-Inspired Variations to Try
- Chocolate tiramisu version: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons cocoa powder to the chia base along with the coffee. Or stir in mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a richer option.
- Dairy-free option: To make this dairy-free you can use dairy-free yogurt and milk and skip the mascarpone. Or replace the yogurt with a thick coconut yogurt or other thick plant-based yogurt to create a similar creamy texture.
- Stronger coffee flavor: Increase the espresso powder slightly for a more bold coffee taste.
- Crunchy topping twist: Top with granola, crushed biscotti, cacao nibs, or mini chocolate chips for added texture.
How to Make Tiramisu Chia Pudding
This tiramisu chia seed pudding recipes comes together in just a few quick and easy steps!
- Make the coffee milk: Add the milk and instant coffee to a 16-ounce jar. Mix well until the instant coffee is dissolved.
- Stir together the pudding ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the jar with the milk and coffee mixture. Mix until completely combined.
- Chill the chia pudding: Cover and transfer to the fridge and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mascarpone cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir well to combine into a smooth spreadable texture.
- Chill the topping: Refrigerate until right before serving.
- Finish assembling: Just before serving, top the chia pudding with the mascarpone topping and dust with cocoa powder.
Jamie’s Tips
Expert Recipe Tips
- Dissolve the coffee completely. Make sure the coffee or espresso powder is fully dissolved in the milk before adding other ingredients so the flavor is smooth and evenly distributed.
- Let it chill long enough. For the best texture, refrigerate at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for a thicker, creamier pudding.
- Adjust the coffee strength to taste. Start with less and add more if needed. Espresso powder will give a stronger flavor than instant coffee.
- Add the topping and cocoa powder just before serving. This keeps the layers distinct for the best visual finish and prevents the topping from sinking into the pudding.
- Use a clear jar for layering. This makes the layers more visible and gives it that classic tiramisu-inspired presentation. I like using these 16-ounce meal prep jars.
- Taste and adjust sweetness before serving. The flavors mellow as it sits so adjust the maple syrup, if desired.
How to Store
Store tiramisu chia pudding in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for making ahead and keeping on hand for breakfast or snack throughout the week.
Store the topping separately (if possible). For the best texture and presentation, keep the mascarpone yogurt topping separate and add it just before serving.
Stir before serving. The pudding with thicken as it sits, so give it a quick stir and a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture. Dust the cocoa powder on top right before serving.
This is one of those recipes that actually gets better as it sits, making it ideal for prepping ahead.
More Chia Pudding Recipes
If you’ve made and loved this Tiramisu Chia Pudding or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Ingredients
Chia pudding ingredients:
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder, (I use Clean Simple Eats)
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup, (more if omitting protein powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Add the milk and instant coffee to a 16-ounce jar. Mix well until instant coffee is dissolved.
- Add the Greek yogurt, chia seeds, protein powder, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix until completely combined.
- Cover and transfer to the fridge and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mascarpone cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate the topping until right before serving.
- Just before serving, top the chia pudding with the topping and dust with the cocoa powder.
Notes
- Let it fully set. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best texture.
- Adjust the coffee to taste. You can start small (1/2 teaspoon) and increase if desired.
- Add topping and cocoa just before serving. This keeps the layers distinct and prevents the topping from sinking into the pudding.
- Adjust sweetness as needed. If skipping the protein powder, you may want to add a little more maple syrup.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
