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High Protein Lemon Cheesecake Chia Pudding - Bright, Creamy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0%)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder (about 25–30 g)
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1–2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or preferred sweetener, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional “cheesecake” boost: 2 tablespoons light cream cheese, softened
  • Optional toppings: crushed graham crackers or almond cookies, fresh berries, extra zest, coconut flakes

Method
 

  1. Whisk the base: In a medium bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, milk, protein powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, sweetener, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If using cream cheese, whisk it in here until no lumps remain.
  2. Add chia seeds: Stir in the chia seeds until evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
  3. Adjust sweetness and lemon: Taste and adjust lemon juice or sweetener. The flavors will mellow slightly as it chills, so aim for a bright, slightly tangy taste.
  4. Chill to thicken: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. The chia seeds will hydrate and the pudding will set to a creamy, spoonable texture.
  5. Stir and serve: Give it a good stir before serving. If it’s too thick, loosen with a splash of milk. If too thin, stir in another teaspoon of chia and chill 10–15 minutes more.
  6. Add toppings: Finish with berries, a sprinkle of crushed grahams for that “crust” feel, and a touch of zest for aroma.