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There are some desserts that feel almost impossible to recreate on keto. Classic tiramisu is one of them. The layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and cocoa powder are unforgettable — but the sugar and carbs make it difficult to enjoy if you’re following a low-carb lifestyle.
For a long time, I thought tiramisu would remain one of those desserts I simply admired from a distance.
But then something interesting happened.
While experimenting with chia pudding recipes one evening, I realized that chia seeds naturally create a creamy, spoonable texture that feels surprisingly similar to traditional dessert custards. With the right flavors — espresso, vanilla, and cocoa — it suddenly became possible to recreate that classic tiramisu experience in a completely different way.
That experiment led to this Keto Tiramisu Chia Pudding.
Instead of layers of cake and mascarpone, this recipe uses a rich coffee-flavored chia pudding base topped with creamy mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa powder. The result is a dessert that still delivers that signature tiramisu flavor profile — bold espresso, silky creaminess, and chocolate notes — but with a fraction of the carbs.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. There’s no baking required, the ingredients are minimal, and the pudding can even be prepared the night before.
Whether you’re craving a keto dessert, a coffee-inspired breakfast, or a meal-prep treat for the week, this tiramisu chia pudding offers a satisfying way to enjoy those classic flavors without stepping outside your keto goals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert has everything you want in a keto treat.
- ☕ Rich espresso flavor like classic tiramisu
- 🍫 Chocolate cocoa topping for depth
- 🥄 Creamy pudding texture
- ⏱ Quick and easy no-bake dessert
- 🥑 Keto-friendly and low carb
- 🍮 Perfect for meal prep desserts
It feels indulgent but fits beautifully into a keto lifestyle.
My Personal Experience
The first time I made this recipe, I was just hoping to create a coffee-flavored chia pudding that felt a little more interesting than the usual vanilla versions.
But when I added mascarpone on top and dusted it with cocoa powder, something magical happened.
The flavors instantly reminded me of tiramisu.
That familiar combination of coffee, cream, and chocolate created the same comforting dessert experience I remembered — just in a lighter, keto-friendly form.
Now this chia pudding has become one of my favorite desserts to keep in the refrigerator. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect when a coffee-flavored dessert craving appears.
Required Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Used for combining the chia pudding ingredients evenly.
Whisk or Fork
Helps dissolve sweetener and distribute chia seeds.
Measuring Cups
Ensures proper ingredient balance.
Serving Jars or Bowls
Perfect for chilling and serving the pudding.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds
3 tbsp chia seeds
Chia seeds create the pudding texture when soaked in liquid.
Milk Base
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Provides the liquid for the pudding.
Substitutions:
- coconut milk
- macadamia milk
Coffee Flavor
2 tbsp brewed espresso or strong coffee
Adds the signature tiramisu flavor.
Sweetener
1–2 tbsp keto sweetener
Balances the bitterness of coffee.
Options:
- monk fruit
- erythritol
Cream Layer
¼ cup mascarpone cheese
Creates the creamy tiramisu layer.
Substitutions:
- cream cheese
- whipped heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
How to Make Keto Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Prepare the Coffee Base
In a mixing bowl, combine almond milk and espresso.
Add Sweetener and Vanilla
Whisk in keto sweetener and vanilla until dissolved.
Add Chia Seeds
Stir in the chia seeds until evenly distributed.
Chill the Pudding
Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours or overnight.
Prepare Cream Layer
In a bowl, whisk mascarpone until smooth.
Assemble the Dessert
Spoon chia pudding into serving glasses.
Add mascarpone layer on top.
Finish with Cocoa
Dust lightly with cocoa powder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not mixing chia seeds well
They can clump if not stirred properly.
Too much sweetener
Start small and adjust.
Skipping chill time
Chia pudding needs time to thicken.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Stir pudding again after 10 minutes to prevent clumps
- Use fresh espresso for best flavor
- Chill overnight for best texture
- Add a little whipped cream on top for extra richness
Keto Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are incredibly nutrient dense and perfect for keto recipes. They are high in fiber, contain healthy fats, and help create satisfying meals that keep you full longer.
Variations You Can Try
Chocolate Version
Add cocoa powder to the pudding base.
Vanilla Latte Version
Add extra vanilla and coffee.
Mocha Version
Add sugar-free chocolate chips.
Nutty Version
Top with chopped almonds.
Tips for This Recipe
Chia pudding thickens overnight, making it perfect for meal prep desserts or breakfasts.
Optional Additions
- whipped cream
- shaved dark chocolate
- chopped nuts
- cinnamon sprinkle
Serving Ideas
Serve this dessert with:
- espresso
- keto coffee
- whipped cream
- fresh berries
Storage Recommendations
Refrigerator
Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Not recommended due to texture changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes, dissolve it in warm water first.
Is chia pudding keto friendly?
Yes, chia seeds are low in net carbs.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of mascarpone.
How long does it take to thicken?
Usually 2–4 hours.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it’s perfect for make-ahead desserts.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Total Carbs: 8g
Fiber: 6g
Net Carbs: 2g
Recipe Snapshot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (chilling)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Servings: 2
Calories: 220
Keto Tiramisu Chia Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- chia seeds – 3 tbsp
- almond milk – 1 cup
- espresso – 2 tbsp
- mascarpone – ¼ cup
- sweetener – 1 tbsp
- cocoa powder – 1 tsp
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the unsweetened almond milk and freshly brewed espresso. Using a whisk or spoon, stir the mixture together until the coffee is evenly blended with the milk. This creates the flavorful base that gives the pudding its classic tiramisu-style coffee taste.
- Add the keto sweetener and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the sweetener begins to dissolve into the liquid. Taste the mixture if needed and adjust the sweetness slightly depending on your preference.
- Sprinkle the chia seeds into the bowl and immediately begin stirring. Continue mixing for about 30–40 seconds so the seeds distribute evenly throughout the liquid and don’t clump together at the bottom.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours, or until the chia seeds absorb the liquid and the mixture thickens into a pudding-like texture. For best results, give the pudding a quick stir after the first 10 minutes to break up any clusters.
- While the pudding chills, place the mascarpone cheese in a small bowl and whisk it gently until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step helps create the soft, velvety layer that mimics the creamy filling found in traditional tiramisu.
- Once the chia pudding has thickened, remove it from the refrigerator and stir it once more to ensure the texture is even. Spoon the pudding evenly into serving jars or small dessert bowls, filling them about three-quarters of the way.
- Add a generous spoonful of the whipped mascarpone on top of each jar, gently spreading it into an even layer so it sits nicely over the chia pudding.
- Finish the dessert by lightly dusting unsweetened cocoa powder over the mascarpone layer. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy for a rich, creamy keto tiramisu-inspired treat.
