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Home » Recipes » Desserts » Kiwi and Coconut Milk Chia Pudding (Vegan & GF)

Kiwi and Coconut Milk Chia Pudding (Vegan & GF)

Posted July 25, 2019, Updated December 5, 2022 //  by Michele Peterson 8 Comments

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Coconut and Kiwi Chia Pudding

This easy recipe for delicious Kiwi and Coconut Milk Chia Pudding is perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack or a posh dessert!

Featured on the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto’s “Guilt-Free” Afternoon Tea, this kiwi chia seed parfait tastes creamy and indulgent, yet is high in fiber, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and nutrients.

It also happens to be vegan and gluten-free!

Kiwi Coconut and Chia Pudding with pieces of kiwi.
Coconut, Kiwi and Chia Tapioca Pudding was featured on the Afternoon Tea menu at the Shangri-La Toronto in January 2019

Kiwi Parfait a Highlight of Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

While traditional Afternoon Teas have long had a tendency to be similar in their offerings–with crustless sandwiches, scones and sweets being classic fare — this time-honoured British tradition  is undergoing a transformation.

Whether it’s a  Vegan Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress  in Victoria, British Columbia to Afternoon Tea on a Double-decker Bus in London, the new generation of Afternoon Teas is lighter and fresher.

At the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto, Afternoon Tea is far from staid or predictable.

From their holiday-themed Nutcracker Tea to the Levenswater Gin Botanical Afternoon Tea (featuring scones with golden sultanas soaked in Levenswater gin), there’s an ever-evolving array of options including plant-based dining options.

 I had the opportunity to enjoy the Shangri-La’s “Guilt-free” Afternoon Tea in their fashionable Lobby Lounge.

Lobby lounge at the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto
Lobby lounge at the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto is a beautiful setting for Afternoon Tea.

One of the highlights of the Guilt Free Afternoon Tea was a beautiful Coconut Kiwi Chia Tapioca Pudding featuring three layers, a kiwi jelly, coconut chia pudding and fresh kiwi with coconut.

Chia is a popular, natural gluten-free food to use in puddings as it thickens so wonderfully.  

The delicious creation came served on a three-tiered cake stand along with gold-dusted sweets and other treats. It was so impressive I was keen to make the spectacular dessert at home.

So I was thrilled when Jolan Thiry, Head Pastry Chef, Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto agreed to share his recipe for Coconut Chia Tapioca Pudding with our readers.

And despite its posh appearance, it’s not too complicated to make.

How to Make Coconut and Kiwi Chia Pudding – Step by Step

Step One: Ingredients for Coconut Kiwi Chia Tapioca Pudding

A  day in advance of when you plan to serve the pudding, gather your ingredients. You’ll need tapioca (small pearl), kiwi juice (the juice not the capsules), fresh kiwifruit, agar ( a substitute for gelatin), whole chia seeds, sugar, coconut water, coconut milk and coconut extract (optional).  If you have some green food colouring you can use it.

For garnish, use shredded coconut and edible flower petals (such as violets) to make it look pretty. 

In summer, it’s possible to purchase edible flowers in small bags for just a few dollars from Farmers Markets but the rest of the year, check the produce department at your grocery store.

If you can’t find flowers, you can always substitute a sprig of fresh mint for a garnish.

Ingredients for Kiwi Chia Pudding Parfait
Ingredients for Kiwi Chia Pudding Parfait

Step 2: Prepare the Chia Seeds

Rinse and pick through the chia seeds before using. Hydrate the chia seeds with water (about 5 times their volume) in a covered glass bowl or pot overnight.

Step 3: Prepare the Tapioca

Soak the tapioca pearls in cold water for at least one hour.

Soak tapioca in cold water
Soak the tapioca pearls in cold water for an hour

Step 4: Prepare the Tapioca Mixture and Coconut Milk

  • Bring coconut water and sugar to a boil.
  • Gently strain tapioca pearls and add to the boiling coconut water.
  • Stir for approximately 8 minutes or until the pearls are translucent.
  • Add the coconut milk and stir.
  • Cool and let sit overnight.

Step 5: Combine the Tapioca Mixture with Chia Seeds

Mix the tapioca with the chia seed
Mix the tapioca with the chia seed

The tapicoa mixture should be firm but not solid. Thin it (if needed) with more coconut water. Then fold in the drained, soaked chia seeds.

Step 6:  Make the Kiwi Jelly Layer

  • Bring kiwi juice, agar, and green colour to a boil. Stir all ingredients together and let cool.
  • When kiwi jelly has cooled, carefully scoop a small amount into the bottom of the dessert verrines ( small glass containers), parfait dishes, small mason jars or bowls.
  • Place in refrigerator to cool for one hour.
  • Set aside remainder to be used as an additional layer for the kiwi coconut milk chia pudding.
Kiwi Jelly for Kiwi Chia Parfait
Make the kiwi jelly for Kiwi Chia Parfait

Step 7: Assemble the Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding

  • Add the pudding mixture by spoonful on top of the set kiwi jelly, spreading until smooth.
  • Rewarm remaining kiwi jelly and layer onto pudding.
  • Garnish with finely diced fresh kiwi, shredded coconut flower petals
Tapioca Coconut Chia Pudding
Serve topped with an edible flower such as a violet

Top Tips for Making Coconut and Kiwi Chia Pudding

Healthy Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
Beautiful and colourful Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
  • Be sure to choose ripe kiwifruit for this recipe. Unripe fruit is too tart and has a hard core that makes them difficult to eat. Learn how to select ripe kiwifruit from the experts at the California Kiwi Commission. 
  • You can ripen kiwifruit quickly by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or pear as those fruits emit ethylene which will help unripe kiwis ripen. This trick also works for unripe tomatoes!
  • Soaked chia seeds can be stored in a refrigerator for up to five days. So you can begin this recipe in advance or soak extra chia seeds to use in other recipes. 
  • Got extra chia seeds? Try our easy recipe for Chia and Prickly Pear Salad Dressing – it’s fresh, healthy and delicious! 
  • If you have diverticulitis or dysphagia (swallowing problems), consult with your doctor before consuming chia seeds (or other nuts and seeds). Eating too many whole chia seeds can clog your intestines or even swell in your throat if not fully soaked before using.
  • There’s also the option of using ground chia seeds. It will produce a pudding with a different texture and colour but is just as delicious and full of nutrients.
  • For more vegan treats, try one of these nutritious and delicious vegan desserts or go directly to this indulgent  Chocolate Chip and Cookies Vegan Ice-Cream .
  • If you’ve got leftover tapioca pearls, use ’em up in this delicious recipe for Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Passion Sauce.  
Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
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5 from 4 votes

Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding

This easy recipe for delicious Kiwi and  Coconut Milk Chia Pudding is perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack or a posh dessert! Featured on the Shangri-La Toronto's "Guilt-Free" Afternoon Tea, this kiwi chia seed parfait tastes creamy and indulgent, yet is high in fiber, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and nutrients. It's also vegan and gluten-free!
Coconut Chia Tapioca Pudding features three components, a kiwi jelly, coconut pudding and fresh kiwi with coconut. It's best served in clear glass verrines or dessert bowls to showcase its delicate layers.
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Overnight1 d
Total Time1 d 40 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 370kcal
Author: Michele Peterson
Cost: 15

Ingredients

Pudding Layer

  • 750 grams coconut water
  • 100 grams tapioca small pearl
  • 250 grams coconut milk
  • 100 grams sugar white
  • 2.5 grams coconut extract optional
  • 20 grams chia seeds whole

Kiwi Jelly Layer

  • 500 grams kiwi juice
  • 4 grams agar
  • 2 drops green food colouring optional

Garnish

  • 400 grams kiwifruit diced
  • 50 grams coconut shredded
  • edible flowers
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Instructions

Chia Pudding Layer

  • Hydrate the chia seeds with water (5 times the volume) overnight.
  • Soak tapioca pearls in cold water for at least one hour
  • Bring coconut water and sugar to a boil.
  • Gently strain tapioca pearls and add to the boiling coconut water.
  • Stir for 8-10 minutes or until the pearls are translucent.
  • Add coconut milk and let sit overnight.
  • The next day, thin tapioca if needed with coconut water so you can stir it. Fold in drained, soaked chia seeds.

Kiwi Jelly Layer

  • Bring kiwi juice, agar and green food colouring ( if using) to a boil.
  • Stir all ingredients together and let cool slightly.
  • When kiwi jelly has cooled, carefully scoop a small amount into the bottom of the dessert verrines or bowls. Place in refrigerator for one hour to cool.
  • Set aside remainder to be used as additional layer for the pudding.

Assembly

  • Add the tapioca coconut milk chia pudding mixture to the top of the set kiwi jelly in each verrine or parfait glass.
  • Warm the remaining kiwi jelly slightly if it has set and layer it on top of the coconut chia pudding, smoothing with the back of a spoon.
  • Chill for at least one hour.
  • Garnish with finely diced ripe kiwi, shredded coconut and flower petals.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Be sure to choose ripe kiwifruit for this recipe. Unripe fruit is too tart and has a hard core that makes them really difficult to eat. 
  • You can ripen kiwifruit quickly by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or pear as those fruits emit ethylene which will help unripe kiwis ripen. 
  • Soaked chia seeds can be stored in a refrigerator for up to five days. So you can begin this recipe several days in advance or soak extra chia seeds to use in other recipes.
  • If you have diverticulitis or dysphagia (swallowing problems), consult with your doctor before consuming whole chia seeds (or other nuts and seeds). Eating too many whole chia seeds can clog your intestines or even swell in your throat if not fully soaked before using.
  • There's also the option of using ground chia seeds. It will produce a pudding with a different texture and colour but is just as delicious and full of nutrients. 
Please note: Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It is created by online calculators and, although we attempt to provide accurate nutritional information, the figures are only estimates. 

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 923mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 142.7mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 3.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @ATasteForTravel or tag #ATasteForTravel!

More Coconut Milk Recipes and Afternoon Tea Ideas To Enjoy:

  •  Vegan Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Victoria 
  • Caribbean Seafood Soup with Coconut Milk
  • Poisson-Cru: A Recipe for Delicious Tahitian Coconut Ceviche  
  • Afternoon Tea at Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent
  • Mango Coconut Panna Cotta 

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Coconut and Kiwi Chia Pudding

Michele Peterson
Michele Peterson

Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.

Read more about Michele Peterson.

« 12 Reasons You Should Visit Minervino di Lecce in Puglia
10 Amazing Things to Do in Mazunte, Mexico »

About Michele Peterson

Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.

Read more about Michele Peterson.

Previous Post: «Beautiful scenic seascape at Ciolo Bridge Credit Deposit Photos 12 Reasons You Should Visit Minervino di Lecce in Puglia
Next Post: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Mazunte, Mexico View of Pacific Coast of Mexico from Casa Pan de Miel»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeanette Holder

    February 21, 2022 at 5:22 pm

    I served this to guests for breakfast and they loved it. I will definitely make it again and try a different fruit jelly. Very refreshing and light!

    It made more than six servings (I think my glasses were smaller) and the extra kept well for several days in the frig.

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      February 23, 2022 at 10:13 am

      So glad to hear you enjoyed it! And I’d love to hear which fruit variations you try.

  2. Ashley @ Sweetpea Lifestyle

    July 25, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    Almost too pretty to eat! Almost… Thanks for sharing this great recipe!

    Reply
  3. Mary Bostow

    July 25, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    5 stars
    Goooooorgeous! I have two kiwi in my fridge right now that are begging to be used in this chia pudding recipe. I could eat this every morning for breakfast!

    Reply
  4. Beth Pierce

    July 25, 2019 at 12:39 pm

    This recipe is perfect for a hot day! Love that it is refreshing and healthy too! Yum!

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      July 25, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      It’s totally refreshing that’s for sure!

  5. Noelle

    July 25, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    5 stars
    I love chia pudding, thank you for this delicious idea!

    Reply
  6. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

    July 25, 2019 at 12:21 pm

    5 stars
    Love the beautiful color of this, I can’t wait to try it this weekend!

    Reply

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Michele Peterson in Tuscany Italy Credit Insight Vacations.

Hi, I'm Michele! Welcome to A Taste for Travel, one of the world’s top culinary travel blogs, welcoming over 1.5 million readers annually! 

Along with a team of expert travel writers, enthusiastic eaters and skilled photographers, we help readers plan incredible adventures and make delicious global recipes at home.

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