Prepare the Base: In a medium bowl or jar, combine the cold brew coffee, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. The ratio of chia to liquid is crucial: too much liquid, and it won’t set properly; too little, and it will become a solid block. Stir the mixture vigorously to ensure that the chia seeds are evenly distributed and won’t clump together.
Chill and Set: Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. As the chia seeds absorb the liquid, the mixture will thicken into a pudding-like consistency.
Stir and Adjust: After chilling, give your pudding a good stir to break up any clumps. If it's too thick, add a splash more almond milk to loosen it up. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Top and Serve: Serve your cold brew chia pudding in a bowl or glass jar. Top it with fresh fruit, crunchy granola, nuts, or any other toppings you like. The contrast of textures creamy pudding and crunchy toppings creates a delightful eating experience.