Introduction

This Cherry Chia Pudding is a refreshing and nutritious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Combining the natural sweetness of cherries with creamy dairy-free milk and nutrient-packed chia seeds, it’s easy to make and delicious to enjoy.

A clear glass jar filled with a thick, purple chia pudding mixed evenly throughout with visible chia seeds, topped with three distinct layers: on the left, a light brown granola pile with a crunchy texture; in the middle, dark brown to black chocolate chips scattered throughout; on the right, a small cluster of deep red dried cranberries. In the blurry background, there is a white bowl full of shiny red cherries and another jar of the same purple chia pudding. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup (70 g) frozen cherries
1/2 cup (125 ml) dairy-free milk
2 teaspoons maple syrup, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon almond extract, or to taste
3 tablespoons (30 g) whole chia seeds

Instructions

Step 1: To a blender, add the frozen cherries, dairy-free milk, maple syrup, and almond extract. Blend until smooth. A small personal blender works best for single-serving portions.
Step 2: Pour the cherry milk mixture into a jar or container, then stir in the whole chia seeds.
Step 3: Let the chia pudding sit for about 10 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps.
Step 4: Cover the container and refrigerate overnight. Some chia seed brands thicken slowly and need this time to fully set.
Step 5: Before serving, stir the pudding. Taste and add more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk instead of other dairy-free milk options.
Swap cherries for fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.
If you prefer smoother pudding, blend the mixture after soaking to break down the chia seeds further.

Storage

Store the chia pudding in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. Leftover pudding can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but avoid freezing as it may affect texture.

How to Serve

A glass jar filled with a purple chia seed pudding, showing its smooth and slightly bumpy texture from the soaked chia seeds, topped with three toppings in sections: light brown granola with a crunchy texture, dark brown chocolate chips, and dark red chopped cherries with a juicy look, all arranged neatly on top. In the background, there is a blurred glass jar with more purple chia pudding and a white bowl filled with whole dark red cherries, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. If they are not frozen, consider adding a few ice cubes when blending to chill the mixture and give it a thicker consistency.

What if my chia pudding is too runny?

If the pudding is too runny, let it sit longer in the refrigerator to thicken. Different chia seed brands absorb liquid at different rates, so overnight chilling usually ensures the right texture.

Cherry Chia Pudding Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 85 reviews

This Cherry Chia Pudding is a delicious and nutritious dairy-free breakfast or snack option made by blending frozen cherries with non-dairy milk, sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with almond extract. The mixture is combined with chia seeds, which thicken overnight into a creamy, pudding-like texture. It’s quick to prepare, vegan-friendly, and perfect for a healthy, make-ahead treat.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1/2 cup (70 g) frozen cherries
1/2 cup (125 ml) dairy-free milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
2 teaspoons maple syrup, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon almond extract, or to taste
3 tablespoons (30 g) whole chia seeds

Instructions

Blend the base: Add the frozen cherries, dairy-free milk, maple syrup, and almond extract to a blender. Blend the ingredients until smooth, using a small personal blender if you have one, which is ideal for single servings.
Add chia seeds: Pour the blended cherry mixture into a jar or container. Stir in the whole chia seeds thoroughly to distribute them evenly.
Initial setting: Let the pudding sit for about 10 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps that may have formed from the chia seeds.
Refrigerate: Cover the container and refrigerate the mixture overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and form a thick, pudding-like consistency. Some chia brands require this time to gel fully, though some may thicken in just a few hours.
Final stir and serve: Before enjoying, give the pudding a good stir to ensure an even texture. Taste and add more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter pudding. Add your favorite toppings such as nuts, fresh fruit, or coconut flakes if desired.

Notes

Use frozen cherries to ensure a thick and chilled pudding without needing to add ice.
Experiment with different types of dairy-free milk based on your preference for flavor and creaminess.
Adjust sweetness with maple syrup according to your taste.
Make this pudding a few hours ahead if pressed for time, but overnight chilling yields the best texture.
Add toppings like toasted almonds, shredded coconut, or fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.

Keywords: cherry chia pudding, dairy-free pudding, vegan breakfast, healthy snack, chia seed pudding