If you’re craving a dessert or breakfast that feels indulgent yet is packed with wholesome goodness, you’re going to love this Cherry Chia Pudding. This vibrant treat combines the natural sweetness and tartness of frozen cherries with the creamy texture of dairy-free milk, creating a luscious base that’s perfectly thickened by nutrient-rich chia seeds. It’s simple to make but impressively satisfying, delivering a burst of flavor and a delightfully pudding-like consistency that makes it a standout in any recipe collection.

Cherry Chia Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Chia Pudding is a breeze to whip up, and each ingredient plays an essential role in the overall flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy cherries that give it a pop of natural color to the chia seeds that add that classic gel-like thickness, every component is a star on its own.

Frozen cherries: These provide a tart, fruity base and naturally sweeten the pudding while giving it that gorgeous ruby hue.

Dairy-free milk: Whether almond, oat, or coconut, the milk creates a creamy, smooth texture and keeps the pudding vegan-friendly.
Maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the tart cherries wonderfully; adjust it to your perfect level of sweetness.

Almond extract: Just a hint enhances the cherry flavor and adds a subtle, nutty aroma.
Whole chia seeds: These are the magic thickening ingredient—packed with fiber and omega-3s, they absorb liquid and transform the mixture into a beautifully set pudding.

How to Make Cherry Chia Pudding

Step 1: Blend the Cherry Base

Begin by adding your frozen cherries, dairy-free milk, maple syrup, and almond extract to a blender. Blend until silky smooth. Using a small personal blender works perfectly for this single-serving recipe, allowing for quick and easy preparation.

Step 2: Combine with Chia Seeds

Pour the cherry mixture into a jar or container that’s easy to cover. Stir in the whole chia seeds thoroughly to ensure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the liquid.

Step 3: Let It Rest and Stir Again

Allow the pudding to sit for about 10 minutes, then give it a good stir to break up any chia clumps that might have formed. This helps achieve a consistent, creamy pudding texture.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover your jar and pop it in the fridge for at least a few hours, ideally overnight. This resting period is crucial so the chia seeds can fully absorb the cherry milk and create that signature thick, spoonable pudding.

Step 5: Final Stir and Taste

Before you dive in, give your Cherry Chia Pudding one last stir. Taste it and add extra maple syrup if you’d like it sweeter. This final step lets you tailor the dessert to your liking.

How to Serve Cherry Chia Pudding

Garnishes

Elevate your Cherry Chia Pudding with a sprinkle of toasted almonds, a handful of fresh berries, or a drizzle of dark chocolate. These toppings add crunch, contrast, and additional bursts of flavor that make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs beautifully with crispy granola, a slice of whole-grain toast, or alongside a dollop of coconut yogurt for different textures and a more filling experience. It’s fantastic as a standalone snack or part of a full breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive touch, layer the Cherry Chia Pudding with yogurt or whipped coconut cream in a clear glass, creating a colorful parfait. You can also freeze it in popsicle molds for a refreshing summer treat that still boasts all the pudding’s delicious flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cherry Chia Pudding keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Just give it a good stir before eating, as the chia can settle and thicken more over time.

Freezing

While the pudding is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze it in small portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before serving. Note that freezing might slightly change the texture but it will still taste fantastic.

Reheating

Since chia pudding is typically enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in the microwave for short bursts and stir well to avoid clumps.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries will work just as well and might make the pudding a little less thick initially, so just keep an eye on the setting time.

Is Cherry Chia Pudding suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes! Simply choose a nut-free milk alternative, like oat or rice milk, and avoid adding almond extract to keep it safe and delicious.

How thick should the pudding be when it’s ready?

The pudding should be creamy and thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon, similar to a soft tapioca pudding.

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Definitely! Using dairy-free milk and pure maple syrup ensures it’s both vegan and gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.

How long does the pudding take to set?

For best results, refrigerate overnight. Some chia brands set faster and may be ready in a few hours, but overnight guarantees a perfect, smooth consistency.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Chia Pudding is such a delightful and nourishing treat that I genuinely can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast, a guilt-free dessert, or a healthy snack, this pudding will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Don’t wait to try it out and enjoy that beautiful harmony of flavors and textures in every spoonful!

Cherry Chia Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This Cherry Chia Pudding is a refreshing, healthy, and easy-to-make vegan and gluten-free dessert or breakfast option. Made with frozen cherries, dairy-free milk, maple syrup, almond extract, and nutrient-dense chia seeds, it offers a naturally sweet and creamy texture packed with antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3s. Perfect for prepping the night before, this pudding provides a convenient and tasty way to start your day or enjoy a guilt-free treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base

1/2 cup (70 g) frozen cherries

Liquid & Sweetener

1/2 cup (125 ml) dairy-free milk (such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)
2 teaspoons maple syrup, or to taste

1/8 teaspoon almond extract, or to taste

Thickening Agent

3 tablespoons (30 g) whole chia seeds

Instructions

Blend Ingredients: Add the frozen cherries, dairy-free milk, maple syrup, and almond extract into a blender. Blend until smooth to create a fruity and flavorful base. Using a small personal blender works best for making single servings efficiently.

Add Chia Seeds: Pour the blended cherry milk mixture into a jar or container, then stir in the whole chia seeds thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Initial Rest: Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. After this resting period, stir again to break up any clumps and help the chia seeds begin absorbing the liquid.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the container and refrigerate the pudding overnight. This time allows the chia seeds to fully hydrate and thicken the mixture, creating a pudding-like consistency. Some brands of chia seeds may thicken sooner, in which case a few hours might suffice.

Final Stir and Serve: Before eating, give the pudding one last stir. Taste and add additional maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. Top with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or coconut flakes if desired, then enjoy.

Notes

Use any preferred dairy-free milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, to tailor the flavor and creaminess to your liking.
Adjust maple syrup sweetness as desired; you can also substitute with agave nectar or honey if not strictly vegan.

The almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor but can be omitted or replaced with vanilla extract if preferred.
If chia pudding is too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Adding toppings like sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or fresh cherries can enhance texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Blending and Refrigeration
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 250 g)
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 10 g

Sodium: 40 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g

Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g

Fiber: 11 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: chia pudding, cherry pudding, vegan dessert, gluten free breakfast, healthy snack, dairy free pudding, overnight chia pudding