This Cherry Chia Pudding is a tasty treat that’s easy to whip up! Just mix chia seeds with milk and let them soak until they turn into a pudding-like goodness. Then, fold in sweet cherries!
What’s great is that you can enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack. I love adding a little honey on top for extra sweetness—who can resist cherries and honey? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are great for this recipe, but you can also use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid first. I love mixing in a variety of berries for an extra fruity kick!
Chia Seeds: These are essential for that pudding-like texture. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use flax seeds, though they will require a different soaking time and will change the flavor slightly.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey adds sweetness, but you can substitute with agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer. I often skip the sweetener altogether if the cherries are sweet enough!
Milk: Almond milk works best, but any milk (dairy or non-dairy) works just fine. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture, which I really enjoy!
How Do I Get the Perfect Chia Pudding Consistency?
To achieve that delightful pudding texture, the key is letting the chia seeds soak long enough. Mixing the seeds with the liquid right is essential, too. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, mix chia seeds with your chosen milk and stir well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and stir again to break any clumps.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the seeds to absorb the liquid fully.
- If it’s too thick after soaking, stir in a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
This method guarantees that your pudding will be smooth and creamy without any unwanted graininess. Enjoy making your delicious Cherry Chia Pudding!
Cherry Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cherry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (plus extra for topping)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
For the Chia Pudding:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cherry Chia Pudding takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. So, set aside some time to let those chia seeds soak up all the goodness! Perfect for meal prep or a fun dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Layer:
Start by pitting and roughly chopping the fresh cherries. If you’re using frozen cherries, just thaw them first. Put the cherries in a small saucepan over medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey if you’d like it sweeter. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and release their juicy goodness. Once done, let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Chia Pudding:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure there are no clumps of chia seeds. This is important to get that creamy pudding texture!
3. Assemble the Pudding:
Take about half of the cherry compote and add it to the bottom of your serving glasses or bowls. Next, pour the chia pudding mixture over the cherry layer. Cover them and pop them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want to prep ahead.
4. Serve Your Creation:
When you’re ready to enjoy, spoon the remaining cherry compote over the top of the pudding layer. Finish it off by adding some fresh whole cherries for a beautiful garnish.
5. Optional Sweetness:
If you’d like a little more sweetness, drizzle a bit of extra honey or maple syrup on the top just before serving. Enjoy this delightful and healthy Cherry Chia Pudding!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Cherries?
Absolutely! You can use any berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Just prepare the fruit layer similarly by cooking it down if necessary!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey, which makes it a great dairy-free and cruelty-free option!
How Long Will the Pudding Last in the Fridge?
The chia pudding will last in the fridge for about 3-5 days in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week!
Can I Blend the Ingredients for a Smooth Texture?
Definitely! If you prefer a smooth texture, you can blend the chia pudding mixture before refrigerating. Just make sure to blend it gently so the chia seeds can still absorb the liquid properly. Enjoy it as a creamy smoothie bowl!
