This Cherry Chia Pudding is a fun and healthy treat! It’s made with creamy coconut milk, juicy cherries, and tiny chia seeds that soak up all that flavor.
Making it is a breeze—just mix everything together, let it chill, and it’s ready! I love topping mine with extra cherries, because who can have too much fruit? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are perfect for this recipe, but frozen cherries work just as well! If cherries are out of season, consider using other berries like strawberries or raspberries for a similar taste and texture.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are the star of the pudding, giving it that lovely thickness. If you don’t have chia seeds, you could try flaxseeds, but the texture and flavor will change a bit.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to for a lighter flavor. However, you can use any plant-based milk like coconut, soy, or oat milk depending on your taste preference or dietary needs.
Sweetener: I recommend maple syrup for its unique flavor, but honey or agave syrup works too. For a sugar-free option, try Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for Chia Pudding?
The texture is key in chia pudding! Here are some tips to achieve that perfect creamy pudding consistency:
- Start by mixing the chia seeds into the cherry blend thoroughly to avoid clumping. It’s best to stir well multiple times to evenly distribute the seeds.
- Make sure to let it refrigerate long enough—at least 4 hours or overnight gives the seeds plenty of time to absorb the liquid.
- If the pudding seems too thick after chilling, you can stir in a bit more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
Cherry Chia Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (reserve a few whole for topping)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of salt
Time Needed:
This Cherry Chia Pudding is simple and quick to prepare! It will take about 10 minutes to mix everything together, and then you’ll need at least 4 hours in the fridge to let it thicken up. If you plan ahead, making it the night before is ideal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
Start by taking your chopped cherries and putting them in a blender along with the almond milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup (or honey), and a pinch of salt. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
2. Mix in the Chia Seeds:
Pour the cherry mixture into a bowl or jar. Now, it’s time to add the chia seeds! Stir them in well to make sure they are evenly distributed, and there are no clumps of seeds.
3. Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl or jar and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This allows the chia seeds to soak up the liquid and turn the mixture into a thick pudding-like texture.
4. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, give the pudding a good stir. Spoon it into serving glasses or bowls. For a fun touch, top each serving with the reserved whole cherries for a pop of color!
5. Enjoy!
Dig into your chilled Cherry Chia Pudding as a healthy breakfast or a satisfying snack. It’s delicious and good for you!
This beautiful pudding not only tastes great but also looks delightful with its speckled chia texture and bright cherry flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before blending. You can microwave them for a few seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a bit.
How Can I Make This Pudding Vegan?
No need to worry! This recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just stick with maple syrup or agave syrup as your sweetener instead of honey, and use almond or another plant-based milk.
Can I Substitute Chia Seeds with Something Else?
While chia seeds give the pudding its unique texture, you could use flaxseeds as a substitute. Keep in mind that they will alter the final texture, and you may need to use a little less liquid since flaxseeds absorb liquid differently than chia seeds.
How to Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again, as it may thicken further in the fridge.