This Cherry Chia Pudding is a fun and colorful treat! Chia seeds soak up almond milk and turn creamy, while sweet cherries add a burst of flavor. It’s like dessert for breakfast!
Honestly, it feels like magic watching those seeds transform. I love to top mine with extra cherries and a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh, sweet cherries are the star here! If cherries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen cherries; just make sure to thaw them before blending. You could also try blueberries or strawberries for a different twist!
Chia seeds: These tiny seeds are key for creating that creamy pudding texture. If you don’t have chia seeds, you could use flaxseeds, but they won’t provide exactly the same consistency.
Almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to! However, any plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk will work too. If you’re not dairy-free, regular milk is fine as well.
Sweetener: I love using maple syrup for its rich flavor, but honey or agave syrup are great alternatives. You can also skip the sweetener if your cherries are sweet enough or use stevia for a lower-calorie option.
How Do I Get Chia Seeds to Absorb Liquid Properly?
The key to getting that smooth pudding consistency is ensuring the chia seeds soak up enough liquid. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After blending your cherry mixture, stir in chia seeds immediately. This helps prevent them from clumping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This gives the seeds time to expand and absorb the liquid.
- During the first hour in the fridge, give it a good stir once or twice to keep the seeds evenly spread.
- When serving, if it’s too thick for your liking, a splash of milk can help loosen it up!
Following these tips will help you create a creamy, delicious chia pudding every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Cherry Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Extra fresh cherries for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making Cherry Chia Pudding takes about 10 minutes of prep time. However, you’ll want to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or overnight for the best results—so plan ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Cherry Mixture:
In a blender, combine the pitted cherries, almond milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. This will create a sweet and fruity base for your pudding.
2. Add the Chia Seeds:
Pour the cherry milk mixture into a bowl or jar. Now it’s time to add the chia seeds! Stir carefully to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that pudding-like texture!
3. Chill the Pudding:
Cover the bowl or jars with a lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. If you check on it during the first hour, give it a stir to prevent clumping. This helps the chia seeds absorb the liquid properly!
4. Prepare for Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, take the pudding out of the fridge and give it a good stir. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash of almond milk to loosen it up. It should be smooth and creamy!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Divide the pudding into serving glasses or bowls. Top each with some extra fresh cherries for a lovely finish. Enjoy this delightful pudding chilled as a healthy breakfast or a delicious dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them first, then blend them into the pudding mixture. This will still give you that delicious cherry flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chia Pudding?
Your Cherry Chia Pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before eating, and feel free to add more milk if it thickens up too much!
Can I Substitute Chia Seeds with Another Seed or Grain?
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use flaxseeds as a substitute, but keep in mind they won’t create the same pudding-like texture. Alternatively, you could use oats for a different style of pudding, but the process will vary slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Adjust the Sweetness?
Start with the recommended amount of maple syrup or honey, then taste the mixture before chilling. You can always blend in a little more sweetener if needed! Each batch of cherries can vary in sweetness, so it’s good to adjust based on your preference.
