Cherry Chocolate Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
- June 21, 2019
- Last Updated: September 15, 2021
- 24 Comments
- Breakfast
Cherry Chocolate Coconut Milk Chia Pudding is a great way to use those summer cherries. Great as a breakfast, snack or dessert, this coconut chia seed pudding recipe with cherries and chocolate is an easy vegan dessert. Add whipped cream if you’d like!
It’s not like me to post two recipes two days in a row. But I’ve had this vegan chia seed pudding made and photographed. And while I’m at it…I’ve also enjoyed it over and over again.
When I meet with clients, I’m often sharing easy recipes for them when they feel stuck. I often bring up chia pudding, and the common question is, “what is the ideal chia pudding ratio?”
I’ll share my secret with this coconut milk chia pudding.
My dad always loved cherries growing up, and I was always kinda “eh” about them. Probably because I compared them to the maraschino cherries in Shirley Temples (my drink of choice until age 12), and I just wasn’t crazy about those cherries.
But, now I understand how delicious and refreshing the FRESH summer cherries are.
And they pair perfectly with chocolate and whipped cream in this vegan chia pudding recipe! Doesn’t everything though?
In terms of nutritional content, sweet cherries have a similar profile to that of tart cherries – great for endurance runners!
I’ve used tart cherry juice in my tart cherry gummies, and dried cherries in my no bake vegan protein bites and cherry chocolate chip baked oatmeal cups.
It was time for me to experiment with fresh cherries, and mixed in with this chocolate chia seed pudding seemed perfect.
What Do You Need For Cherry Coconut Milk Chia Pudding?
- Coconut milk – If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute with another milk. To keep this as vegan chia pudding, opt for a coconut milk chia pudding or almond milk chia pudding.
- Chia seeds – The secret ingredient. Chia seeds offer antioxidants, protein, iron, calcium, omega 3-fatty acids and more. Read more about chia seeds’ nutrition content.
- Cocoa powder or cacao powder – Full of health-promoting antioxidants!
- Quality maple syrup (I love this one) – For natural sweetness
- Cherries – Cherries are full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, and are anti-inflammatory (especially if you find some tart cherries).
- Whipped cream – Optional, but highly recommend. You could make coconut milk whipped cream or purchase vegan whipped cream.
Cherries are one of my favorite foods for endurance runners! If you’re not a cherry fan, you could also substitute with another fruit. Use fresh, frozen or dried fruit in this overnight chia recipe.
Another note about the ingredients – this chia seed pudding recipe with coconut milk can be made with either canned coconut milk or carton coconut milk.
Not a chocolate fan? You can make it into vanilla chia pudding.
Now that you have your ingredients for this paleo chia seed pudding, let’s talk about how EASY it is to make this chocolate chia pudding recipe.
How To Make This Chia Pudding Recipe Vegan
To keep this chia pudding recipe vegan, stick with coconut milk, almond milk or even soy milk. Here are the main steps for making this basic chia seed pudding.
- Gather your ingredients and mix them in a mug or small bowl.
- Let the ingredients gel and “firm up.”
Usually, I recommend 4-5 hours for the chia seeds to soak up the liquid and “firm up,”, but it’s easiest to make overnight chia pudding so you can enjoy it in the morning.
Then, top with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
I’ve never tried this, but to make this a keto chocolate chia pudding, use full fat coconut milk, and use a tiny bit of a sweetener or just general fruit to sweeten it up.
What is the Best Chia Pudding Ratio?
I’m sure each person will have her own opinion, but I have had the most success with using 1 1/3 cups of milk and 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp of chia seeds.
And make sure you allow enough time for it all to “gel.” For me, it’s generally 4-5+ hours, or overnight for the safest bet!
Could You Make This Into a Chia Seed Parfait?
Definitely – that’s actually my favorite way to enjoy it. I prefer to mix in some more yogurt with fruit because chia pudding with yogurt becomes more of a protein chia pudding.
However, stick to a soy or plant-based yogurt to keep this vegan chocolate chia pudding plant-based if necessary.
Another reason I really love this cacao chia pudding is because it’s extra hydrating. Since chia seeds soak up water, they help to hydrate the body, in addition to balancing blood sugar.
Chia seeds are great for hydration because they absorb water. So if you’re training in the summer heat, utilize them as part of your summer hydration plan.
How Long Does Chia Pudding Last?
This basic chia pudding will last 3-5 days properly stored in the refrigerator.
Cherry Chocolate Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
Cherry Chocolate Coconut Milk Chia Pudding is a great way to use those summer cherries. Great as a breakfast, snack or dessert, this coconut chia seed pudding recipe with cherries and chocolate is an easy vegan dessert. Add whipped cream if you'd like!
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup coconut milk (can also subst. with another type of milk)
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2-3 Tbsp maple syrup, depending on sweetness
- 1/4 cup cherries, sliced and pitted
- 1/4 cup vegan whipped cream, optional, but highly recommended
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in bowl and divide into 2 jars or serving cups.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4+ hours or overnight.
- Top with extra cherries and whipped cream!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Healthworks Cacao Powder (16 Ounces / 1 Pound) | Cocoa Chocolate Substitute | Certified Organic | Sugar-Free, Keto, Vegan & Non-GMO | Peruvian Bean/Nut Origin | Antioxidant Superfood
-
Coombs Family Farms Maple Syrup, Organic, Grade A, Dark Color, Robust Taste, 32-Ounce Jug
-
Viva Naturals Organic Raw Chia Seeds (2 LB)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 382Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 95mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 7gSugar: 40gProtein: 10g
Make This?
Tag @BucketListTummy on social media and Rate the Recipe
Other Easy Vegan Snacks:
This dairy free chocolate pudding is another delicious vegan dessert or snack.
- No bake vegan protein bites are great for meal prep and busy weeks – great for kids, adults and pre/post workout.
- Peanut Butter Banana Brownies are healthy vegan brownies that make for a great dessert or snack!
- Vegan 3 Ingredient Cookies are ready in under 20 minutes and are the best for an easy, quick dessert or snack.
- Another way to use chia seeds is in this banana chia seed bread or this cranberry strawberry chia sauce, which makes a tasty topping for toast!
- This banana chia seed bread is delicious too!
Pin it for Later
I hope you give it a try and like it! And if so, please tag use the tag #bucketlisttummy so I can see it!
As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Chocolate and cherry are always a delicious combination. This could not be easier!
Heck. Yes.
And whoever thinks that whip cream is optional is insane. It isn’t. It never was.
π
AGREED!
Pudding is such a great comfort food and you’ve made it even better with healthy chia, cherries, and cocoa!
Thanks Karman!
I’ve never quite got the proportions of chia/milk/chocolate right. So I’m so excited to try this. Love the antioxidant kick too…fighting a cold in summer. Talk about a bummer!
Perfect blend of antioxidants. Hope you feel better!
That sounds so delicious and refreshing! I was the same way about cherries as you were when I was younger. Still not a fan of maraschino but I love REAL cherries.
Real cherries just can’t be matched, can they? π
This. I am making this today.
Hope you liked it!!
OH congrats on all those appearances, definitely good you’re saying ‘Yes’ and taking advantage of the opportunity. And obsessed with cherries lately, I just finished the bag I bought last week π Guess I’ll just need to buy some more to make this!
We go through cherries SO quickly in our house, too. They are so good!
I love cherries and cocoa, so you got my two favorites already! Hmmm, on my feeling lucky days, I might add more whipped cream!
No such thing as too much whipped cream, either!
oh my gosh I haven’t had chia pudding in forever, I NEED this!
I always forget how EASY it is!
Such a fabulous chia pudding recipe! Whipped cream is definitely a perfect finishing touch π Would I completely ruin the recipe if I chose to blend it? I hate to be one of those commenters who asks about changing part of a recipe, but I figured it couldn’t hurt too much to ask. Wishing you a wonderful time in Indy!
Do you mean blend if after it gels? If you blended it before it gels, I’m sure it would be pretty liquidy. But it may be okay if you blend it after? You’ll have to let us know if you do! π
Yep! There’s some recipes out there that having a blending step after the chia pudding sits overnight to gel π
I’ve never tried that! Let me know how it goes π
I love that you’re just going with your intuitive eating signals and enjoying satisfying that sweet tooth with all the delicious fruity chocolateyness. I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding this week!
Thanks Emily. SO delicious!