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Chocolate cherry chia pudding is an easy, delicious way to use those summer cherries! This vegan breakfast recipe also works great as a snack or dessert. Add whipped cream if you’d like!

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I’ve had this vegan cherry chia seed pudding recipe made and photographed for weeks and I’m finally happy to be sharing it with you.

There’s no denying that we all need a go-to chia pudding recipe and this chocolate coconut chia pudding is my top recommendation.

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 chocolate chia pudding. 

Ingredients For This Recipe

Maple syrup

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chia seeds

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flax seeds

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Collagen

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Naked Protein

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hemp seeds

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overnight oat jars

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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, especially in cherry chia pudding or cherry overnight oats.

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 cherry chia pudding seemed perfect.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding

This chocolate chia pudding is SO SIMPLE.

• 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.  
• 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. 
• Optional Add Ins – Collagen powder or protein powder can help increase the protein content! Also, adding flax seeds or hemp seeds can boost the nutrition content as well.

Chia seeds are one of my favorite foods for kids, as discussed in these recipes on chia seeds for kids.

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 cherry chia pudding can be made with either canned coconut milk or carton coconut milk. 

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 Cherry Chia Pudding

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 cherry chia 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 hope this chocolate coconut chia pudding shows you how versatile chia seeds can be.

Some other ways to use chia seeds are in banana chia bread or cranberry strawberry chia jam, which makes a tasty topping for toast!

I also love adding them to lemon blueberry overnight oats and homemade yogurt pouches for extra nutrition!

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!

Another reason I really love this chocolate 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, making chia seeds for running a great option!

So if you’re training in the summer heat, utilize them as part of your summer hydration plan. 

This basic chia pudding will last 3-5 days properly stored in the refrigerator. 

How to Make a Chia Seed Parfait

I love to enjoy this as a chia seed parfait with yogurt, kinda similar to this avocado chia pudding.

I prefer to mix in some more yogurt with fruit because chia pudding with yogurt becomes more of a protein chia pudding.

Stick to a soy or plant-based yogurt to keep this vegan chocolate chia pudding plant-based if necessary. 

• Dairy free chocolate pudding
• No bake vegan protein bites
• Peanut Butter Banana Brownies
• Vegan 3 Ingredient Cookies
• Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Bark

Servings 2 servings

Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding

Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN

Cherry Chocolate Chia Pudding is a great way to use those summer cherries. Great as a breakfast, snack or dessert, this chocolate cherry pudding recipe with cherries and chocolate is an easy vegan dessert.

4.91 from 31 ratings

Print Pin

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• 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 

1. Mix all ingredients in bowl and divide into 2 jars or serving cups.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 4+ hours or overnight.
3. Top with extra cherries and whipped cream!

Equipment

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

Serving: 1Calories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 10gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 7gSugar: 40g

Did you make this recipe?Let us know how it was!