Name: Cherry Chia Pudding
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 1 ⅔ cup oat milk (or any plant milk); 7 tablespoons chia seeds (just under half a cup); 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste ); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; to serve: shaved chocolate, granola, chopped toasted almonds, cherry compote, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce; 1.5 cups fresh sweet cherries; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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This one is for my cherry lovers! A nutritious, tasty, make-ahead Cherry Chia Pudding served with a simple 5-minute cherry compote on top. Serve this vegan chia pudding with chocolate shavings or crisp granola for a delicious treat.

Cherry chia pudding can be served chilled or warmed up and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. This is a favorite no-cook make-ahead breakfast recipe!

Cherry Chia Puddings in jars topped with cherry compote and shaved chocolate

More gorgeous vegan breakfasts to try: Vegan Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients

For the chia pudding:

1 ⅔ cup oat milk - try my homemade oat milk recipe (or use any plant milk you like, vanilla almond milk is great here too)
7 tablespoons chia seeds (just under half a cup)
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste (you'll be adding sweetened cherry juice to the chia pudding so you can start with less maple syrup at first)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To serve: shaved chocolate, granola, chopped toasted almonds, cherry compote, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce

For the cherry compote:

1.5 cups fresh sweet cherries (bing cherries), pitted (pits removed) and sliced in half
2 tablespoons maple syrup or vegan sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

More vegan chia puddings: Vegan Chocolate Chia Pudding

Equipment

Cherry pitter, if using fresh cherries
Small saucepan for the cherry compote
Medium-large bowl
Mason jars or food containers with lids for serving and meal prep

More recipes that use chia seeds: Strawberry Chia Lemonade

Instructions

In a medium or large bowl, combine all the oat milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.

Collage of 2 pictures showing how chia pudding absorbs liquid after sitting

In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the cherry compote. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cherries are softened but not broken down, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Give it a taste and add more maple syrup, if needed (I prefer it tart, but it's up to you).

Collage of 2 photos showing how cherries cook down in a saucepan

Distribute to 4 serving dishes or mason jars leaving at least ½ inch of space on top. Top each portion with a scoop of cherries. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serve chilled or heat in the microwave for ~30 seconds. Serve with shaved chocolate, sliced toasted almonds, or a nutty granola such as pecan pie granola.

Jar of of vegan cherry chia pudding with cherry compote

More vegan treats with cherries: Vegan Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

Recipe notes and tips

This recipe can be made with frozen cherries. Just chop them in half before using them so you have smaller bits of cherries for your pudding.
If you want a creamy dessert-like pudding, use canned coconut milk. It's rich and will add a nice coconutty flavor.
You can let the chia pudding thicken in the fridge in a large covered bowl or container, then portion out the next day.
I sometimes stir in a little homemade vegan yogurt into chia pudding for a tangy creamy addition.

If you enjoyed this recipe, let me know with a comment and a star rating below. And don't forget to share it on Facebook and save it on Pinterest for later!

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