Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding (w/ Cherry Topping!)
Chocolate chia pudding with cherry topping is a creamy, chocolatey make-ahead breakfast. Everything comes together with just a few pantry staples for a spoonable treat that’s rich + fresh!
5 star review
“The Cherry sauce takes this pudding from good to fantastic. ”
– Lisa
This Chocolate Chia Pudding Feels Like Dessert, But Works for Busy Weekday Mornings
I made this yummy chia seed pudding because I wanted something that felt like a treat but still worked for real-life morning. It’s the kind of breakfast for when you want something waiting in the fridge that isn’t toast or yogurt again. This cacao chia pudding is thick and creamy, with that deep cocoa flavor, and gets topped with a quick maple-sweetened cherry compote that tastes like dessert but somehow still counts as breakfast. And the cherry topping is a little nod to cherries jubilee, but simplified.
To keep it smooth and just the right texture, I personally like to blend the chia pudding base before chilling, then let the fridge do the rest. The cherry topping only needs a few minutes on the stove and works just as well with frozen cherries, which means you can make it any time! It’s in the same category as my protein chia pudding and my strawberry rhubarb chia pudding, as both require minimal effort, big payoff, and secretly great for meal prep – if you don’t eat it all straight from the jar :).
Tips For an Easy Morning Treat
- I found that using frozen cherries made this feel like a year-round treat, and they break down perfectly when simmered, but it’s equally yummy with fresh!
- When I adjusted the sweetness, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup was plenty for breakfast, but feel free to bump up to 3 teaspoons if you like things a bit sweeter.
- I recommend chilling the cherry topping before layering. If it’s too warm, it can thin out the pudding just a bit.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding (w/ Cherry Topping!)
Ingredients
For the Chia Seed Pudding
- ½ cup coconut milk (from a can)
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 5-6 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1-3 teaspoons pure maple syrup, to taste
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Cherries Jubilee
- 2 cups sweet cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot (or cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoons almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Make the chia seed pudding: In a large bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the coconut milk, milk, chia seeds, cacao powder, maple syrup, and sea salt.
- For a smoother consistency, place the mixture in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to thicken, whisking or shaking occasionally. If the pudding seems thin after 2 hours, add additional chia seeds one tablespoon at a time, letting it sit for half an hour each time, until the mixture achieves a pudding-like consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Meanwhile, make the cherries jubilee: Combine the cherries, maple syrup and water in a medium saucepan. Cover, heat to high, then simmer on medium-low for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Turn off the heat. In a small bowl, add the arrowroot and 2 tablespoons of the cherry juice from the pan. Stir until well combined, then add the mixture back to the pan, stirring until well incorporated. Add the almond extract, stir, and allow to cool completely.
- Spoon the pudding into individual servings, top with the cherry mixture, sprinkle with cacao nibs if using, and serve or refrigerate until ready to eat.
If I use honey instead of maple syrup, same amount?
Alexis, honey will work in place of the maple syrup in the same amount. The sweetness level is personal preference, so feel free to tastes as you go and adjust up or down. Hope you enjoy!
This looks fantastic!
Thanks so much Megan!! I hope you’ll enjoy. 🙂
Mmmmm! Chocolate/cherry yumminess
Agreed, chocolate and cherries are the best combo Annissa!
The Cherry sauce takes this pudding from good to fantastic.
Lisa, yay, I’m so happy you enjoyed this one — it’s an oldie but a goodie. I agree, the cherries really do make it. Thanks so much for leaving a review!