This cherry vanilla chia seed pudding is a simple, nourishing dessert or snack that’s made with just a few mostly whole ingredients. 

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I love pretty food. 

And this cherry vanilla chia seed pudding is just so simple and elegant in terms of flavor and appearance. 

Sure, chia seed pudding isn’t the prettiest on its own, but when layered with cherry compote and sprinkled with coconut flakes or slivered almonds, it becomes a snack or dessert worthy of a trendy coffee shop. 

Let me show you how easy and nutritious this vanilla chia seed pudding recipe really is!

Is chia seed pudding healthy?

Yes, chia seed pudding can be a super nutritious snack or dessert option. 

Chia seeds themselves are a nutrient-powerhouse. Specifically, chia seeds are a good source of:

• Plant-based omega-3’s
• Fiber
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Calcium 
• Phosphorus

As for the remaining ingredients, the oat or almond milk provide calcium and vitamin D (just make sure they’re fortified), and maple syrup contains small amounts of minerals such as potassium, zinc, and magnesium. 

Plus, this vanilla chia seed pudding recipe is also gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, nut-free and vegan-friendly. 

What you’ll need to make this vanilla chia seed pudding

For the vanilla chia seed pudding:

• Oat milk: I love the sweet, oaty flavor of oat milk (Planet Oat is my go-to brand), but an unsweetened vanilla almond milk would also be lovely in this recipe.
• Chia seeds: The star of the recipe, I buy my chia seeds in bulk online. For an even prettier, lighter colored pudding, you can use white chia seeds. 
• Vanilla extract: Be sure to use a good quality pure vanilla extract. You could also use real vanilla beans or vanilla bean powder for a stronger flavor.
• Pure maple syrup: I’m more of a maple than honey fan, but raw local honey would also work well in these puddings. 

For the simple cherry compote

• Frozen pitted cherries: Frozen cherries will break down much faster than fresh. But if you have a bag of fresh cherries at home, feel free to use them. Just allow for extra cooking time. 
• Pure maple syrup: As mentioned above, I prefer the flavor of maple, but a local honey would also work well.
• Salt: Optional, but I find a little pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the cherries and maple. 

How to make vanilla chia seed pudding

Chia seed puddings are super easy to make. I personally find it’s easiest to make the pudding and compote the day before, let both sit in the fridge overnight, then assemble the next day.

Start by combining chia seeds, milk of choice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl (I recommend using one with a lid). Whisk well to combine. 

Once everything is well-whisked, simply cover the bowl or transfer the mixture to a sealable container. This chia seed pudding needs at least 6 hours to gel-up in the fridge. 

For the compote, all you’ll do is place the cherries and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until hot and bubbly, mash the cherries with a fork, then let the mixture thicken up in the fridge for an hour or so. 

The next day, I like to divide the portions into small mason jars for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack option.

Can you blend chia seed pudding?

Don’t like the tapioca-like texture of chia seed pudding? No problem! Once the pudding has had time to thicken in the fridge, simply place it in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.

How to top chia seed puddings

This cherry vanilla chia seed pudding is delicious enough on its own. However, if you want a little pop of texture or color, some topping ideas include: 

• Slivered almonds
• Popped amaranth
• Shredded coconut
• Fresh mint
• Fresh berries 
• Dairy-free homemade whipped cream

More healthy chia seed pudding recipes

Looking for more healthy chia seed pudding recipes? Here are three of my favorites:

• Coconut Chia Pudding with Ginger and Cacao from Leanne Ray Nutrition
• Cake Batter Pudding from Edible Perspective
• Coffee Chia Seed Pudding from Nutritionist Meets Chef

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Cherry Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, & Nut-Free)

This cherry vanilla chia seed pudding is a simple, nourishing dessert or snack that’s made with just a few mostly whole ingredients.

Prep Time10 mins

Total Time6 hrs 10 mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Keyword: Healthy chia seed pudding, Healthy dessert

Servings: 7

Ingredients

For the chia seed pudding:

• 1 ½ cups unsweetened oat milk or milk of choice
• ½ cup chia seeds
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or raw honey or more to taste
• Optional: 1-2 droppers of CBDistillery’s 83 mg THC-Free CBD Oil

For the cherry compote:

• 150 grams about 1 cup frozen cherries, pitted
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

For the chia seed pudding:

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and CBD oil if using. Cover and place in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight.

For the compote:

• Place cherries and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the cherries are starting to break down and the liquid is bubbling.
• Remove from heat, stir in the salt, and use a fork to mash the cherries. Let the compote cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing it in the fridge for 1 hour to thicken up.

To assemble:

• Once the pudding and compote have thickened up, layer each into individual serving bowls or mini mason jars. Mixture makes 7 small (about ¼-cup servings) or 3 larger ones. Top with toppings of choice (see notes in post).