If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s equal parts luscious, wholesome, and vibrant, you’ve got to try this Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free). Each spoonful delivers a burst of fresh cherries swirled into silky almond milk pudding, naturally sweetened and topped off with a hint of almond essence. What makes it truly unbeatable is how effortlessly it comes together, all while being a perfect fit for special diets and everyday cravings alike. Simple prep, gorgeous layers, knockout flavors—this is a dessert you’ll dream about!

Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

At the heart of Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) are a handful of simple ingredients, each one chosen for maximum impact. They offer a beautiful blend of creaminess, subtle sweetness, and fruit-forward brightness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Unsweetened almond milk: This dairy-free staple creates a silky base with a gentle nutty note that enhances the pudding’s flavor.
Chia seeds: These tiny powerhouse seeds transform liquid into a thick, pudding-like texture, while also adding fiber and healthy fats.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a mellow, caramel-like depth that pairs perfectly with cherries.
Almond extract: A drop or two brings an unmistakable, fragrant aroma that truly makes the cherries sing.
Fresh cherries: Their juicy texture and slight tartness are the real stars—opt for ripe, sweet cherries if you can.
Water: Helps create the compote and balances out the flavors without muddling the fruit’s brilliance.
Cane sugar: Just a little accentuates the natural sugars in the cherries for a perfectly balanced compote.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry mixture, so you get luscious swirls rather than watery compote.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity, making the cherry flavor absolutely pop.

How to Make Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

Step 1: Mix the Chia Pudding Base

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and a splash of almond extract. You’ll notice the chia seeds will start to suspend in the liquid, but they can clump up if left alone, so mix well!

Step 2: Chill and Re-Whisk

Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for 3-4 hours, or even overnight if you love meal prep. After the first hour, give it another good whisk—this helps prevent clumps and ensures an evenly creamy texture. The chia will gradually plump up, transforming the liquid into a pudding-like consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Compote

Time to get saucy! In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cherries, water, cane sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Place over medium heat and stir frequently for 5-8 minutes, until the cherries soften and you see a glossy, ruby-red syrup start to bubble and thicken.

Step 4: Add the Final Touch of Almond

Remove the compote from the heat and stir in the remaining almond extract. This quick step infuses your compote with aromatic balance and ties the whole Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) together beautifully.

Step 5: Cool and Combine

Allow the cherry compote to cool to room temperature—this keeps the pudding from thinning or separating when you mix them. Gently fold the cherry mixture into your thickened chia pudding, or swirl it in for beautiful ribbons of cherry throughout.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Enjoy your Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) right away, decked out with your favorite toppings, or chill it for later. It’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it an ideal grab-and-go breakfast or sweet snack.

How to Serve Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing, let your creativity shine! Top with a handful of toasted sliced almonds for crunch, a dollop of coconut yogurt for tang, or extra fresh cherries if you’re feeling fancy. Even a few chocolate shavings or a scattering of unsweetened coconut flakes can take each serving from lovely to absolute showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) with some homemade granola or a cozy mug of herbal tea. It’s also fabulous alongside a summer fruit platter for brunch or matched with savory bites like avocado toast for a balanced breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For an insta-worthy brunch, layer your pudding and cherry compote in clear glasses for striking parfaits, or spoon into small jars for a pretty, portable treat. You can even divide it into popsicle molds for a playful, frozen summer snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) fresh, simply cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, so you’re set for a few satisfying, grab-and-go treats throughout the week.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual servings in airtight containers if you need to prep far ahead. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before diving in—the texture might be slightly less creamy but still tasty and refreshing!

Reheating

This pudding is meant to be served chilled, so no reheating required. If you’ve frozen it, just let it thaw in the fridge and give it a good stir before enjoying. For a change, you can even briefly microwave it for 10 seconds if you like a slightly warmer pudding in cooler months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly in Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free). Just add them straight to the saucepan for the compote; no need to thaw first, just cook a couple minutes longer until syrupy and delicious.

Can I swap the almond milk for another plant-based milk?

Yes! Oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk all work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to pick an unsweetened, plain variety so you can control the flavors and sweetness level yourself.

How can I make this recipe sugar-free?

If you’d like a sugar-free version, swap the maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener and replace the cane sugar in the compote with your preferred alternative, adjusting the amount to taste. The natural sweetness of the cherries goes a long way!

Why is my pudding runny?

If your Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) turns out too thin, it may need more time to set or a bit more chia. Stir well and let it sit another hour; if it’s still not thickening, add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds, mix, and chill again.

Can I meal prep this for the week?

Definitely! Prepare a batch on Sunday, then portion the pudding into jars for quick breakfasts or snacks. Just add fresh toppings each day to keep things lively, and you’ll have a healthy, delicious option ready whenever hunger strikes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the bright, juicy flavors and playful layers in this Cherry Chia Pudding (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free). It’s delightfully easy, nourishing, and sure to become one of your go-to recipes for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime pick-me-up. So gather some cherries and chia seeds and treat yourself—you’re in for a real delight!