Cherry Chia Pudding with Maple-Infused Cherry Topping Recipe
Introduction
Cherry chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. With creamy chia seeds and a naturally sweet cherry topping, this dish is perfect for breakfast, snack, or a light treat any time of day.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (70 g) frozen cherries
- ½ cup (125 ml) dairy-free milk
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons (30 g) whole chia seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine dairy-free milk, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, and ⅛ teaspoon almond extract. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the whole chia seeds, whisking vigorously for 1-2 minutes to ensure even dispersion and prevent clumping. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the pudding is thick and set to a creamy consistency.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine the frozen cherries and the remaining 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices, forming a slightly syrupy sauce.
- Step 5: Remove the cherry topping from heat and allow it to cool completely before assembling with the pudding. You can transfer it to a separate bowl to speed up cooling.
- Step 6: Spoon the chilled chia pudding into serving glasses. Layer with the cooled cherry topping. Repeat layers if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cherries when in season for a brighter flavor, or substitute with frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste.
- For extra creaminess, soak chia seeds in coconut milk or almond milk.
Storage
Store the chia pudding and cherry topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reassemble and enjoy chilled. The pudding may thicken further in the fridge—stir gently if needed before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of dairy-free milk?
Yes, regular milk works well if you don’t need a dairy-free option. It will result in a creamier texture.
How do I prevent the chia seeds from clumping?
Whisking the chia seeds vigorously when you first add them and again after letting them rest for a few minutes helps distribute them evenly, avoiding clumps.
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Cherry Chia Pudding with Maple-Infused Cherry Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and delicious Cherry Chia Pudding recipe featuring creamy dairy-free chia pudding topped with a homemade warm cherry sauce. This nutritious, vegan-friendly dessert or breakfast is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a hint of almond extract for a delightful flavor twist.
Ingredients
Chia Pudding Base
- ½ cup (125 ml) dairy-free milk
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (divided)
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons (30 g) whole chia seeds
Cherry Topping
- ½ cup (70 g) frozen cherries
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (remaining from above)
Instructions
- Prepare Chia Pudding Base: In a bowl, combine dairy-free milk, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and ⅛ teaspoon almond extract. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Chia Seeds: Add the whole chia seeds, whisking vigorously for 1-2 minutes to ensure even dispersion and prevent clumping. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to keep it smooth.
- Chill Pudding Base: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Prepare Cherry Topping: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine frozen cherries and the remaining 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Simmer for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices, creating a slightly syrupy sauce.
- Cool Cherry Topping: Remove the topping from heat and allow it to cool completely before assembling. Transfer to a separate bowl to speed cooling if desired.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the chilled chia pudding into serving glasses. Layer with the cooled cherry topping. Repeat layers if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure you whisk the chia seeds well to avoid clumps.
- Allowing the pudding to set overnight yields a creamier consistency.
- You can substitute frozen cherries with fresh cherries when in season.
- This pudding can be prepared in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry chia pudding, vegan chia pudding, dairy-free dessert, healthy pudding, maple syrup sweetened, almond extract flavor
