Chia Pudding with Cherry Compote

Creamy Chia Pudding with Cherry Compote is a plant-based treat perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Packed with omega-3s & fiber.

Start your day on a sweet note with this creamy Chia Pudding with Cherry Compote – it feels like a treat, but it’s a nutrient-rich and healthy breakfast (or snack) option that will keep you full for hours. Naturally sweetened, nutrient-packed, and full of summery fruit flavor. Just layer and go! Ideal for meal prep, yet fancy enough to serve guests.

This chia pudding is an easy recipe that takes just minutes to prep. It uses minimal ingredients, no complicated techniques, or hard-to-find items.

It’s also a hands-off prep – you just need to mix the pudding ingredients, give it a stir, and let the fridge do the work. The pudding sets on its own, no cooking required!

The one thing we need to cook is the cherry compote, which only takes minutes – just let it simmer gently on the stovetop in one pan until softened and thickened.

You don’t need special equipment to make this recipe: a bowl, a spoon, and a saucepan are all it takes. You can even mix the pudding directly in jars for grab-and-go convenience.

This recipe is also meal-prep friendly! Both components (the basic chia pudding and the cherry compote) can be prepared in advance, making this recipe perfect for busy mornings or easy entertaining.

Why do you need to make this recipe?

This chia pudding makes for an effortless meal prep that you can enjoy all week long. Mix it, chill it, forget it! This chia pudding is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward make-ahead breakfast or snack.

The dish is made with simple, wholesome ingredients, no dairy, no gluten, no nonsense.

It is naturally plant-based, gluten-free & packed with nutrients! Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, omega-3s, and protein. Paired with antioxidant-rich cherries, it’s a nourishing choice that feels like a treat.

The base is incredibly flexible. You can use your favorite plant-based milk or yogurt, adjust the sweetness, or swap in seasonal fruit compote.

With creamy layers and that vibrant cherry topping, this dish looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for serving at brunch, gifting in jars, or just treating yourself.

Save this post for your next guilt-free indulgence – you’ll want it on repeat.

Chia Pudding Ingredients

The beauty of chia pudding is in its simplicity and versatility. The base ingredients are just chia seeds, plant-based milk, yogurt, and a touch of sweetener.

From there, the flavor possibilities are endless! While this version pairs beautifully with a vibrant cherry compote, you can easily switch things up with your favorite seasonal fruits! Think mango purée, roasted berries, stewed apples, or even fresh figs. It’s a flexible recipe that lets you get creative while keeping things wholesome and nourishing.

Here are the ingredients to make the basic chia pudding:

• Chia seeds. This is the star ingredient! They absorb liquid and form a thick, pudding-like texture. Use white chia seeds if you prefer a lighter appearance, though black seeds work just as well.
• Coconut milk provides creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor. Shake the package well before using to distribute the fat evenly. We used full-fat coconut milk in this recipe, but if you prefer less richness, use light coconut milk.
• Plant-based milk. This balances the richness of coconut milk and helps loosen the pudding slightly. Oat and almond milk add a mild, slightly sweet taste; soy milk adds more protein.
• Plant-based yogurt. Adds tanginess, probiotics, and a thicker texture. Use coconut, soy, or almond yogurt. Make sure it’s unsweetened if you want to control the sugar content.
• Maple syrup. Natural sweetener that complements the tart cherry compote. You can substitute with agave, date syrup, or omit entirely for a sugar-free version. Plain old granulated sugar also works!
• Vanilla extract. This is optional, but we highly recommend it for a dessert-like flavor.

Now on to the Cherry Compote ingredients. You will need:

• Cherries. You can use fresh (when in season) or even frozen cherries; just make sure they are pitted. Frozen cherries are convenient and work just as well. No need to thaw before cooking.
• Sugar. Helps draw out juices and enhance the cherries’ natural sweetness. Adjust the amount depending on how sweet your cherries are. Use coconut sugar or maple syrup as an alternative.
• Lemon juice. Brightens the compote and balances the sweetness.

Don’t have cherries?

You can swap the cherries with other fruit, like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, plums, peaches,… the sky is the limit!

How to make Chia Pudding with Cherry Compote

Here’s how you make this super simple recipe!

Prepare the Chia Pudding

In a medium bowl or sealable jar, combine the chia seeds, coconut milk, plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond, etc.), plant-based yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla (if using).

Stir thoroughly with a whisk or fork for about 30–60 seconds to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and don’t clump together. Mix in a circular motion, then scraping the bottom and edges of the bowl helps prevent dry clumps of seeds.

Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes, then stir again to break up any seeds that may have started clumping as they absorb liquid. This second stir is key to getting a smooth, uniform texture, so don’t skip it!

Another version I like to do is to combine everything but the yogurt, let it sit and soak, then, when the chia seeds have plumped, I stir in the yogurt. This helps me adjust the amount and texture of the chia pudding.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until it thickens into a creamy, pudding-like consistency.

Chia pudding will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. It actually gets better after a day as flavors meld.

Make the Cherry Compote

In a small saucepan, combine pitted cherries (fresh or frozen), sugar, and lemon juice.

Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the cherries have softened and released their juices, and the liquid has reduced slightly into a glossy, syrupy compote.

Remove from heat and let cool completely before assembling. Cooling thickens the compote naturally and keeps the chia pudding from melting or thinning when assembled.

But if you want a thicker compote, dissolve ½ tsp of cornstarch in 1 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the last 2–3 minutes of simmering.

The prep part is done!

See our storage tips below if you want to make this recipe as part of your meal prep.

Assemble your Chia Pudding

Once chilled and set, give the chia pudding a quick stir. Spoon the pudding evenly into individual serving jars, glasses, or bowls, about ¾ full.

Top with the cooled cherry compote, spreading it over the pudding layer.

For a parfait like in the picture, scoop some spoons of chia pudding first, top with the cherry compote, then add another layer of chia pudding, and finish it off with another layer of cherry compote.

Serving suggestions

You can serve this chia pudding in single-serve individual jars for easy grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks, or simply scoop it up from a large container and serve in bowls.

Here are some more delicious serving ideas:

• Classic jar parfait: Layer chia pudding and cherry compote in small mason jars or dessert glasses. Great for breakfast meal prep, brunch spreads, or a healthy dessert!
• Spoon the chia pudding into a shallow bowl or glass dish. Add a generous swirl of cherry compote on top. Garnish with fresh cherries, mint leaves, and a dollop of whipped coconut cream or plant-based yogurt.
• Breakfast bowl: Serve the chia pudding in a wide bowl. Top with cherry compote, sliced banana, nut butter drizzle (like almond or cashew), and toasted seeds (sunflower, pumpkin). This is a  balanced, filling, and protein-rich breakfast, ideal for busy mornings.
• Frozen treat hack: Freeze layered chia pudding and cherry compote in silicone molds or popsicle molds. Add an ice cream stick in the middle to make a popsicle! This is a refreshing, fun, and healthy summer snack, especially for kids.

Storage tips

Here are our storage tips for this Chia Pudding with Cherry Compote, to help keep it fresh, safe, and delicious, whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers.

Refrigeration:

• Use an airtight container or small jars with lids (like mason jars) to store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Stir before serving if it thickens too much; you can loosen it with a splash of plant-based milk.
• Store individual portions for easy grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
• You can store the cherry compote separately from the pudding to preserve distinct layers and freshness. The compote thickens further in the fridge, which is great for layering.

Freezing (Optional):

• This recipe can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture may change slightly.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or jars with room at the top (chia expands).
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. Stir well after thawing and add a little milk if needed.

Make-Ahead tip:

Both components can be made in advance. Store the chia pudding and the cherry compote separately and assemble just before serving to keep layers clean and textures distinct.

More similar recipes:

Basic Vegan Chia Pudding Recipe

Vegan Peach Pie Chia Pudding

Coconut Milk Mango Chia Pudding

Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding