This little concoction is a medley of several very super, whole foods. It’s deliciously sweet enough for a dessert (my husband thinks it tastes like a cherry ripe, hence the name) and healthy enough for breakfast! I make a jar of it and help myself when I feel like it.
Health benefits
Firstly it is gluten and dairy free. Chia seeds have a very impressive nutrient profile and are a great gluten-free source of fibre, protein and omega 3 fatty acids. These small, tasteless seeds swell up and absorb liquid and the flavours they are soaked in, which makes them incredibly versatile.
The berries and cacao powder are rich in antioxidants and the lemon zest and coconut milk are wonderful immune boosters. The coconut water is very hydrating. How super is that?
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements.
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This is the most delicious flavour combination for a healthy chia pudding - named after the infamous 'cherry ripe' chocolate bar.
- ½ cup berries (I use frozen or fresh raspberries and blueberries but any will do), smashed up a bit to release their juice
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
- 1-2 tablespoons real maple syrup or rice syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup coconut water
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
- In a large jar place all of the ingredients and stir or shake to combine well.
- Place it in the fridge for at least a few hours (I leave it overnight).
- You can shake or stir it after an hour or so, just to make sure the flavours are well distributed.
The longer it is left , the thicker it becomes. Adjust the consistency with more milk if it become too thick.
Enjoy as it is or topped with more berries and cashew nut cream (recipe here). A little toasted flaked coconut is also delicious.
- It will keep in the fridge for a few days.
Coconut-free
Replace the coconut milk with a nut milk or dairy milk.
Low-fructose
Sweeten with rice malt syrup.
Tip
I find people generally either love or struggle with the gelatinous, slightly grainy texture of chia. If you don't like the texture, try to blend it smooth or use ground chia seeds to make it.
"The best Chia Pudding flavour combination ever!"
Sally
Love to hear if you like this delicious chia pudding. Post a comment or rate this recipe below!
TLee says
So excited to try this one out on my husband. His fave choc of all time is the Cherry Ripe. I’ve been attempting to satisfy his sweet tooth with healthy alternatives, so this recipe might do the trick. Thanks
Georgia Harding says
I hope it helps – it obviously isn’t a chocolate per se, but the flavour is reminiscent. Hope he likes it! G x
Zoe Baker says
I think it sounds very healthy and naughty at the same time. I’m going to give it a go!
Georgia Harding says
Enjoy! G x
Lidia says
Hi G, made this today & I have one word… Deliciousness!! I love all those individual ingredients & bringing them together in this pudding is perfect. I didn’t have lemon so added lime zest, maybe a little too much, so it’s a tiny bit limey, but it’s still so tasty. I’ll probably try it with & without lemon in future batches & see how it goes. A winner for sure & it will be a staple at our place from now on. Looking forward to breakfast tomorrow already 😉 thx so much for the recipe!!
Georgia Harding says
It is a nice flavour combination isn’t it? Pleased you enjoyed, G x
Lidia says
I shared it with a friend & her family loved it too. Thx again x
Lu says
I made this at the start of the week for breakfast, but the kids found it a little full on for that time of the day, so I have been eating it as a dessert all week.
It just gets thicker and thicker, as you said. I love that it is so puddingy without having to do much.
I will make a less sweet batch next week to give my kids as an after school snack.
I am really enjoying your recipes, although my chocolate keeps separating, even with blending. Working on that one as I am determined to master it!
Georgia Harding says
I agree, some people can eat sweet stuff straight up – I prefer it later in the day. Yes chia makes the simplest puddings about. Play with the flavours – you can’t go wrong really. I can’t believe that raw chocolate is still giving you grief. I have been up to my ears in it all week playing with some Xmas recipes. Look fwd to sharing, G x
Sascha says
Do u use white or black chia seeds?
Georgia Harding says
Either – they are both tasteless though my kids prefer not to see them so the white generally go down better than the black. This pic I’d used black, white is prettier though! G x
Renee Oostendorp says
Is there a nutritional difference between the two? I keep getting confused as to which one I should buy…
Georgia Harding says
Renee, my understanding is that there is no nutritional difference, G x
Jodie says
Will this keep in the freezer at all?
Georgia Harding says
Yep, no worries. G x
Andrea Sargent says
My favourite chia pudding. Absolutely delicious!
Thanks for sharing all your spectacular healthy recipes Georgia.
Georgia Harding says
You’re very welcome Andrea – this is a great flavour combo, my fave too G x