Or as I like to call it: put it on literally everything sauce.
Cherry Chip Blended Chia Pudding – sounds amazing just like that right? But why would I stop there? Let’s parfait it up with juicy cherries, loads of chocolate and creamy, dreamy coconut cream. You with me?
The line between nourishing and whatever the complete opposite of nourishing is, is a line I I make it my life’s mission to blur.
Smooth, dreamy and absolutely decadent and still nutritious and good for me? That is pretty much always my breakfast goal.
If you need a way to get your kids or other picky eaters in your life to eat chia pudding this is it. This is not your average chia pudding.
It’s somewhere between a pudding and a mousse, it’s easy to customize to please the crowds and it’s really, truly yummy.
And yes, it’s still packed with fibre and omegas, so you can’t lose.
Scroll past the recipe if you’re looking for tips, substitutions, questions, etc. and details on how to make this recipe, but if you want to get straight to it, here’s my recipe-ish…
Cherry Chip Blended Chia Pudding Parfaits
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries if frozen, thaw first, divided
- 1 scoop protein powder vanilla or plain
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup can omit if your protein powder is sweet
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Pinch salt
For serving:
- Thick coconut cream
- 2 Tbsp Mini chocolate chips.
Instructions
- Add the milk, chia seeds, 1/4 cup of the cherries, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract and salt to a high-powered blender.
- Blend well, until completely smooth and beautifully pink.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to slightly thicken and then blend one more time.
- Layer the pudding into jars or bowls with coconut cream, the remaining cherries and mini chocolate chips.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Cherry Chip Blended Chia Pudding Parfaits recipe ingredients, tips, substitutions:
Milk – I generally use whole milk, but use your milk of choice. HIgher protein dairy milk, soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk… you name it you can use it.
Chia Seeds – light or dark both work equally well.
Cherries – fresh cherries are heaven, but I often use thawed out frozen cherries.
Protein Powder – you can omit the protein powder, but I like to boost my protein where I can, especially if I’m eating this for breakfast.
Maple Syrup – this is our sweetener, but if you are using sweetened protein powder you may not need it. You could also sub in honey, agave, stevia, sugar or any sweetener you like.
Vanilla Extract – this is key to bringing warmth and depth. I use pure vanilla extract.
Almond Extract – you can omit this, but a little bit gives that black forest/maraschino cherry vibe.
Chocolate Chips – I like semi-sweet mini chips in this, but regular sized chocolate chips are just fine, as is chopped dark chocolate.
Storing – this is such a great grab-and-go meal prep option. Keep the puddings refrigerated in containers or mason jars. Chia pudding keeps for several days in the fridge. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it.
Cherry Chip Blended Chia Pudding Parfaits Recipe Variations:
Dairy Free Version – this recipe is already gluten free, but if you want it dairy free, just use your favourite non-dairy milk.
Coconut Version – add some toasted coconut in the layers with the cream and on top.
Greek Yogurt Version – instead of the coconut cream, use a thick Greek yogurt.
Cherry Chip Blended Chia Pudding Parfaits Recipe, how to make it…
We’re adding pretty much everything straight into the blender with this one so it couldn’t be easier. Add in your milk of choice, the chia seeds, cocoa powder, protein powder (totally optional so you decide what you’re feeling), maple syrup, little splashes of vanilla and almond extracts, and a wee pinch of salt to bring all the flavours together.
Blend everything together and don’t stop until it looks perfectly creamy. We’re looking for a rich, pudding-like consistency with no seediness, so if it looks a little too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again.
Once it’s all dreamy, transfer it to jars or bowls. You can dig in right away, but it’s even better if you let it chill in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight if you’re planning ahead. It thickens as it chills, and the flavour gets even better.
Layer the pudding in the jars with some of the chopped cherries, the chocolate chips and some rich, thick coconut cream.
My pro-tip: if you want a little extra crunch you can add in some cacao nibs or chopped almonds too.
serving ideas…
- My personal preference is to grab a jar of this for breakfast, pour a massive coffee and dig in.
- I also love it as an easy, make ahead dessert that’s better for me.
- If you’re looking for some other good-for-you breakfast recipes try my Black Forest Overnight Oats, Baked Oats that taste like birthday cake or Bubble Tea Chia Pudding.
If you like this Cherry Chip Blended Chia Pudding Parfaits Recipe let me know what you think in the comments below and please find and follow me on Social Media!
