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Home » Recipes » Dessert

Dark Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding Parfaits

Modified: Feb 6, 2024 · Published Feb 6, 2024 · by Jacqueline Piper · 14 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our privacy policy.

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A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings with text for Pinterest.
A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings with text for Pinterest.
A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings with text for Pinterest.

Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding Cups | These decadent dessert cups are a dairy-free combination of silky chocolate avocado pudding and cherry chia pudding. Layered together like a parfait, the chia pudding and chocolate pudding combine to make a delightful treat fitting for breakfast or dessert. 

A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions
  • Instructions
  • Tips for making these pudding parfaits
  • What to serve with pudding parfaits
  • Storage
  • FAQs
  • Recipe

This luscious cherry chocolate chia pudding is a luscious but wholesome breakfast or dessert made with simple ingredients.  Top with coconut whip for a special dessert like Valentine's Day desert.

I tested this chocolate chia seed pudding recipe every so often for a year.

The goal? Create a fairly nutritious pudding using dairy-free milk.

I have diary-sensitive people in my life and love testing alternative recipes. I wanted this recipe to highlight the decadent vibes of dark chocolate pudding without tasting like I had cut corners.

A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.

So throughout my testing, what did I find out?

Dairy-free milk

I tried coconut cream and coconut milk and they were too overwhelmingly 'coconut-y' when what I really wanted was for the chocolate to shine through on its own. Cherries and chocolate are the star ingredients and I wanted to keep it that way.

Chocolate

Melted chocolate turned the whole thing grainy upon refrigeration. Using a combination of cocoa powder and maple syrup was the real winner resulting in a sweet chocolatey flavor.

A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.

Texture

Banana lightens up the texture of the vegan pudding part of the recipe. I've tried the banana “ice cream” idea but found the airy texture not right for ice cream, but I thought in combination with the avocado, that airiness would help. Yes, you can taste the banana a little bit but I don't think the flavor is overwhelming.

Using avocado alone with cocoa powder can be a little bit dense, and that's not what I wanted here.

The result of my testing is an easy recipe, that is smooth and chocolatey with a decadent feel.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

Labeled ingredients for chocolate cherry chia pudding.
  • cherries: I use frozen sweet cherries for this recipe. Let them thaw on the counter or gently defrost them in the microwave. You can also use fresh cherries instead.
  • avocado + banana: this makes the creamy base for the pudding
  • cocoa powder: you can use regular or dark cocoa powder. I used regular cocoa powder in these photos but I prefer dark cocoa with this recipe.
  • pure maple syrup: to sweeten
  • oat milk: Creamy oat milk is great for chia pudding. Try unsweetened almond milk instead.
  • chia seeds: chia seeds absorb the liquid and plump up, making a tapioca-like pudding.

Substitutions

  • oat milk: you can use any non-dairy milk of your choice. The only one I don't recommend is canned coconut milk because the flavor will take over. The carton-style coconut milk or coconut almond blend should be fine.
Chocolate cherry chia pudding on a wooden spoon.
An icon with a black cast iron skillet and the word Tip in white handwritten font.

Always sift cocoa powder to prevent clumps.

Instructions

Prep Tips

  • Let the cherries thaw before chopping if using frozen cherries.
  • The chia pudding will need to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set before serving.

Make the Chocolate Pudding

Avocado and banana are blended in a food processor.
  1. Blend the avocado and banana in a food processor until silky smooth.
Cocoa, avocado, and banana are blended in a food processor.
  1. Add the cocoa powder and maple syrup. Blend.

Make the Cherry Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are poured into oat milk.
  1. Add chia seeds, almond milk, chopped cherries, and vanilla extract to a storage container.
Chia seeds and almond milk are whisked together.
  1. Stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes.
A lid is added to a dish of chia pudding.
  1. Stir again. This helps prevent clumping.
A lid is added to a dish of chia pudding.
  1. Add a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the chia seeds can soak up the liquid.

Make the Parfait

Chocolate pudding is spooned into a glass.
  1. Add chocolate pudding to the bottom of the serving dishes.
Chia pudding is spooned on top of chocolate pudding in a glass.
  1. Top with chia pudding.

Garnish with more chopped cherries and shaved dark chocolate or cacao nibs.

Two glasses with chocolate cherry chia pudding and small bowls of garnishes surrounding them.

Tips for making these pudding parfaits

  • Chia pudding: Use the ratio of ¼ cup chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid to make any type of chia pudding. Add your favorite flavors and stir!
  • The chia pudding needs to sit in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours. Make sure to stir once after 5 minutes of combining to avoid clumping. Stir again after 30 minutes or so to help the chia seeds blend and absorb liquid evenly.
  • Sift cocoa powder to prevent lumps.

What to serve with pudding parfaits

Full a more filling breakfast add a slice of toast alongside your pudding parfait. Try avocado toast, cottage cheese toast, or mushrooms on toast.

Storage

Store the parfaits or both puddings separately in the fridge for about 5 days.

A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.

FAQs

What is the ratio for chia pudding?

To make chia pudding use combine ¼ cup of chia seeds with 1 cup of liquid. Let sit in the fridge for 2 hours to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and plump up. Add flavors such as chocolate or fresh fruit.

Recipe

A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
5 from 7 votes

Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding Parfaits

Author : Jacqueline Piper
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Refrigeration: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Cherry chia pudding and chocolate avocado pudding combine to make a wholesome and delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert.
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Ingredients
  

Chocolate Pudding Layer

  • 2 avocados
  • 1 banana
  • ¼ cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Cherry Chia Pudding Layer

  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup oat milk or milk of your choice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sweet cherries chopped

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons sweet cherries chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the chia pudding

  • Add the chia seeds, almond milk, chopped cherries, and vanilla extract to a storage container. Mix. Let sit for 5 minutes and then mix again. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Make the chocolate pudding

  • In a food processor, blend the avocados and banana until completely smooth. Sift in the dark cocoa powder and add maple syrup. Blend.
  • Taste for sweetness, and then spoon the pudding into serving dishes. Refrigerate until the chia pudding is ready.

To serve the parfait

  • Top the chocolate pudding with chia pudding and garnish with extra cherries and some cacao nibs or shaved dark chocolate.

Equipment

  • Ninja Food Processor or similar

Video

Notes

Chia pudding: Use the ratio of ¼ cup chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid to make any type of chia pudding. Add your favorite flavors and stir!
The chia pudding needs to set for at least 2 hours. Make sure to stir once after 5 minutes of combining to avoid clumping. Stir again after 30 minutes or so to help the chia seeds blend and absorb liquid evenly.
Sift cocoa powder to prevent lumps.
I use frozen cherries and let them thaw on the counter before chopping them.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 20g | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.

Have you tried this recipe?Tag @pipercooksblog on Instagram so we can see it!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

This post was originally posted on February 12, 2018.

A glass with chocolate pudding on the bottom topped with chia pudding, cherries, and chocolate shavings with text for Pinterest.

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A photo from the original blog post.

Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding Cups | Recipe by Pipercooks

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    5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

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  1. Jordan says

    February 12, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    Chocolate covered cherries are one of my favorite treats. This is like a healthy version! I can't wait to try it for breakfast.

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    February 12, 2018 at 8:27 pm

    Dark chocolate and chia must be so good together! Love recipes like these that are indulgent, but healthy too. Those cherries are the perfect finishing touch!

    Reply
  3. Kiki Johnson says

    February 13, 2018 at 10:16 am

    Oh, I have seen this recipe earlier today on Pinterest and fell in love with it instantly! I looks so pretty and I love the combination of chocolate and cherries! A real treat.

    Reply
  4. Lori Rice says

    February 13, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Such a beautiful pudding! I'm always looking for new ways to use chia, too!

    Reply
  5. Dominique | Perchance to Cook says

    February 14, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    NOM! I love chocolate and cherries together. I love that this recipe is so healthy. I can't wait to try it!

    Reply
  6. Patti @Patty Cake's Pantry says

    February 14, 2018 at 11:01 pm

    The first time I saw Chia pudding cups was in the cooler section of a Starbucks. I had to try it, and I fell in love. Then, a friend kept telling me about a chocolate pudding she had made from avocados and green coconut. I never tried the recipe, but I was interested. Now, I find this recipe. It contains the best of both worlds. It's like a cup full of chocolate covered cherries, but this is healthy. YUM!!

    Reply
  7. Elena says

    February 15, 2018 at 4:35 am

    What a great idea for a healthy dessert! Pinning for later!

    Reply
  8. Elaine @ Dishes Delish says

    February 15, 2018 at 7:31 am

    Cherries are my absolute favorite fruit! I love all the ingredients that you have in these cute chocolate cherry chia pudding cups! I also love that you used avocado. I wouldn't have thought to do that! I bake with avocados but putting them in a pudding? Stellar! I can't wait to make your luscious pudding!

    Reply
  9. TaraTeaspoon says

    February 15, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    What a great healthy dessert ! It's the perfect thing to serve at party because it has something for the healthy people and the people with a sweet tooth, it's a win win situation !

    Reply
  10. Jan says

    February 17, 2018 at 10:29 am

    That looks really yummy 😉 I’d love for you to share over at Let’s Party! https://themarkandjanshow.com/2018/02/13/lets-party-8/ … we look forward to seeing you there!

    Reply
  11. Jenni LeBaron says

    February 17, 2018 at 6:06 pm

    I love that you use avocados in this to add some great fats! Plus, avocado always makes pudding so nice and creamy.

    Reply
  12. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    February 18, 2018 at 12:55 pm

    We love all the ingredients you use except we haven't tried chia yet. I know, we are slow to get on that bandwagon. Your pudding looks delicious and it would make a great for you dessert. We'll be going to the store tomorrow. I'll put chia seeds on my list.

    Reply
  13. Stacey says

    February 18, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    I love enjoying chocolate and cherries together... I'm going to be making this soon!

    Reply
  14. Amy Nash says

    February 19, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    You cannot go wrong with cherries and chocolate! This chia pudding sounds wonderful and I would love this for an afternoon pick me up!

    Reply
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