Black Cherry Chia Pudding (Meal Prep)
This Black Cherry Chia Pudding is a creamy, high-protein breakfast or snack layered with rich cherry compote and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Perfect for meal prep, it’s easy to make, naturally sweetened, and deliciously satisfying.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
Why I’m Obsessed With This Black Cherry Chia Pudding
With school back in session, my mornings are pure chaos. Between packing lunches, getting three kids out the door, and trying to sneak in a cup of coffee while it’s still hot, I don’t have time to fuss with breakfast. That’s why I love having something already prepped and ready in the fridge.
This Black Cherry Chia Pudding is basically my answer to busy mornings and my afternoon sweet tooth. It’s creamy, protein-packed, and layered with a juicy cherry compote that feels a little bit fancy — like dessert for breakfast.
From Vanilla to Cherry Chocolate Bliss
The base of this recipe is my go-to high-protein vanilla chia pudding. It starts with almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and vanilla protein powder. The Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy, the protein powder keeps me full for hours, and the chia seeds give it that perfect pudding texture.
But here’s where we upgrade:
I upped the chia seeds to 2 full tablespoons for more fiber and healthy omega-3s.
Added mini chocolate chips because chocolate + cherry is a love story I’ll never get over.
Cooked down fresh cherries with a little honey and water to make the dreamiest compote to spoon on top.
Why This Works for Meal Prep
I make four jars at a time and stash them in the fridge. They last up to 4 days, so I can grab one in the morning, toss it in my bag, and eat it once the kids are dropped off. The chia pudding thickens overnight, and the compote gets even more flavorful as it sits.
If you’re someone who likes variety, you could even change the topping each week — try blueberries, peaches, or even cinnamon apples in the fall.
The Back-to-School Meal Prep Combo
This week I spent about 30 minutes total making this chia pudding and my High-Protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. That little bit of prep gave me breakfasts and lunches for almost the whole week. I cannot stress enough how much that helps when afternoons hit and I’m running between after-school activities.
Tips for this Meal Prep
Make the compote ahead and let it cool completely before topping the pudding — it keeps the layers neat and prevents the chia from loosening.
Use frozen cherries when fresh aren’t in season — no need to thaw before cooking.
Add your chocolate chips just before eating if you want them extra firm.
Black Cherry Chia Pudding (Meal Prep)
Ingredients
Pudding Base:
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice per jar
- ½ scoop 15 g vanilla protein powder per jar
- ¼ cup 60 g nonfat Greek yogurt per jar
- 2 tbsp chia seeds per jar
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup or honey optional, for sweetness per jar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract per jar
- Pinch of salt per jar
Cherry Compote
- 1 cup 140 g fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp water
Let's Make It
- Make the chia pudding: In each jar or a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond milk, protein powder, Greek yogurt, sweetener (if using), vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in chia seeds until fully incorporated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until thickened.
- Make the cherry compote: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, honey, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, mashing lightly as they soften. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Cool completely.
- Assemble: Once the chia pudding has set, spoon cooled cherry compote over the top. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips before serving.
- Store: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition (per jar, with chocolate chips)
Calories: ~246
Protein: ~15g
Carbs: ~27g
Fat: ~9g
Fiber: ~7g
