Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding

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This simple Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding is perfect for a healthy breakfast or a healthy snack that helps balance blood sugar, supports heart health, and tastes like dessert. This Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding is the perfect recipe to make during the cranberry season or anytime you want a nutrient-packed, creamy treat.

Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding

As a nutrition consultant and chef, I always try to create recipes that bridge indulgence with nourishment, because food should both make you feel good and taste amazing. During the holiday season, when cranberries are everywhere, I like to whip up this creamy Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding or you can also make Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding or Raspberry Chia Seed Pudding. It’s the kind of breakfast or snack that feels festive and comforting but is secretly doing wonders for your hormones, digestion, and energy levels.

It is a perfect way to use your leftover cranberry sauce when you are wondering what to do with it. When you want something that feels like a treat but still fits into my clean-eating, hormone-friendly lifestyle. Easy to make, just stir together coconut milk, chia seeds, and that tangy cranberry sauce, and voila, it is ready. The result is creamy, slightly tart, and perfectly spiced with a hint of orange and cinnamon. It quickly became my go-to healthy dessert and breakfast throughout the Christmas season.

I’m on a mission to help you eat deliciously while supporting your body. And this chia seed pudding checks all the boxes: It’s vegan, paleo, dairy-free, grain-free, and made with wholesome fats and fiber that keep you full for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s easy to make with minimal prep and no cooking.
  • It’s the perfect way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas.
  • Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, complete protein, and soluble fiber from chia seeds.
  • It is great for weight management and balancing blood sugar levels.
  • Perfect for meal-prepping breakfast or a healthy snack on busy mornings.
  • It’s beautiful enough to serve for a holiday breakfast or as a healthy dessert.

Ingredients for Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding

  • Coconut Milk – I love using full-fat coconut milk because it gives this pudding a luscious, creamy texture without any dairy. The healthy fats support hormone production and help keep blood sugar steady.
  • Chia Seeds – These tiny powerhouses from Salvia hispanica, a plant native to Central America, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (specifically alpha-linolenic acid), soluble fiber, and essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Their high fiber content gives the pudding that gel-like consistency we love, while also promoting healthy digestion and a lasting feeling of fullness.
  • Cranberry Sauce and Fresh Cranberries – Cranberries are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. I use both homemade cranberry sauce and a few fresh berries for texture and brightness. It’s a great way to use leftover cranberries during and after the holidays.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup – A touch of natural sweetness goes a long way here. Both honey and maple syrup are rich in minerals and give the pudding a warm, cozy flavor.
  • Cinnamon and Orange Zest – These two are like the holiday season in a jar. The hint of orange brings brightness to the tart cranberries, while cinnamon adds warmth and helps with blood sugar control.
  • Whipped Coconut Cream or Whipped Cream (Optional) – For extra indulgence, I top it with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or dairy-free whipped topping.
  • Nuts or Paleo Granola – A crunchy topping adds texture and healthy fats, making it more satisfying and balanced.

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Did you know?

One of the coolest things about chia seed pudding is how science-y it feels in your kitchen, without needing a lab coat. When you mix chia seeds with liquid, they absorb up to 10 times their weight in fluid, forming that signature gel-like consistency. This happens because of their soluble fiber, which creates a natural gel that thickens the pudding and supports healthy digestion at the same time.

How to Make Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding

  • Milk Layer:
  • In a bowl, combine coconut milk, chia seeds, orange juice, vanilla, and allulose or honey. Stir it and let it sit for 20 minutes.
  • Cranberry layer:
  • Put cranberries into a blender, add water, honey, and cinnamon, and pulse it. Transfer it to a bowl, then add chia seeds, stir it, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Whipped heavy cream– optional
  • Chop some nuts and sprinkle over the top or with Paleo granola.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Health Benefits for Hormones

I love how this chia pudding supports hormone health. The healthy fats from coconut milk and chia seeds help maintain stable blood sugar levels and support the production of sex hormones. The soluble fiber aids in detoxification by helping your body eliminate excess estrogen.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and may lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They’re also rich in B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and zinc, essential for energy production and hormone regulation.

Plus, the balance of fiber, fat, and protein helps reduce sugar cravings. It prevents those mid-morning blood sugar spikes that can lead to fatigue or irritability.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Milk: You can swap coconut milk for almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk. Just know the pudding will be slightly less creamy.
  • Sweetener: Replace honey with maple syrup, coconut sugar, monk fruit, or date syrup if you prefer lower-sugar options.
  • Cranberries: Frozen cranberries work great, too. You can also try raspberries or blueberries if cranberries aren’t in season.
  • Toppings: Try cacao nibs, shredded coconut, or chopped pecans for extra crunch.
  • Protein: You can add collagen powder or protein powder to the milk base.
Fresh berry chia pudding parfait with whipped cream and nuts in glasses.
Delicious chia seed pudding layered with berries, topped with whipped cream and nuts, perfect for healthy desserts or snacks.

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Chef Angie’s Tips

  • Stir the pudding twice in the first 10 minutes to avoid clumps.
  • For a smoother texture, blend everything before chilling.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
  • Make a big batch on Sunday and store it in small jars for the week; it’s the perfect meal-prep breakfast.
  • If it’s too thick in the morning, just stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Ways to Serve

  • Christmas Breakfast: Serve in small glasses topped with whipped cream and sugared cranberries; it’s elegant and festive.
  • Healthy Dessert: Layer it with coconut whipped cream and paleo granola for a parfait-style treat.
  • Post-Workout Snack: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mix for a complete recovery meal.
  • Thanksgiving Breakfast: Pair it with leftover turkey and greens for a balanced morning meal.

Storage

Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store it in airtight jars or containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. It’s one of those recipes that actually gets better as it sits because the flavors meld together.

Equipment

FAQ

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best meal-prepping breakfasts you can make.

Will it help with weight loss?

Yes! The high fiber content and healthy fats help you feel full longer, support steady energy, and reduce cravings, all of which are important for weight management.

Are there any side effects of eating chia seeds?

Chia seeds are very high in fiber, so start with smaller portions if your body isn’t used to high fiber foods. Always soak them well before eating to aid digestion.

Can I make it without sweeteners?

Yes, just use naturally sweet cranberry sauce or blend in a bit of orange juice for natural sweetness.

If you try this Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. I love seeing your creations! Share this recipe with friends who need a little healthy inspiration during the holidays, or pin it for later so you can make it after Thanksgiving with leftover cranberry sauce.

Let’s celebrate the holiday season with food that nourishes!

Fresh berry chia pudding parfait with whipped cream and nuts in glasses.

Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding

This simple Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding is perfect for a healthy breakfast or a healthy snack that helps balance blood sugar, supports heart health, and tastes like dessert.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine Healthy
Servings 4
Calories 610 kcal

Ingredients
  

Milk Layer

Cranberry Layer

Cranberry Sauce https://thetastesoflife.com/traditional-cranberry-sauce/

  • 1/2 cup Nuts of your choice

Whipped cream https://thetastesoflife.com/homemade-whipped-cream/

Instructions
 

Milk Layer

  • In a bowl, combine coconut milk, chia seeds, orange juice, vanilla, and allulose or honey. Stir it and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Cranberry Layer

  • Put cranberries into a blender, add water, honey, and cinnamon, and pulse it. Transfer it to a bowl, then add chia seeds, stir it, and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Cranberry Sauce

  • https://thetastesoflife.com/traditional-cranberry-sauce/

Whipped Cream

  • https://thetastesoflife.com/homemade-whipped-cream/
  • Chop some nuts and sprinkle over the top or with Paleo granola.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 14gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 26mgPotassium: 578mgFiber: 21gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 380mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Cranberry Chia Seed Pudding
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