Healthy Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding

Healthy Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding

This dreamy, creamy, satisfying creamsicle chia pudding is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even for dessert!

clear glasses of Creamsicle Chia Pudding
overhead view of Creamsicle Chia Pudding
I’m almost embarrassed to admit how many attempts it took before I landed on this recipe. Short story: it took me 3 tries and I had to go back to the store for black chia seeds TWICE. Sometimes recipe development feels a lot like chipping away at a buried fossil. You have an idea (maybe even hopes) of what you’re unearthing, but there’s no way to know exactly what lies beneath until it has been completely extracted and dusted off.

Note that I’ve made chia pudding before (see one example here), but I really wanted to incorporate citrus in this recipe! First, I worked with just citrus juice, and then just fruit, and then finally a combination of fruit and coconut milk. While the chia seeds will plump and soften as they absorb some of the liquid surrounding their cute little bodies, there’s only so much liquid they can take. I’ve found that in order to achieve a pudding-like consistency, a full-fat coconut milk MUST be added.

Alas, it worked!! In fact, it exceeded my expectations. Instead of a citrus chia pudding, we have a CREAMSICLE chia pudding. It was more delicious and more satisfying than I thought possible.

overhead view of Creamsicle Chia Pudding

clear glasses of Creamsicle Chia Pudding

For this creamsicle chia pudding recipe, I used 2 full cups of peeled clementine segments (because they’re just so darn easy to peel), one can of full-fat coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. I blended those three ingredients together until smooth and slightly frothy. Stir in the chia seeds, let set for at least 4 hours while the seeds can do their plumping magic, and then serve! To garnish, I topped these little pudding cups with some toasted unsweetened coconut shavings. The texture combination (especially when fresh) was AWESOME.

Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding
clear glasses of Creamsicle Chia Pudding

INGREDIENTS

2 full cups peeled clementine segments (may substitute with any citrus)

1, 13.5 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup black chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut shavings
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the clementine segments, coconut milk, and maple syrup in a high powered blender. Blend for at least 2 minutes, or until completely smooth.
Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add the chia seeds. Stir to combine and then transfer to the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours.
To toast the coconut shavings, spread them out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Be careful not to burn the coconut and check on them often.
To serve, spoon the pudding into cups and sprinkle the coconut on top.
Enjoy!