Creamy Orange Vanilla Chia Pudding

🕒 Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Chill: 3–4 hours (or overnight)

• Total: 4 hours

🍽 Serves

3–4 small jars

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (dairy, almond, coconut, or oat milk)

• ½ cup chia seeds

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• Zest of 1 orange

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Optional:

• Extra orange segments for layering

• Shredded coconut

• Cinnamon

• Yogurt for topping

🥣 Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Base

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

   • Milk

   • Orange juice

   • Honey or maple syrup

   • Vanilla extract

   • Orange zest

   • Pinch of salt

Make sure sweetener fully dissolves.

2️⃣ Add Chia Seeds

1. Stir in chia seeds.

2. Whisk thoroughly for about 30 seconds to prevent clumping.

3. Let sit 5 minutes.

4. Whisk again to break up any clumps.

💡 This second stir is important for smooth texture.

3️⃣ Chill

1. Cover bowl or transfer to jars.

2. Refrigerate at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. The pudding will thicken as chia seeds absorb liquid.

Texture should be creamy and spoonable.
If too thick → stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk.
If too thin → add 1 tablespoon chia seeds and chill 30 more minutes.

4️⃣ Serve

• Stir well before serving.

• Top with fresh orange segments.

• Add a drizzle of honey if desired.

• Sprinkle with extra zest for bright flavor.

🍊 Flavor Variations

Coconut Orange:
Replace half the milk with coconut milk.

Creamier Version:
Use ½ cup Greek yogurt mixed into the pudding after chilling.

Chocolate Orange:
Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the milk mixture.

Protein Boost:
Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (add 2–3 extra tablespoons milk).

🧊 Storage

• Keeps in the refrigerator up to 4–5 days.

• Store in airtight jars.

• Stir before eating.