Description
This Chocolate Orange Chia Pudding is a creamy and nutritious dessert or snack that blends antioxidant-rich chia seeds with rich cocoa and fresh orange flavors. It’s naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and easy to prepare, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for breakfast or a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Chia Pudding Base
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, or sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Toppings (Optional)
- Dark chocolate shavings or chips
- Orange slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly, ensuring even distribution. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Chill and Set: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid, expanding into a thick, pudding-like consistency.
- Serve: Once set, stir the pudding well and spoon it into serving dishes or jars.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings or chips and garnish with fresh orange slices for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled as a delicious dessert, breakfast, or snack.
Notes
- Use any plant-based milk like oat or soy if almond milk isn’t preferred.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or any sweetener of choice.
- For a stronger orange flavor, increase the orange zest slightly.
- The pudding thickens over time in the fridge; if it becomes too dense, stir in a little extra almond milk before serving.
- This pudding can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to stir the chia seeds after the first 5 minutes to avoid clumping and achieve an even texture.
