This Orange Creamsicle Chia Seed Pudding has the perfect creamy texture combined with a bright citrus and sweet flavour combo. A delicious balanced snack kids (and adults) will love!
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Orange creamsicle is such a classic flavour. It takes me right back to a creamsicle ice cream from the neighbourhood ice cream truck on a hot summer's afternoon. Now, if you've been around here for a bit, you know I love incorporating chia seeds into a lot of my recipes. They are such a great nutrient dense seed - fibre, healthy omega-3 fats, plant-based protein! And I especially love a good chia pudding like my very popular Banana Chia Seed Pudding Recipe, but wanted to mix up the flavour and provide another option - so here it is, a delicious naturally sweetened Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding!
And bonus - it is naturally dairy-free, refined sugar-free and toddler approved!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Orange Creamsicle Chia Seed Pudding
- Bright citrus flavour - The fresh citrus flavour from the orange, combined with a little sweetness from the dates and richness from the coconut milk is such a dreamy flavour combo .
- Nutritionally balanced: This recipe is a wonderful balance of healthy fats, fibre, and plant-based nutrients.
- No added sugar: This chia pudding is naturally sweetened with dates, no added sugar required!
- Dairy-free: Made entirely with coconut milk, this pudding is completely dairy-free without compromising one bit on that rich, creamy texture .
- Kid and toddler approved: Creamy, naturally sweet, and fun to eat, little ones love it just as much as the grown-ups do.
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Ingredients
Here is what you'll need to make this Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding.
- Oranges — We're using whole peeled oranges with the membranes removed. This gives that bright, bold citrus flavour plus it keeps the fibre.
- Medjool Dates — The dates provide some sweetness that complements the orange flavour. If your dates are a little firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before blending.
- Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk — This is what gives the pudding its creamy texture.
- Vanilla Extract — The vanilla helps round out the citrus and brings that sweet, classic creamsicle taste
- Chia Seeds — These little seeds absorb liquid transforming this into a thick, creamy pudding. They're also an amazing source of fibre and omega-3s.
- Orange Zest — For topping! It adds a fun pop of colour and an extra burst of fresh citrus.
See recipe card for quantities.
Let's Make This Easy Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding!
Here is an overview of the steps, or you can scroll down to the recipe card.
Peel the orange and remove as much of the white membrane as able. Cut into slices. Remove pits and any stems from the dates.
Add all of the ingredients except for the chia seeds into a high speed blender. Blend on high for 20-30 seconds until smooth.
Add the chia seeds and stir in.
Pour the mixture into a container with a lid (glass works best) and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, or overnight to allow the pudding to thicken up.
Hint: Always blend the oranges, coconut milk, dates and vanilla first, and then add the chia seeds and stir them in. This helps ensure the chia seeds will hydrate forming a pudding like texture. I find refrigerating this chia pudding in glass container helps it thicken into the perfect pudding consistency. The mixture seems a bit runny at first, but as the coconut milk cools, and the chia seeds absorb the liquid, it will thicken up.
Substitutions & Variations
I find chia puddings can be a bit finicky with texture. I have only tested this recipe using canned coconut and therefore cannot speak to any swaps for this, as it will likely be a bit runnier if you use a different milk.
No Medjool dates - Regular soft dates will still work, but if they are a bit smaller, you may need to add an extra one. Or swap for 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup if that's what you have on hand.
Want to mix it up - Try blending in a handful of fresh mango for a tropical twist, or swap the orange for blood orange when they're in season for an even brighter colour.
Make it a parfait! Layer the pudding with some granola or shredded coconut and hemp hearts.
Looking for other easy toddler snack ideas? I've got a full round up of over 25 Easy Snack Ideas for Toddlers and be sure to check out my popular Homemade Snacks: Copycat Favourites Series!
Equipment
- High speed blender
Storage
Store in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep! Give it a good stir before serving as it will thicken further as it sits. Simply loosen with a splash of coconut milk if needed. This recipe unfortunately does not work well freezing.
Toddler Tip
This pudding is a great option for all toddlers. It's naturally sweetened, soft in texture, and easy to serve in a small bowl - great for self-feeding practice!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding
- Serve chilled in a bowl, topped with fresh orange zest
- Pack into a small container for an easy on-the-go snack or spoon into a reuseable pouch for a low-mess option
- Pair with a slice of whole grain toast for a balanced toddler breakfast
FAQ
Absolutely, and in fact, this pudding needs some time to form! Make a batch on Sunday and you'll have a ready-to-go snack or breakfast waiting in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving. If it's a bit too thick, just add a splash of liquid and stir.
This pudding is a wonderful option for toddlers of all ages. It's naturally sweetened, soft in texture, and easy to serve in a small bowl - great for self-feeding practice! The chia seeds are soaked and fully plumped, making them safe and easy to eat.
I recommend sticking with whole oranges for this one! Using the whole orange gives you a thicker, more substantial texture and keeps all that wonderful fibre intact. Bottled orange juice in particular can contain added sugars and is often more acidic, which can interfere with the chia seeds setting properly.
Recipe
Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding
Equipment
- 1 High speed blender
Ingredients
- 1 orange medium
- 4 Medjool dates pitted
- 1½ cups coconut milk canned, full fat
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
Instructions
- Prep the orange and dates: Peel the orange, removing all the white pith and membranes and cut into slices. Pit the Medjool dates and remove any stems.
- Blend the base: Add the prepped orange, dates, full-fat canned coconut milk, vanilla extract to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 20-30 seconds.
- Stir in chia seeds: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl or jar and stir in the chia seeds. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- Refrigerate: Place the pudding in a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes or overnight. The chia seeds will soak up the liquid and thicken into a pudding consistency.
- Serve: Give the pudding a good stir before serving. Top with orange zest if you like, enjoy!
Nutrition
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