Chia Pudding with Winter Citrus

This 5-Minute Chia Pudding with Winter Citrus is so easy to make, keeps well in the fridge and tastes like the perfect healthy winter dessert recipe. It’s packed full of nutrition and flavor that the whole family will love!

close up image of chia pudding in a blue and white bowl with grapefruit, blood orange and tangelo.

After the holiday season I am always on the lookout for healthy winter dessert recipes…Especially ones that my kids will love since they’re still coming off that post-holiday sugar high!

This easy chia pudding with orange zest totally fits the bill. It’s sweet but not too sweet, is a great source of nutrition and a filling dessert or snack. Makes mom and kiddo both happy!

It’s also one of those rare recipes that looks fancy but isn’t nearly as fussy as it looks. In fact it’s more like a 5-minute chia pudding with some fancy winter citrus on top. And if your life is anything like mine that means you need all the vitamin C you can get!

Why Make this Recipe?

Great source of fiber. Chia seeds are a fantastic source of fiber and fatty acids. It’s a great way to get in nutrition while feeling like you’re eating a delicious dessert!

Simple ingredients. You only need a few simple inrgedients to make chia seed pudding.

Gluten-Free and Vegan. This chia pudding with winter citrus is both gluten-free and vegan.

Easy meal prep. you can make a big batch of this at the beginning of the week and divide into mason jars for an easy snack or breakfast.

Ingredients in Chia Pudding

Non-dairy milk – I prefer almond or coconut milk.
Chia seeds – Use black chia seeds since I find white chia seeds require a slightly different liquid to seed ratio.
Vanilla extract – you could also use fresh vanilla bean but vanilla extract works just as well.
Maple syrup – I find this balances out the acidity from the citrus but feel free to adjust to your flavor preference.
Orange zest – you can also use lemon zest, lime zest or even grapefruit zest.
Winter citrus – I like doing a combo of orange, grapefruit, blood orange and tangerine. Other options include key lime (a bit sour but might be your jam!), cara cara oranges, kumquat or pomelo.

How to Make Chia Pudding with Winter Citrus

STEP 1: COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS

Combine all ingredients (except winter citrus) in a large bowl and stir well.

STEP 2: STORE + SERVE

Cover bowl or place in an airtight container or mason jar and store overnight in the fridge or for at least 8 hours. Divide into 4 cups and top with winter citrus of choice.

5 minute chia pudding in a bowl topped with winter citrus.

Recipe Variations

Swap the fruit – feel free to swap in your favorite winter citrus or whatever fruit you desire.

Add in chocolate – you can sprinkle in some chocolate chips or drizzle with your favorite melted chocolate.

Add some crunch – sprinkle on some of your favorite nuts for a little crunch action.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, for sure. I like using maple syrup for sweetness but you can swap with a different liquid sweetener like honey or agave.

Can I use a different milk?

Yes – you can easily substitute in a different dairy-free milk like oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk or rice milk. If you’re not vegan you can also use dairy milk. Just note that if you’re using dairy milk and plan to pre-mix the winter citrus (which I don’t recommend) you may end up with more of a tangy buttermilk flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to double or even triple this recipe.

close up image of chia pudding in a blue and white bowl with grapefruit, blood orange and tangelo and mint leaves.

Storage Instructions

In the Fridge: Store your chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If the chia seeds have absorbed too much liquid for your taste, you can add a splash of milk before serving. I recommend storing the sliced winter citrus separately and topping just before serving.

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