This vibrant citrus-packed spread is the perfect way to brighten up your morning bagel. It combines rich cream cheese with a burst of fresh orange and the subtle crunch of chia seeds, poppy seeds and turbinado sugar.

Featured Standouts 

Cream Cheese

As the foundation of this recipe, the cream cheese provides a rich, decadent, and velvety base that serves as a canvas for the other ingredients. Its smooth consistency is essential for holding the bright citrus flavors together in a cohesive spread.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a powerhouse ingredient in this spread. Not only do they add a delightful and subtle crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the cheese, but they also provide a significant nutritional boost. As they soak in the orange juice, they swell to create a unique texture that enhances every bite.

Orange Juice & Zest

This duo is responsible for the signature “burst” of flavor. The fresh orange juice infuses the spread with a bright, tart citrus punch that effectively cuts through the dense richness of the cream cheese. Meanwhile, the zest delivers a highly concentrated citrus aroma and beautiful flecks of vibrant color, ensuring the orange profile is both tasted and seen throughout the spread.

Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds round out the profile by offering a pleasant nutty texture and a striking visual contrast. These tiny seeds elevate the overall presentation, giving the spread a professional, artisanal appearance that makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST ORANGE CHIA BURST CREAM CHEESE

Lump Free Cream Cheese

Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth and lump-free mixture. Taking this step prevents small clumps of cold cheese from resisting the infusion of the citrus juice.

Blooming the Chia

Let the chia seeds bloom fully in the orange juice for at least ten minutes to ensure they soften properly. During this time, stir the mixture at least once to prevent the seeds from clumping together, allowing each seed to absorb the liquid and achieve the desired gel-like consistency.

Folding in the Cheese

Fold in your ingredients gently rather than using a mixer to keep the texture light and airy. Using a silicone spatula helps maintain the volume of the softened cream cheese while evenly distributing the bloomed chia seeds, orange zest, and poppy seeds throughout the spread.

Inclusive adaptions

Dairy free

Use a high-quality vegan cream cheese alternative made from cashews or almonds to keep the texture creamy and satisfying.

Low sugar

Replace the turbinado sugar with a monk fruit or stevia-based sweetener to reduce the sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Texture modification

If you prefer a smoother consistency blend the bloomed chia seeds into the orange juice before mixing to eliminate the texture of the seeds.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Mixing bowl

Silicone spatula

Citrus zester

Small measuring spoons

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream Batter Pancakes 

Brownie Batter Pancakes

Tres Leches Mini Pancake Parfait

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

Baked Pancakes with Sweet Cream & Berries

Stuffed Banana Pancakes

Overnight Pickled Strawberries

Recipe

Marissa Bolden

Orange Chia Burst Cream Cheese

This vibrant citrus-packed spread is the perfect way to brighten up your morning bagel or toast. It combines rich cream cheese with a burst of fresh orange and the subtle crunch of chia seeds for a refreshing breakfast treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 oz

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz cream cheese brought to room temperature
• 3 Tb Salted Butter softened
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 4 oz fresh orange juice approx. 1 orange
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp turbinado sugar
• 1 tsp poppy seeds

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula
• Citrus zester
• Small measuring spoons

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds and orange juice. Let them sit for 10 minutes to bloom, stirring once to ensure even absorption.
2. Blend the bloomed chia mixture into the softened cream cheese and butter. Add the orange zest, turbinado sugar, and poppy seeds.
3. Mix until thoroughly combined. You can enjoy the spread immediately or refrigerate it to allow the flavors to develop further.

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