This healthy Banana Chia Pudding recipe is bursting with the natural goodness of ripe bananas and nutrient-packed chia seeds. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it's also a fantastic way to kick-start your morning or curb those afternoon cravings! So get ready to whip up a bowl of pure bliss – because this pudding is about to become your new obsession!
Imagine a creamy pudding full of natural flavor that you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying. And it is full of amazing health benefits. Sounds perfect, right?
Well, it absolutely is! Not only is this dessert incredibly tasty, but it's also super simple to whip up. All you need is 5 minutes of prep time!
All you have to do is combine a few ingredients, mix them up, put them in a jar or covered container, and pop them in the fridge for a few hours. So easy!
I love chia pudding - it makes a healthy breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert and is great for school and work lunches!
Want more banana recipes? Make my Super Moist Banana Bread, Creamy Peach Smoothie, Fluffy Banana Pancakes, or Mango Banana Smoothie!
Also, make my Raspberry Overnight Oats for another easy breakfast option!
Jump to:
💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This banana chia pudding recipe is incredibly creamy and delicious, making it the perfect treat.
- This recipe is packed with nutrients from bananas and nutritious chia seeds, making it a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any time of day.
- It's naturally gluten free, and can also be made dairy free.
- This recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients in no time. It's perfect for busy days.
- It's a perfect make-ahead breakfast that will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.
- This is a kid-friendly recipe - children love the naturally sweet banana flavour!
🥣 Is Chia Pudding Good For You?
Absolutely! Chia pudding is not only delectably creamy but also nutritious. Here's why:
- Loaded with Fiber: Chia seeds are full of dietary fiber. Not only does fiber keep your digestion in check, but it also helps improve blood sugar levels and promotes long-lasting feelings of fullness.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These tiny seeds are powerhouses when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids—essential fats known for their heart-healthy properties.
- Packed with Antioxidants: Antioxidants play a crucial role in defending our bodies against harmful free radicals, which can contribute to various diseases and premature aging. Lucky for us, chia seeds are packed with antioxidants!
- Full of Calcium: Chia seeds have more calcium than dairy products, which is vital for bone health.
🍌 Ingredients Needed
Just a handful of ingredients are required to make this easy recipe:
- Bananas. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess. The riper they are, the sweeter your pudding will be.
- Milk. This gives the pudding liquid for the chia seeds to absorb. I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can use any type of milk- dairy milk or plant based milk. Some of my favorites are almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. You can also use rice milk.
- Chia seeds. These tiny seeds absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, creating that signature pudding texture. You can use either white or black chia seeds or a mixture of both.
- Maple syrup. This is optional, but just a touch of maple syrup makes the pudding just a tad sweeter. You can also use honey or agave nectar.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a complete list of ingredients.
🥜 Best Toppings For Chia Pudding
- Sweet and Nutty: Top your banana chia pudding with a generous sprinkling of crunchy almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Tropical Paradise: Transport yourself to the tropics by adding a handful of toasted coconut flakes on top of your banana pudding.
- Berry Blast: Add your favorite berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
- Crunchy Granola: For added crunch, sprinkle some granola over your creamy chia pudding.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Elevate your pudding to dessert status by topping it with grated dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or cocoa nibs. The rich chocolate flavor complements the creamy banana base perfectly.
- Creamy Peanut Butter Heaven: If you're a fan of peanut butter (who isn't?), drizzle some peanut butter over the top of some ripe banana slices. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter!
- Rich and Creamy: Top it with whipped cream or whipped coconut cream (from canned coconut milk).
🥣 How To Make Banana Chia Pudding
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
Mash the ripe bananas in a medium bowl. Add 4 tablespoons chia seeds and mix. Add milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup (if using), and ground cinnamon. Stir it all together and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use an electric hand mixer to get the mashed banana ultra smooth for an extra creamy pudding.
Step 2: Stir and chill
Give the pudding a good stir again, and transfer the mixture to serving glasses or mason jars. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.
Step 3: Garnish
If you like, top the pudding with fresh banana slices and a pinch of cinnamon, or your favorite toppings.
Enjoy!
💭 Expert Tips
- Use ripe bananas: Perfectly ripe bananas are the key to achieving a naturally sweet and creamy banana chia pudding. Look for ones that have developed brown spots on the skin, as they will add a richer flavor to your pudding.
- Blend it smooth: If you want a silky-smooth texture, blend the bananas with a hand mixer before adding the chia seeds.
- Add some crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or granola on top of your banana chia pudding just before serving.
- Patience is key: Chia banana pudding needs time to set properly — usually about 4-6 hours in the refrigerator or overnight if possible. It may be tempting to dig in right after preparing it, but waiting makes all the difference!
- Meal prep-friendly: If you're short on time during busy mornings or want a quick snack option throughout the week, prepare multiple servings of banana chia pudding ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. That way, you can grab one whenever you like!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
📋 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chia pudding is actually good for you. This chia pudding is high in fiber, antioxidants, omega-3s, and protein.
Absolutely! When soaked in milk, chia seeds have a gel-like consistency, and bananas have a smooth and creamy texture. Together, they are the perfect combination!
Chia seeds are loaded with soluble fiber, which helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation; it slows down the digestive process with can stabilize blood sugar, and it can reduce inflammation in the gut.
Yes, it is easy to digest, but perhaps have a smaller serving.
Yes, chia pudding is good for weight loss. It is high in fiber, which will give you a feeling of fullness, plus it is high in protein and low in calories.
🥄 How To Serve Chia Seed Banana Pudding
Want to get creative? Serve it up like a pro:
- Classic and Simple: Dollop a spoonful of almond or peanut butter on top and garnish with a few banana slices. Sometimes, less is more!
- Dessert Bowl: Serve in a shallow bowl with whipped cream on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Layered Parfait: In a clear glass or jar, layer the pudding with slices of fresh bananas, granola, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
With its creamy texture, sweet banana flavor, and added health benefits of chia seeds, this Banana Chia Seed Pudding recipe is truly a winner. So why not give it a try? Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you'll be hooked! Please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 below!
📋 Recipe
Healthy Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup milk any type of milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Mash the ripe bananas in a medium bowl. Use a potato masher, fork, or electric mixer if you want it really smooth.2 ripe bananas
- Add the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until well combined.¼ cup chia seeds, 1 cup milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoon maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes. Transfer the pudding mixture to a serving glass or jar. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Once chilled, give it a stir and top it with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use ripe bananas: Perfectly ripe bananas are the key to achieving a naturally sweet and creamy banana chia pudding. Look for ones that have developed brown spots on the skin, as they will add a richer flavor to your pudding.
- Blend it smooth: If you want a silky-smooth texture, blend the bananas with a hand mixer before adding the chia seeds.
- Add some crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or granola on top of your banana chia pudding just before serving.
- Patience is key: Chia banana pudding needs time to set properly — usually about 4-6 hours in the refrigerator or overnight if possible.
- Meal prep-friendly: If you're short on time during busy mornings or want a quick snack option throughout the week, prepare multiple servings of banana chia pudding ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. That way, you can grab one whenever you like!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Comments
No Comments