This Banana Chia Pudding is a quick, make-ahead breakfast made with just a few wholesome ingredients. It's naturally sweet, ultra-creamy, and perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or school lunches.
If you love this recipe, try my Oat Milk Chia Seed Pudding or Coconut Mango Chia Seed Pudding next!
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If you love cooking with bananas, try my Super Moist Banana Bread, Creamy Peach Banana Smoothie, Mango Banana Smoothie, or Fluffy Banana Pancakes next.
One of my favorite ways to make chia pudding is with ripe bananas. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with creamy milk and chia seeds, and it takes just five minutes to prepare. Just mix everything together, pour it into jars, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This is the kind of breakfast that basically makes itself while you sleep.
Chia seeds are high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein, making this a great way to fuel your body in the morning. Add in the potassium from bananas and the calcium from your choice of milk, and you've got a naturally vegan breakfast that's both nourishing and filling.
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Why You'll Love This Banana Chia Pudding Recipe
- Creamy, sweet, and kid-approved
- Gluten-free and dairy-free (when made with almond, soy, or coconut milk)
- 5-minute prep time with zero cooking
- Great for breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert
- Meal-prep friendly - perfect for work, school, or lazy weekends
Ingredients You'll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for this banana chia seed pudding recipe - and they're all pantry staples.
- Bananas - The riper, the better. They'll add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Milk - I used unsweetened almond milk, but coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work great.
- Chia seeds - Either black chia seeds or white will thicken this pudding perfectly.
- Maple syrup - Optional, depending on how sweet your bananas are. You can also use honey or agave syrup.
- Vanilla extract + cinnamon - They both add amazing flavor.
📌 See the printable recipe card below for full quantities and instructions.
How To Make Banana Chia Pudding
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
Mash the bananas in a medium bowl using a fork or hand mixer until smooth. Add chia seeds and mix.
Add milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes.
✅ Pro Tip: Use an electric hand mixer or blender for a silky-smooth texture.
Step 3: Stir the pudding well 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 4: Top with banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or your favorite toppings (see ideas below).
Jeri's Top Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest pudding.
- Stir twice - once after mixing, once after 10 minutes.
- Chill overnight for the best results (though 4-6 hours works too).
- This pudding keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days, so prep a batch on Sunday and grab one each morning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using underripe bananas - They won't be sweet enough, and the texture may be off.
- Skipping the second stir - The chia seeds can clump if you don't mix again after 10 minutes.
- Incorrect chia-to-liquid ratio - Too much chia will give you a thick brick. Too little will give you the consistency of runny soup.
- Not refrigerating long enough - This isn't a 20-minute dessert. Letting it set overnight creates the best pudding texture.
- Forgetting to taste test - Bananas vary in sweetness. You might need extra maple syrup.
Variations
This banana chia pudding recipe is easy to tweak:
- Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding: Stir in cocoa powder or top with chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- Banana Cream Pie Vibe: Add graham cracker crumbs and whipped coconut cream.
- Add Protein: Mix in Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Swap Fruit: Substitute a banana for mashed raspberries, blueberries, or mango.
- Nutty: Swirl in peanut butter, almond butter, or your favorite nut butter.
How to Serve Banana Chia Pudding
Here are a few fun serving ideas:
- In a jar layered with banana slices, granola, and nut butter.
- In a bowl topped with toasted nuts, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- With a spoonful of peanut butter and a sprinkle of cacao nibs.
- As a healthy dessert with chocolate chips and whipped coconut cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store your banana chia pudding in mason jars or sealed containers for up to 5 days.
- If you're prepping for the week, make several jars and label them by day.
- The pudding may thicken over time, so add a splash of milk if needed and stir before serving.
FAQs
It needs at least 4 hours, but I recommend overnight for the best consistency.
Yes! Blending the ingredients creates a smooth texture (great for picky eaters or younger kids).
Yes, it's high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and calcium, and it's naturally vegan and low in sugar.
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Printable Recipe
Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- ¼ cup chia seeds (black or white)
- 1 cup milk (dairy, almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional)
- Optional Toppings: Fresh banana slices, berries, nut butter, granola or toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs or chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chia seeds, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup (if using). Mix well to combine. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Divide the mixture into 2 mason jars or containers with lids. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the mixture has thickened.
- Before serving, give it a good stir. Top with banana slices, nut butter, granola, or fresh berries. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and the best flavor. If your bananas aren't spotty, the pudding may taste bland.
- Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in sealed containers or mason jars. Stir before serving.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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