0 4 Published May 13, 2024 This recipe is as simple as mashing a ripe banana, mixing in chia seeds, milk and a few flavor enhancers, then letting it sit in the fridge. After a few hours (or even just 30 minutes) you’ve got a delicious and satisfying pudding that’s ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Chia Pudding
Quick and easy – This recipe requires less than 10 minutes of prep time and only 6 ingredients to whip up. Allergen-friendly – This recipe is naturally sweetened, dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free. Meal prep – It’s the perfect recipe to meal prep. Double or triple the recipe and you’ll have breakfast and/or snacks ready to go for the week.
Ingredients Needed
You only need 6 main ingredients to whip up this banana chia pudding. Here’s what you need:
ripe banana – the base ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed. milk – I like using unsweetened almond milk for this recipe, but you can use whatever dairy-free milk you have on hand. Canned coconut milk would be a great option for an even creamier pudding. chia seeds – the star of the show! They absorb the liquid to create a pudding-like texture while providing fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Both black and white chia seeds work for this recipe. My favorite brands of chia seeds are Navitas and Bob’s Red Mill. maple syrup – my favorite sweetener for chia pudding. Honey is a good substitute. If you want to reduce the sugar in this recipe, just skip the maple syrup all together or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. vanilla extract and cinnamon – two flavor enhancers adding that banana bread flavor to this pudding.
How to Make Banana Chia Pudding
Just like with all of my chia seed pudding recipes this banana chia pudding recipe is super easy to make. Just mix, let sit overnight and enjoy! Mix the mashed banana, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir to combine and let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Once the pudding has set, stir to even out the texture. Serve with chopped walnuts and banana slices, or toppings of choice for added flavor and crunch.
Topping Ideas
Once the chia pudding has set, you’re ready for the best part… the toppings! Here are some ideas:
Fresh fruit – Add a few slices of banana or fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a burst of color. Granola – A sprinkle of your favorite granola adds a satisfying crunch. Try this protein granola for a protein boost. Nut butter – Drizzle almond or peanut butter over the top for a creamy, nutty flavor with added protein. Coconut flakes – Toasted coconut flakes would be delicious with the banana flavor. Chocolate chips – For a more decadent topping try adding chocolate chips, cacao nibs or melted dark chocolate on top for dessert.
How to Store Banana Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is an awesome meal-prep option because it can be stored for up to 5-7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to make and store chia pudding in 16-ounce wide-mouth mason jars. Make a double or triple batch on Sunday to have in the fridge for a quick breakfast, healthy snack or even dessert throughout the week.
More Chia Pudding Recipes
Mango Chia Pudding Banana Split Chia Pudding Peanut Butter Chia Pudding Blueberry Chia Pudding Chocolate Chia Pudding Protein Chia Pudding Strawberry Chia Pudding Coconut Chia Pudding
Be sure to check out all of the chia pudding recipes as well as the full collection of breakfast recipes on EBF!