Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Banana Chia Pudding is wonderfully simple to make and incredibly versatile. The chia seeds soak up the liquid to create a thick, pudding-like texture, while the bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess without the need for added sugars. It’s filling, refreshing, and can be customized with your favorite toppings like nuts, berries, or granola for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons chia seeds
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1 ripe banana
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional toppings: sliced banana, berries, nuts, coconut flakes, honey or maple syrup
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Mash the Banana:
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In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
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Combine Ingredients:
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Add chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana.
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Stir well to combine, ensuring the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
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Let It Set:
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding-like consistency.
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Stir and Serve:
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Stir the pudding before serving to break up any clumps.
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Add your favorite toppings such as sliced bananas, berries, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Chill time: 4 hours or overnight
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Total time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate Banana: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
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Peanut Butter Banana: Stir in 1 tablespoon peanut butter for extra richness.
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Tropical: Add shredded coconut and pineapple chunks as toppings.
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Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of protein powder before chilling.
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Sweetener Options: Add honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for added sweetness if desired.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: This pudding is best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating necessary.
FAQs
Can I use other types of milk?
Yes, use any plant-based or dairy milk like oat, soy, coconut, or cow’s milk.
How do I know when the pudding is ready?
The pudding should be thick and creamy with no excess liquid. The chia seeds swell and create a gel-like texture.
Can I make this pudding without banana?
Yes, omit the banana and sweeten with vanilla and a natural sweetener of your choice.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work great and add a nice chilled texture.
How many calories are in this pudding?
Calories vary based on milk and toppings but generally range between 150-250 per serving.
Can I add fruit puree?
Yes, blend in berries or mango for different flavors.
Is this pudding gluten-free?
Yes, chia seeds and these ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this pudding for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for several days.
What texture should the chia seeds have?
They should be soft and gel-like, not crunchy.
Can I use ground chia seeds?
Whole chia seeds provide better texture, but ground chia can be used if needed.
Conclusion
Banana Chia Pudding is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make treat that fits perfectly into any lifestyle. With its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and nutrient-packed ingredients, it’s a fantastic option for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this pudding is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen
Banana Chia Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours or overnight
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 2
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Healthy, Sugar-Free
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Banana Chia Pudding is a creamy, nutritious, and naturally sweetened treat combining chia seeds’ health benefits with ripe bananas’ delicious flavor. This easy-to-make, dairy-free pudding is packed with fiber and omega-3s, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a wholesome dessert. Customizable with your favorite toppings, it’s a refreshing, filling option that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons chia seeds
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1 ripe banana
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: sliced banana, berries, nuts, coconut flakes, honey or maple syrup
Instructions
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Mash the Banana: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: Add chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Stir well to evenly distribute the chia seeds.
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Let It Set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
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Stir and Serve: Stir the pudding before serving to break up clumps. Add desired toppings such as sliced bananas, berries, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for chocolate banana flavor.Stir in 1 tablespoon peanut butter for richness.Top with shredded coconut and pineapple for a tropical twist.Mix in protein powder before chilling for a protein boost.Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar as needed.Use any plant-based or dairy milk alternative.Works well with frozen bananas for a chilled texture.
