Banana Chia Pudding
Banana chia pudding is naturally sweetened, vegan friendly, allergen free and is the perfect make ahead breakfast for the entire family.
Before testing out this chia pudding recipe, I went with a more dessert version. Hello chocolate chia pudding, BUT it’s full of protein. So it definitely made the list of craveworthy high protein desserts in my opinion.
Chia pudding can really be enjoyed any time of day, but I really like this one for breakfast. I even added a handful to these protein balls, and they turned out delicious!
Ingredients
- Banana
- canned coconut milk
- vanilla extract
- pure maple syrup
- ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- chia seeds
How to Make Banana Chia Pudding
Mash the ripe banana in a medium bowl with a fork or potato masher until it’s the desired consistency.
Pour in the oat milk, vanilla, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Stir until combined.
Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Before serving, stir and add your favorite toppings.
Tips for Making
- Make sure you are using ripe bananas. This adds natural sweetness. If the bananas aren’t ripe, you can add more maple syrup.
- White or black chia seeds can be used. There’s no real difference other than the colors and looks.
- While I used coconut milk, you can use any variety.
Chia Pudding Topping Ideas
I love how you can customize chia pudding with toppings alone! Here’s a big list of ideas and something for everyone. Plus you never have to eat the same version twice if you don’t want to.
- Fresh fruits: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, mangoes, or kiwis.
- Nuts and seeds: Chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds.
- Granola: Crunchy granola adds a nice texture. Choose your favorite flavor or make your own.
- Coconut flakes: Toasted or untoasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch.
- Nut butter: Drizzle almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter over the pudding.
- Cacao nibs: Sprinkle some cacao nibs for a hint of chocolatey crunch.
- Dried fruits: Go for raisins, cranberries, goji berries, or chopped dates.
- Yogurt: Dollop some Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for added creaminess.
- Chopped dark chocolate or chips: Add a few chocolate shavings or small chunks for indulgence.
Storage Instructions
Chia pudding with bananas is great for meal prepping. Once it’s made, it stays fresh for up to 4 days, so it’s perfect for batching ahead of time.
Why We Love Chia Seeds
Nutrient-dense: Chia seeds are packed with important nutrients, including fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants.
High in fiber: These seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can promote digestive health, regulate bowel movements, and contribute to feeling full.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and promote brain function.
Antioxidant-rich: They are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body against free radical damage, which can contribute to chronic diseases and aging.
Blood sugar regulation: The soluble fiber in chia seeds can slow down the absorption of sugars, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent spikes after meals.
Easy to incorporate into your diet: Chia seeds are versatile and can be added to various recipes, including smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods, and of course, chia pudding.
While chia seeds are generally safe for consumption, it’s recommended to start with small amounts and gradually increase intake, as they can cause digestive upset for some. It’s also important to drink plenty of water when consuming chia seeds to prevent any potential issues with hydration.
More Healthy Recipes You’ll Love:
- 50 Dairy Free Desserts
- Buckeye Cookies (healthy, high protein)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (Healthy)
- Brownie Truffles (Vegan)
Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 banana mashed, ripe
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 tablespoons chia seeds
- Optional toppings: coconut flakes chocolate chips, nut butter.
Instructions
- To a bowl, add your ripe banana and mash with the back of a fork until desired texture.
- Next, add coconut milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt and chia seeds to the bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Give it one more stir before serving and top with your favorite toppings.
