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Banana Chia Pudding

Simple, yummy, and nutritious – this banana chia pudding is a perfect healthy breakfast or dessert. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Bananas and cream together are so delicious. Banana cream pies, banana trifles, even banana milkshakes are all so tasty.

Unfortunately, they often pack on lots of calories due to the added sugar and high-fat dairy. Because of that, these items are often loaded with carbs that our body doesn’t need.

cup of chia pudding topped with banana slices

What if there was a healthy way to get the same flavor and satisfaction? Banana chia pudding is the answer. Not only is it creamy, but it has great texture and added health benefits.

There are no added sugars or unnecessary ingredients. These ingredients are whole foods, and each has its own specific benefits. This recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free.

cup of chia pudding with spoon

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chia seeds (¼ cup) – Chia seeds are considered a superfood because they are high in protein, fiber, and omega-3s.  These seeds are gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and even keto-friendly.

Almond milk (½ cup)– Almond milk is a great dairy alternative with low amounts of sugar and calories. Also, almond milk is high in vitamin E and calcium.

The almond milk is part of the creamy base for the pudding. Some substitutions could be soy milk or oat milk. You could also just use coconut milk for the entire recipe.

Coconut milk (½ cup) – Coconut milk is another excellent dairy substitute. It provides a picture-perfect amount of creaminess for the pudding.

Maple syrup (1 tbsp) – Maple syrup is an ingredient that shouldn’t be replaced with an artificial version. Pure maple syrup is a natural way to sweeten the pudding. It also provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals organically.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an excellent fat- and additive-free way of adding flavor to the pudding. In case you don’t have any on hand, you can omit it altogether.

Or another spice that you could try would be nutmeg (just cut the amount in half as it’s more potent).

Bananas – Bananas make this recipe so much similar to a banana cream pie – but without the guilt! For the best flavor and texture, use yellow, ripe bananas.

Shredded coconut – Shredded coconut is another great way to add sweetness without adding sugar or unfamiliar additives. It’s best to find shredded organic coconut so that you can stick to a healthy diet.

If you can’t find any, you can omit it from the recipe or top with another topping like sugar-free granola or more chia seeds. Keep in mind that these swaps will alter the nutritional information.

ingredients for chia pudding

How to Make Banana Chia Pudding

Step 1. First, you will want to mash one of the bananas. This is because this banana is going to go into the pudding to give it extra banana flavor.

You can simply do this in a large bowl with the back of a fork. Then you will add that banana, coconut milk, almond milk, cinnamon, and chia seeds to the bowl.

Step 2. Mix everything together thoroughly, and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

Step 3. Now place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow it to cool and thicken for at least two hours. This time in the fridge is really important.

It might not be thick like pudding if you remove it too soon. Two hours should be enough time for it to get that pudding-like texture you’re looking for.

Step 4. Finally, remove the pudding from the refrigerator and remove the plastic covering. Scoop out two portion sizes into two separate serving glasses or bowls.

Slice the other banana and place small slices on top of each of the pudding servings. Then you can add the shredded coconut for that extra touch. Serve and enjoy the pudding right away.

You can put the second bowl/glass back in the fridge if you won’t immediately serve the second portion. Just don’t put the banana slices and coconut on top until you are ready to eat.

steps to prepare chia pudding

Is Chia Pudding Good for Weight Loss?

Yes, chia pudding is a great food option when you are trying to lose weight. Specifically, it’s a great alternative to sugary yogurts and other unhealthy breakfast and dessert options.

Chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, the high fiber content will help you feel full and stay full for much longer. That is a crucial component in any weight loss diet.

shredded coconut and banana on top of chia pudding

Is Chia Pudding High In Calories?

Each serving of this chia pudding has 388 calories. While this may be higher than a regular snack, there are a few things to consider.

The calories in this pudding are made up of many healthy components that are good for you—for example, the omega-3 fatty acids and fiber content.

Also, chia seed pudding is high in protein. This protein amount will also help you feel full longer and maintain your energy level throughout the day.

two cups of chia pudding

How to Store

Yes, you can store it in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Also, you can freeze it for up to 3-4 weeks. Let it defrost before eating!

Other Chia Pudding Recipes

Watch Full Recipe

If you’re more of a visual learner you might enjoy checking this recipe on video. There are also another 6 chia pudding recipes you might like.

banana chia pudding

Banana Chia Pudding

Banana chia pudding is a flavorful, naturally sweet, and yummy healthy dessert. You can meal prep it, it's vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
4.38 from 8 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 2 glasses
Calories 388 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 bananas 1 mashed, 1 sliced
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut for decoration

Instructions
 

  • In a separate bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and 1 mashed banana.
  • Cover the bowl with cling film and keep it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Divide chia pudding into two cups or glasses and top with sliced banana and shredded coconut.
RECIPE VIDEO

Nutrition

Serving: 1 glassCalories: 388kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 6.8gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7.6gSodium: 23mgFiber: 12gSugar: 23g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below with your rating! I love the feedback and respond to every comment!
Recipe Rating




Agnieszka

Tuesday 20th of February 2024

How long can you store the pudding in a fridge? Can it also be frozen in portions?

Karo @ AllNutritious

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hello Agnieszka, In the fridge - up to 5 days. You can freeze it for up to 3-4 weeks.

Julie

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Can you use honey instead of maple syrup?

Karo @ AllNutritious

Monday 15th of January 2024

Yess!

Kimberly

Friday 8th of December 2023

Can you use only whole milk instead?

Karo @ AllNutritious

Friday 8th of December 2023

of course! :)

Patti Walsh

Wednesday 25th of October 2023

What else can you use besides coconut milk?

Karo @ AllNutritious

Monday 6th of November 2023

Almond milk by itself will do, but I would have perhaps a total of 3/4 cup of almond milk because coconut milk is much thicker.

Rosie

Wednesday 21st of June 2023

Do you use full fat coconut milk from a can? Or coconut milk from a carton?

Karo @ AllNutritious

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

I used can coconut milk.