Banana Chia Seed Pudding (4 Ingredients Recipe) - A Baking Journey (2024)

This quick and easy Banana Chia Seed Pudding is made with 4 ingredients only. It is a delicious and healthy make-ahead Breakfast, Sweet Snack or Dessert recipe that is also Gluten Free, Sugar Free and Dairy-Free / Vegan Friendly!

Why we love this recipe

Chia Puddings used to be one of my favourite sweet snack to take to work. They are super easy and quick to make, are easily transportable and can also be made-ahead - which is always a big plus!

This recipe uses Ripe Bananas exclusively to sweeten the dish, just like my Sugar-Free Banana Pancakes, Banana Peanut Butter Oat Cookies or my Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins. Not having to add any extra sugar is always a winner in my books!

This Banana Chia Pudding is great if you are after a healthy yet delicious breakfast meal to can be prepared in advance, snack or light dessert. With many filling and toppings option, this recipe can easily be customised to suit your taste. Or will be just as delicious on its own!

Ingredients

The ingredient list is so simple and straight-forward... All you need is a ripe Banana, some Milk and Chia Seeds:

• Banana - the ripest the best for a sweeter taste

• Chia Seeds - I used Black Chia Seeds but you can use White too

• Milk - Dairy or Non-Dairy, it is up to you. To speed up the process, you can slightly heat up the milk before mixing in the Chia Seeds

• Vanilla Extract - optional

I added a little bit of Vanilla Extract for a boost of flavour, but this ingredient is optional. You can absolutely make this recipe with 3 ingredients only if preferred!

How to make Chia Seed Pudding with Banana

Chia Puddings are probably one of the easiest dessert you will ever make. It does not require any fancy utensil or equipment, and is simply made with one bowl, a fork and a whisk.

• First, peel and mash the Banana into a mixing bowl. You can mash it finely or leave small chunks of fruits if preferred - it is up to you. To mash the banana, simply use a fork or a potato masher. The ripest the fruit, the easier it will be to mash.

• if adding Vanilla, whisk it in with the mashed Banana.

• Add the Chia Seeds

• Pour in the Milk. You can use cold milk directly from the fridge, but the pudding will thicken much more quickly if you slightly heat up the milk first.

• Whisk it all together until combined, then set aside to soak.

• Regularly whisk the pudding while the seeds are soaking to avoid large lumps.

• Once the pudding has thickened (the soaked seeds will create a sort of light gel texture), pour it into individual cups, jars or container and transfer in the fridge.

The time it will take for the pudding to thicken will really depend on the temperature of the ingredients - mainly the milk.

With a slightly warm Milk, it should take about 15 minutes to get the desired texture, but could take longer if the milk is cold.

If you are making this recipe ahead, you can directly pour the banana chia seed puddings into cups without leaving it to soak first. The seeds will thicken in the fridge overnight.

Tips to make this recipe

• Use very ripe Bananas for a sweeter pudding and creamier texture.

• Mash the Banana very well if you want a very creamy finish, or leave small chunks for more texture if preferred. It is up to you!

• Heat up the Milk slightly to reduce soaking time. With warmer milk, the Chia Seeds will expand much quicker!

• If you are not sure of the pudding texture you want, start with less Chia Seeds - about 3 tablespoons - and add a little bit more if you find the pudding to be too liquid after soaking.

• Make sure to whisk well all the ingredients together at the start of the recipe, as well as a one or two times while the seeds are soaking and expanding. Chia Seeds tend to lump up and harden if left soaking for too long.

Filling and Toppings Ideas

This recipe can be used as a base to create your dream dessert, by adding both fillings and/or toppings of your choice.

I kept the banana chia pudding plain - made with 4 ingredients - but finished it with a few toppings to bring some freshness and texture to the dessert.

I topped the puddings with sliced Bananas, Cacao Nibs, Coconut Flakes and Fresh Mint. But again, pick your favourite ingredients to finish the dessert!

Additional Fillings Ideas:

In addition to the basic 4 ingredients, you can also add a lot of other things for both texture and flavour, such as:

• Peanut Butter, Almond Butter or your favourite Nut Butter
• Cacao Powder
• Açai Powder
• Spices like Cinnamon
• Berry sauces like Raspberry Coulis or Strawberry Coulis
• Mango Coulis for a tropical flavour

Note that any liquid or creamy filling added to the recipe will potentially make the pudding more liquid, so you might need to add a little bit more Chia Seeds to it to balance it.

Toppings Ideas:

• Fresh slices of Bananas - or other fresh fruits like Berries
• Homemade Banana Chips for some added crunch!
• Coconut: flakes, shredded, desiccated,...
• Cacao Nibs
• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Shavings
• Nut Butter Drizzle
• Chopped Nuts
• Berry Compote

For summer, you can also use frozen fruits to turn this dessert into something even fresher! I love to top my chia puddings with frozen blueberries or raspberries for example.

Recipe FAQs

How to store these Banana Puddings

Once the Banana Chia Seed Puddings are ready and poured into individual cups, jars or containers, they should be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover them with wrap or foil or the puddings top will quickly dry out.

I also recommend adding your choice of toppings just before serving. Many toppings will turn hard or soggy if kept in the fridge for too long.

More Healthy Desserts:

• Chocolate Avocado Puddings (Vegan)
• Eggless Chocolate Mousse (Vegan)
• Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins (Sugar-Free)
• Oven Baked Banana Chips
• Vegan & Gluten Free Banana Bread
• Coconut Panna Cotta with Strawberries
• Easy Gluten Free Apple Cake
• Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Muffins

Made this recipe?
Let us know if you liked it by leaving a comment below, and tag us on Instagram @a.baking.journey with a photo of your creation!

Recipe