This Banana Chia Pudding is a tasty and healthy treat! It’s made with creamy bananas, crunchy chia seeds, and a splash of milk. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
I love how easy it is to make. Just mash, mix, and chill! It’s like a little cup of sunshine—great for busy mornings or when you need a sweet snack. 🍌✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are crucial for sweetness and flavor in this pudding. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use mashed avocado for a different taste and texture, or sweeten with vanilla or maple syrup instead.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are the star of the dish for their thickening properties. If chia seeds are unavailable, you can use flax seeds, though the texture will vary. Just make sure to grind them for better absorption.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk keeps this pudding light, but feel free to swap it with any milk like coconut, oat, or regular dairy milk. Each will offer a unique taste!
Sweetener: I enjoy using maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness, but honey, agave syrup, or even a touch of stevia work well too. Adjust it to your taste preference!
How Can I Ensure My Chia Pudding Thickens Properly?
The key to getting the right thick consistency in chia pudding is letting it sit after mixing! Make sure you let the mixture rest for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and expand.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumping of the seeds.
- Stir once after 5 minutes to keep the seeds evenly distributed.
- Check the pudding before serving. If it seems too thick, stir in a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Delicious Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Banana slices, for topping
- Optional garnish: toasted nuts or seeds (like golden flax and chia seeds sprinkled on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge (or overnight for best results). So, you can whip it up in no time and enjoy it later, making it a great quick snack or breakfast option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Banana:
First, take one ripe banana and mash it in a mixing bowl until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the base of your pudding!
2. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
Next, add in the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and the optional maple syrup or honey. Give everything a good stir until well combined. You want to make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
3. Let it Sit:
Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This helps to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together. Stir it again after the 5 minutes to keep it nice and smooth.
4. Chill in the Fridge:
Cover your bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This will allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken the mixture into a pudding-like texture.
5. Give it a Final Stir:
Before serving, give the pudding another good stir to ensure it has an even consistency throughout. It should be creamy and thick!
6. Serve & Top:
Spoon the pudding into serving jars or bowls. Slice the remaining banana and arrange the slices on top. For an extra crunch, sprinkle with additional chia seeds or your choice of toasted nuts or seeds.
7. Enjoy Your Pudding!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious and nutritious Banana Chia Pudding chilled as a great breakfast or snack option!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk with any milk you prefer, such as coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk. Each type will add its own flavor to the pudding!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey! Just ensure all other ingredients, like the milk, are vegan-friendly.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover Banana Chia Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before enjoying it again, as it may thicken further while sitting!
Can I Add Flavors or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add flavors like cocoa powder for a chocolate version, or mix in fruits like berries for added sweetness. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor. Get creative!