This Banana Chia Pudding is a tasty and healthy treat! With just bananas, chia seeds, and milk, you get a creamy, sweet dessert that’s also good for you.
Add a sprinkle of nuts or your favorite fruit on top for a fun finish! I love making this ahead of time as a quick breakfast. It’s so easy, you might wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and creaminess. If you want something different, try using pureed mango or applesauce for a unique flavor!
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are what give the pudding its thick texture. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use flaxseeds, but they won’t have quite the same consistency.
Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to for a nice nutty flavor, but any milk works. Try coconut milk for a creamier pudding or oat milk for a sweeter, more hearty option!
Peanut Butter: It adds richness and flavor! If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter or tahini can be great substitutes. For a different twist, try almond or cashew butter!
How Do I Get the Right Texture for Chia Pudding?
The texture of your chia pudding is crucial! It should be creamy and thick, not watery. Here’s how to achieve that:
- After mixing, let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb some liquid.
- Stir again to break any clumps, ensuring even distribution of the seeds.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight is perfect for a thick consistency.
- If it’s too thick when serving, simply mix in a splash more milk until you reach your desired texture.
Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (plus extra slices for topping)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- A pinch of salt
- Additional chia seeds and crushed nuts for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Banana Chia Pudding takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture. So, a little patience will yield a creamy, nutritious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Start by taking a mixing bowl and combining the mashed bananas, chia seeds, almond milk, peanut butter, vanilla extract, maple syrup (if you want it sweeter), and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or fork to stir everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Rest the Mixture:
Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This will allow the chia seeds to start absorbing some of the liquid. After 5 minutes, stir again to break up any clumps of chia seeds that may have formed. This is important to ensure a smooth pudding!
3. Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The longer it sits, the thicker and creamier it will become!
4. Serve the Pudding:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take the pudding out of the fridge and give it a gentle stir. Spoon the chia pudding into serving jars or bowls.
5. Top and Enjoy!
Add banana slices on top, drizzle with a bit more peanut butter, and sprinkle with additional chia seeds and crushed nuts if you like. This gives not only a pop of flavor but also extra texture!
6. Sit Back and Enjoy!
Now you can enjoy your chilled Banana Chia Pudding as a nutritious breakfast or a tasty snack anytime of the day!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas, simply thaw them in the fridge or microwave before mashing. They’ll blend well into the pudding, and the texture will be just as creamy!
How Can I Sweeten This Pudding More?
If you prefer a sweeter pudding, feel free to add more maple syrup or honey. You can also mix in a bit of maple extract or flavored syrup to enhance the sweetness without adding more sugar.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To keep it vegan, just use maple syrup instead of honey, and choose a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk for the base.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The pudding may thicken further as it sits; simply stir in a little milk to reach your desired consistency before serving!
