Banana Chia Pudding

5-ingredient banana chia pudding that’s healthy, dairy-free, and high protein. It tastes like banana bread and makes for the perfect sweet meal prep breakfast, snack, and dessert!

The best banana bread chia pudding

Does anyone else love banana bread? Because I am simply obsessed. Banana bread could be my favorite snack, so that’s why I needed to make this easy chia pudding that literally tastes like banana bread!

This healthy chia pudding is made with five simple ingredients. One of the best parts about it is that you can use any milk you want. I love unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can use oat milk, cow’s milk, soy milk, or whatever you prefer. Also, let’s not forget that it’s sweetened naturally with mashed banana, meaning there is no added sugar.

This banana chia pudding is a great healthy breakfast, snack, and dessert recipe that everyone can enjoy! It is perfectly sweet while also being gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, paleo, and dairy-free.

Honesty, I cannot wait to hear what you think about this recipe. My friends make it all the time now and rave about it.

Why you’ll love this meal prep recipe

• Banana chia pudding takes less than 5 minutes to make.
• This chia pudding recipe tastes like banana bread.
• It is healthy, dairy-free, paleo, and vegan.
• There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
• Chia pudding is gluten-free and full of fiber and omega-3s.
• The perfect sweet breakfast, snack, or dessert.
• Chia pudding is a very filling meal.
• Try this oat milk chia pudding next!

Ingredients & substitutions

You only need five ingredients for this banana chia pudding recipe. There is no added sugar, and it only calls for very simple ingredients. Here is a list of everything you need with substitution suggestions so you are prepared:

• Chia Seeds: I used black chia seeds, which are nutritious and full of protein. You can also use white chia seeds, but don’t try to use hemp hearts or flax seeds (they are different).
• Milk: The best part about this easy recipe is how customizable it is. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can use oat milk, cashew milk, soy milk, rice milk, or cow’s milk.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla goes a long way, taste-wise.
• Cinnamon: For that classic banana bread flavor!
• Banana: You need a spotty brown banana. Using an extra-ripe banana adds more flavor and natural sweetness to this sugar-free chia pudding recipe.
• Optional Toppings: banana slices, granola, maple syrup, honey, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peanut butter, almond butter, nuts, or other fruits.

Kitchen tools required

This chia pudding recipe doesn’t require any fancy or special kitchen utensils. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Mason Jars or Sealable Containers
• Whisk or Fork
• Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/4 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make banana chia pudding

Banana chia pudding is so easy to make in two simple steps, but let’s walk through the process together. Here are step-by-step directions with pictures for visual reference:

Step 1:

First, mix all the ingredients together except the mashed banana and toppings in a sealable mason jar or small container. Let it sit for 3 minutes, then mix again until there is no clumping. Then whisk in the mashed banana.

Step 2:

Then, place the lid on the jar or container to seal it. Set in the refrigerator to soak overnight or for at least 2 hours and up to 5 days. For the best taste, enjoy cold and top with banana slices, granola, and extra fruit of your choosing.

The taste and texture

This banana chia pudding is sweet and tastes like banana bread. The primary flavors come from cinnamon and banana.

This chia pudding is very creamy and slightly seedy. It has a similar consistency to a brown rice pudding and is softer than overnight oats.

Expert chia pudding tips

Make sure you are using chia seeds! Black or white chia seeds work! But flax seeds and hemp hearts are not the same things; you cannot use them in this recipe.

Easily make ahead. Chia pudding is great for meal prep breakfast, snack, and dessert! You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you are ready to eat it, stir it, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Let this chia pudding sit for 3 minutes, then whisk again. This ensures that you get super creamy chia pudding without large clumps. If you skip this step, your chia pudding will be lumpy.

Let the chia pudding soak for at least 2 hours. If you don’t let it soak, your chia pudding will be runny and have the wrong consistency. You can let it sit in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this chia pudding recipe healthy?

Yes, this banana chia pudding is healthy. It is full of omega-3s, high in fiber, high in protein, and contains healthy fats. It’s the perfect healthy breakfast, snack, and dessert.

Why is my chia pudding runny?

If your chia pudding is runny, it means you added too much milk or didn’t let it soak long enough in the fridge. Measure everything and let the chia pudding soak for at least 2 hours.

What’s the best milk to use for chia pudding?

You can use any milk you want! I love the flavor and taste of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can also use oat milk, skim milk, 2% milk, cashew milk, rice milk, soy milk, or your favorite plant milk.

Can you eat chia pudding warm?

I love enjoying chia pudding cold; however, it can certainly be enjoyed warm. I recommend slowly heating it on the stovetop until warm after soaking it for 2 hours.

Are chia seeds gluten free?

Yes, chia seeds are 100% gluten free.

Are chia seeds low fodmap?

Chia seeds are allowed in the low fodmap diet if consumed in moderation. They are full of omega-3s, antioxidants, and minerals. The recommended about is 2 – 4 Tablespoons.

Can chia seeds go bad?

Chia seeds have a very long shelf life. They can last up to 1 – 2 years if you store them properly in an air-tight container. Chia seeds will have a rancid smell if they have gone bad – this is very unlikely!

How to freeze chia pudding:

First, soak your chia pudding in the fridge for 2 hours. Then, add it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Don’t defrost chia pudding in the microwave!

Best way to store chia pudding:

Chia pudding is fantastic for meal prep and is easily stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply store it in individual containers in your fridge.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• oat milk chia pudding
• cinnamon overnight oats
• peanut butter banana overnight oats
• dairy-free banana bread
• air fryer banana chips

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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