This delicious and nutritious banana chia pudding makes a tasty breakfast, snack or even dessert. It's creamy, full of banana flavor, and sweetened with maple syrup. Add your favorite toppings and you have a great make-ahead recipe.
When combined with your favorite plant-based milk, chia seeds magically transform into a pudding with a tapioca-like texture. If you want a smoother texture, you only need to blend it. Kids will love eating "pudding" for breakfast and you'll be happy they they are filling up on protein and fiber.
You only need a few ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep time to make this banana chia pudding. I like to put it together the night before and have breakfast ready the next day. Add some topping like chopped fruit or nuts and you're ready to go!
Love alternative puddings to the typical chocolate or vanilla? Try out my vegan rice pudding with raisins.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Make ahead: It's the perfect make ahead breakfast or snack.
- Kid friendly: Kids will think they're eating dessert for breakfast!
- Fiber: This recipe is a great way to get your fiber in a delicious way.
Ingredient Notes
This delicious breakfast or snack is made with 5 simple ingredients.
- Ripe bananas - Make sure the bananas are very ripe! Brown spots are your friend in this dish.
- Plant-based milk - Use your favorite vegan milk in this recipe. I love using oat milk but unsweetened almond milk works great too. For added protein, soy milk is also a delicious option.
Please see the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and amounts needed.
Have more ripe bananas? Use them in my vegan banana pear bread, vegan hummingbird cake, vegan peanut butter chocolate banana muffins or vegan banana chocolate chip cookies.
Variations
Looking for some great options for toppings? Use one of more of the following:
- Banana slices
- Walnut pieces
- Chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
- Fresh fruit: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
- Peanut butter or other nut butters (almond butter or cashew butter)
- Extra touch of maple syrup
- You can also stir in some cocoa powder to make it chocolatey.
How To Make Banana Chia Pudding
Step 1: Peel the bananas and place in a medium bowl. Mash with a fork until there are no large pieces.
Step 2: Add the non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana and mix very well.
Step 3: Stir in the chia seeds. Many of them will be floating on top of the mixture but that's ok.
Step 4: Divide the mixture as evenly as possible into 4 mason jars. Place the lids on top and shake well. Place in the fridge. After about 20 minutes, stir mixture well to prevent clumping. Replace lid and put back in the fridge and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: The next day, stir well and serve with your favorite toppings if desired. Not sure what to add? Check out the list of options above.
This banana chia pudding can add a little sweetness to your breakfast. If you need more sweet breakfast recipes, check out this baked oatmeal with cherries and baked lemon donuts.
Expert Tips
- Make sure you stir the chia seed mixture well after 20 minutes. This really helps prevent any clumps.
- Looking to make it even creamier? Check out the blended option below!
- Use your favorite dairy free milk in this. Soy milk is my favorite!
Blended Chia Pudding
I love the texture of the chia seeds in the pudding. But if you'd like a smoother texture, you can put the pudding in a blender or food processor. It just needs a few pulses to become a creamy pudding.
Chia Seed Benefits
Chia seeds really are a superfood! According to Healthline, there are many benefits to eating nutritious chia seeds including:
- Rich in Nutrients: Chia seeds are packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants.
- Heart Health: Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Digestive Health: They are an excellent source of fiber which helps support a healthy gut.
- Bone Health: Chia seeds contain calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are important for strong bone health.
- Gluten-Free: Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with celiac disease or are just avoiding gluten.
Storage and Recipe FAQs
Yes! This nutritious breakfast, snack or dessert is full of protein and, more importantly, fiber, which kids are often not getting enough of.
Use whatever is your favorite plant-based milk. My favorites to use are oat, almond, and soy.
If you aren't vegan or don't avoid dairy, you can simply substitute cow's milk for the plant-based milk.
Using canned coconut milk would make this incredibly thick and also really high in fat. I don't recommend using canned coconut milk. But coconut milk (the beverage) that's found with other plant-based milks in the refrigerated section would be fine to use.
When you're ready to eat the frozen chia pudding, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a quicker thawing process. Once thawed, give it a good stir before serving to restore its texture.
You can store chia pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Vegan Breakfast Recipes
If you tried this Banana Chia Pudding Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe
Creamy Banana Chia Pudding (Vegan)
Equipment
- Mason jars with lids
Ingredients
- 2 bananas, very ripe
- 1 ¾ cup non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, place peeled bananas. Mash with a fork until there are no large pieces.
- Add the non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and mix very well.
- Stir in the chia seeds. Divide the mixture evenly into 4 mason jars. Place the lid on top and shake well. Place in the fridge.
- After about 20 minutes, stir mixture well to prevent clumping. Replace lid and put back in the fridge. Refrigerate overnight.
- Stir well and serve with toppings if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite plant-based milk. I love using unsweetened oat milk, but almond milk and soy milk work great too.
- Topping ideas: sliced bananas, walnuts, or even chocolate chips
- Make sure you stir the chia seed mixture well after 20 minutes. This really helps prevent any clumps.
- Looking to make it even creamier? You can blend the chia pudding for a smoother texture.
Jen says
This a a great way to use up ripe bananas. I often put some chocolate chips on top to make it more of a dessert.
Micki Puntigam says
Not really a fan of maple syrup, is there an absolute need for it? Or can I skip that ingredient?
Jen Cardenas says
Hi Micki. You can definitely skip it if you don't like the flavor. It will just be slightly less sweet.