Banana Chia Pudding

Name: Banana Chia Pudding That Tastes Like Dessert
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 ripe medium banana (peeled); 1 cup milk of choice (such as almond, oat, or coconut); 0.25 cup chia seeds; 1 tbsp peanut butter (for richness); 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon (for warmth and depth); 0.5 tsp vanilla extract (to round out the flavor)

Posted on July 14, 2025.

Banana chia pudding with banana slices, syrup, and star anise in a glass

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Banana Chia Pudding That Tastes Like Dessert (Creamy, Healthy & 5-Minute Prep)
Craving something sweet yet healthy? Banana chia pudding gives you the best of both. It tastes like dessert but fuels your body with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. This creamy mix is your new go-to for busy mornings, mid-day hunger, or light, guilt-free desserts. It’s the easiest, most reliable recipe you’ll find. Smooth texture, no clumps, and no added sugar. Whether you prep it ahead for breakfast or grab it as a snack, this pudding fits your routine perfectly.

Table of Contents

Why This is the Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Getting the perfect banana chia pudding isn’t luck. It’s all about the right balance. This recipe nails the chia-to-liquid ratio so you never end up with a runny or clumpy mess. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, cutting the need for added sugar while boosting flavor. You can mix and match flavors with ease, making it ideal for any taste or diet. From prep to fridge takes just five minutes, so you can have a healthy option ready without stress. This one truly does it all.

« Human clinical trials have shown que cette fibre gélifiante retarde la vidange gastrique, favorise une digestion régulière et peut contribuer à la satiété après les repas. » Wendy Bazilian, Dr.P.H., RDN

Banana chia pudding topped with banana slices and chopped pecans

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the base

1 ripe medium banana, peeled
1 cup milk of choice such as almond, oat, or coconut
1/4 cup chia seeds for that signature thick texture

For added flavor

1 tablespoon peanut butter for richness
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth and depth
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to round out the flavor

All ingredients should be fresh and well-stirred for best results. Using a soft, spotty banana adds more natural sweetness and blends easier.

How to Make Banana Chia Pudding

Peel the banana and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash until mostly smooth. A few small chunks are fine and add texture.
Pour in the milk, then add the chia seeds, peanut butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Stir the mixture very well for about one full minute. This helps distribute the chia seeds evenly and prevents clumping.
Let the mixture sit for five minutes. Stir again thoroughly to break up any forming clumps and ensure even soaking.
Divide the pudding into jars or containers with lids. Seal them tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours. For best texture and flavor, let it chill overnight.
When ready to eat, give it a quick stir and top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or extras. Enjoy cold.

Step-by-step banana chia pudding preparation in bowls

Troubleshooting Guide: Common Pudding Problems Solved

Problem	Solution
My pudding is runny	Check your chia-to-liquid ratio. Use at least one-fourth cup of chia seeds for every one cup of liquid. Also, allow it to chill for a minimum of two hours. Overnight is even better.
My pudding is clumpy	Stir well right after mixing and again after five to ten minutes. This breaks up clusters before they set. Use a whisk or fork to evenly distribute the seeds.
My pudding didn’t thicken	Your chia seeds might be old. Fresh seeds absorb liquid better. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for a while, try a new batch. Always store them in an airtight container.

Banana chia pudding topped with pecans, syrup, and banana slices

Anne Newgent

Banana Chia Pudding That Tastes Like Dessert

This creamy banana chia pudding tastes like dessert but is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or guilt-free treats ready in just 5 minutes!

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Plant-Based

Calories: 277

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Base

1 ripe medium banana peeled
1 cup milk of choice such as almond, oat, or coconut
0.25 cup chia seeds

For added flavor

1 tbsp peanut butter for richness
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon for warmth and depth
0.5 tsp vanilla extract to round out the flavor

Method

Peel the banana and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash until mostly smooth. A few small chunks are fine and add texture.
Pour in the milk, then add the chia seeds, peanut butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Stir the mixture very well for about one full minute. This helps distribute the chia seeds evenly and prevents clumping.
Let the mixture sit for five minutes. Stir again thoroughly to break up any forming clumps and ensure even soaking.
Divide the pudding into jars or containers with lids. Seal them tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours. For best texture and flavor, let it chill overnight.
When ready to eat, give it a quick stir and top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or extras. Enjoy cold.

Notes

Use a soft, spotty banana for maximum natural sweetness. For variety, mix in cocoa powder, protein powder, or spices. Swap nut milks or use ground chia seeds for different textures. Store in the fridge for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

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A World of Flavor: Variations and Customizations

For the Chocolate Lover

Mix in one to two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to turn your pudding into a chocolate treat.

For a Protein Punch

Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or add a few tablespoons of plain Greek or soy yogurt for a creamy boost.

For a Banana Bread Vibe

Add extra cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and finish with toasted walnuts or pecans for a cozy twist.

Dietary Swaps

If you need a nut-free option, use oat, soy, or hemp milk. Top it with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

For paleo or Whole30 needs, stick with unsweetened almond or coconut milk and skip any added sweeteners.

Serving, Topping, and Storage

Fresh Fruit

Top your pudding with sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or diced mango for natural sweetness and color.

Crunchy Nuts and Seeds

Add chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch and extra nutrition.

Decadent Drizzles

Try a spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or maple syrup for added richness.

Fun Extras

Sprinkle on coconut flakes, cacao nibs, or a dash of cinnamon for texture and flavor.

How to Build a Parfait

Layer banana chia pudding with yogurt and granola in a glass jar. Start with pudding, add a layer of yogurt, then top with granola and fruit. Repeat once for a picture-perfect parfait.

Storage and Meal Prep

Keep your pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days.
For quick breakfasts, portion into individual jars for grab-and-go convenience.
If needed, freeze for up to two months. Texture may change slightly after thawing, so stir well before serving.

Banana chia pudding parfait with yogurt, pecans, and granola

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is banana chia pudding actually healthy?

Yes. It contains fiber, plant-based protein, omega-3 fats, and natural sweetness from bananas. It’s filling, nutrient-rich, and supports digestion.

Can I use ground chia seeds instead of whole?

Yes. Ground chia seeds create a smoother texture. The pudding will be slightly thicker and creamier. Just stir well to avoid lumps.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Frozen bananas still add sweetness and blend smoothly once softened.

Is it okay to eat chia pudding every day?

Yes, if it fits your dietary needs. It’s a great source of fiber and healthy fats. Just watch your portion sizes and vary your toppings.

Why didn’t my chia pudding get thick?

Old chia seeds may lose their ability to gel. Also, check that you used the right ratio and gave it enough chill time. Two hours minimum is key.

Why This Recipe Wins Every Time

Banana chia pudding checks every box. It’s quick to make, naturally sweet, and full of nutrients. With just a few simple ingredients and five minutes of prep, you get a creamy, satisfying dish that works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The texture is smooth, the flavors are rich, and the options to customize are endless.

If you tried this recipe, leave a star rating and comment below. Your feedback helps others and supports this page.
Share your pudding pics on Pinterest or Facebook. Tried a fun variation? Let us know what toppings or twists you used.

Anne Newgent

High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.

Banana Chia Pudding

Why This is the Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need