How to Make the Perfect Banana Chia Pudding
American · Easy · 10 min · 2 servings
This creamy banana chia pudding is a make-ahead breakfast or snack that thickens overnight as the chia seeds absorb the sweetened banana almond milk base. It is naturally sweetened, packed with omega-3s and fiber, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Why this recipe works
This Banana Chia Pudding recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole ripe bananas
- 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 4 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blend the Banana Base
Place the ripe bananas and almond milk into a blender and blend until completely smooth. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon and pulse once more to combine everything evenly.
Step 2: Stir in Chia Seeds
Pour the blended banana mixture into a mixing bowl or directly into individual serving jars. Add the chia seeds and stir vigorously for 2 minutes to prevent the seeds from clumping together at the bottom.
Step 3: Rest and Stir Again
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then stir once more to redistribute the chia seeds. This second stir is the key step to achieving an even, pudding-like texture throughout.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the jars or bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and swell to create a thick and creamy pudding texture.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsweetened almond milk → oat milk or full-fat coconut milk for a richer pudding
- maple syrup → honey or medjool dates blended into the base
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the second stir after 10 minutes which results in a clumpy bottom layer of seeds
- Not waiting long enough for the pudding to set which leaves it too liquid to be enjoyable
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 8g protein, 42g carbs, 10g fat, 9g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →