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This Banana Chia Pudding is the perfect make-ahead breakfast, dessert or snack. Whip it up in under 5 minutes and let the nutritious chia seeds work their magic. Sweetened only with fruit.
Bananas play a key role in a range of Healthy Little Foodies recipes, including baked goods like healthy banana bread and baby banana muffins, as well as frozen treats like banana nice-cream , banana bark and frozen banana pops.
Their natural sweetness also enhances breakfast options like banana overnight oats, banana egg muffins, overnight weetabix, banana French toast, and now, this delightful creamy pudding. Enjoy the banana-infused goodness!
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Reasons to Love Banana Chia Pudding
- Nutritious - Chia seeds may be tiny but they are packed full of important nutrients that our kids need (iron, zinc, omega 3s, fibre, and calcium to name a few).
- Fruit Sweetened - The banana adds a lovely sweetness without the need for added sugar or sweetener. Perfect for little ones!
- Easy - No fancy equipment is needed and can be prepped in 5 mins.
- Allergy Friendly - This dessert/snack is suitable for most diets. It is egg, gluten, dairy, and nut-free. Note: There is potential cross-reactivity between chia and other seeds such as sesame, meaning that some people allergic to certain seeds will also react to chia.
- Exposure to Different Textures - Offering a variety of different foods in the early years is so important for food acceptance when older. Chia pudding has quite a unique texture for little ones to explore and experience.
Ingredient Information (with optional add ins)
You only need three simple ingredients to make this banana chia pudding recipe.
- Banana - Adding banana makes the pudding lovely and sweet, without having to add any other sweeteners. Use bananas that are ripe for extra sweetness and banana flavor.
- Milk - Canned coconut milk makes banana chia pudding extra thick and creamy and is the perfect combination with banana but any type of milk will work. (Cows milk or plant-based milk such as unsweetened almond milk, soy milk and oat milk)
- Chia Seeds - You can use white or black chia seeds. They taste and work the same and have the same nutritional benefits. However, white chia seeds (used in the pictures), are less visible and therefore may be more appealing for fussier children
Optional Add-Ins...
- Spices - Spices are a great addition, so why not try adding a little cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla extract.
- Cocoa- Add a chocolate twist by stirring through some cocoa powder.
- Fruit - Add a citrus twist with a little lime juice, mix with some fruit compote or simply stir in some chopped berries.
- Sweetness - If you need some added sweetness try stirring through a little bit of maple syrup or honey (not suitable for under 1s)
- Toppings - Add you favourite topping such as fresh fruit such as berries or banana slices, coconut flakes or crushed nuts
- Nut butters - try adding a spoonful of almond butter or natural peanut butter for added creaminess and healthy fats
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Images)
- Mash the banana until smooth
- Add the mashed banana, coconut milk, and chia seeds to a mixing bowl/jug and mix well.
- After a couple of minutes give the pudding another good stir to make sure the chia seeds are not clumped together and are well dispersed.
- Pour into serving dishes, (e.g mason jar) cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour. We often make it the night before and enjoy the next day
Top Tips
- Make sure to stir the pudding properly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then give it another good stir. This ensures that the seeds don't clump together and are dispersed well, allowing them to absorb more liquid.
- If you would prefer a smoother consistency then blend the pudding. Just remeber that it is good to introduce your baby / young child to a range of different textures.
Recipe FAQs
Chia seeds are packed full of fibre and because of this, you should introduce them slowly and as with the introduction of all new foods, monitor for any adverse effects. Read more about introducing chia seeds to a baby. Read more about introducing chia seeds to babies.
You can refrigerate leftovers, in an airtight container, for up to 2 days.
I tried freezing but it didn't defrost well. Luckily it only takes 5 mins to whip up so can be made easily.
More Ways to Use Chia Seeds
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Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 Banana
- 125ml (½ cup) Canned Coconut Milk
- 2 tbsp Chia Seeds
Instructions
- Mash the banana until smooth and creamy.
- Add the mashed banana, coconut milk,and chia seeds to a small mixing bowl/jug and stir until well.
- After around 5 mins give the pudding another good stir to make sure the chia seeds are not clumped together and are well dispersed.
- Transfer the mixture to serving dishes/ jars and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Want it Sweeter? Add a little maple syrup or honey (not suitable for under 1s)
- Want it Smoother? Blend the mixture for a smoother pudding.
- Chia Seeds: You can use white or black. Pictured is the pudding made with white seeds, black seeds will be more visible.
- Milk: Canned coconut milk makes the pudding extra thick and creamy but any milk will work.
- Optional Add-ins: Why not try adding some spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla. A little lime juice is also delicious or swirl through some fruit compote.
lorraine pereira
Can I use formula milk (soy) for this recipe?
Btw, I tried your banana blueberry fritters and my 9 month old loved it!
Amy
Hi Lorraine, Any milk will work but obviously, the flavour will be different. I'm so happy your little one enjoyed the fitters 🙂
Katherine
Can you use other fruit instead of banana? Thanks!
Amy
I have made it with other fruits but it wasn't as sweet. You may find you need to add a little sweetener.
Michelle Ewing
Hi Amy , im new to using Chia seeds am i soaking the seeds separately before combining with banana and coconut milk?
Amy
Sorry, I'm just seeing this. There is no need to soak the seeds beforehand, they will soak in the coconut milk when making the recipe.
mik
I found the ratios a bit out- the chia needs to be really well swollen for lil ones. I doubled the coconut milk. Super yummy and easy!
Amy
Glad you found a way for it to work for you. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Maria Wurgler
My whole family loves this recipe. Other healthy alternative for breakfast so yummy!
Amy
Thanks Maria, so happy you all enjoyed it 🙂
Darcey
So glad I found this recipe! It has literally saved my mornings!
Amy
Thanks Darcey! 🙂
Laura
Hi Amy,
Is it possible to freeze this recipe?
My six month old really enjoyed it but there is too much and I don't want it to go to waste.
Thank you!
Amy
Hi Laura, I'm sorry for the late reply, I missed your message. I have never actually frozen this recipe, it would be worth a try although the texture may change a little.
Kylie
This is so yummy! The kids gobbled it all up for breakfast!
Amy
Glad they liked it, Kylie 🙂