Banana Chia Pudding

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 and frozen banana pops.

Their natural sweetness also enhances breakfast options like banana overnight oats, banana egg muffins, overnight weetabix, and now, this delightful creamy pudding. Enjoy the banana-infused goodness!

Jump to:

• Reasons to Love Banana Chia Pudding
• Ingredient Information
• Step-by-Step Instructions (with Images)
• Recipe FAQs
• More Ways to Use Chia Seeds
• Banana Chia Pudding

Reasons to Love Banana Chia Pudding

1. 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).
2. Fruit Sweetened - The banana adds a lovely sweetness without the need for added sugar or sweetener. Perfect for little ones!
3. Easy - No fancy equipment is needed and can be prepped in 5 mins.
4. 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.
5. 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

The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. This section gives information on each ingredient and suggests alternatives if required.

You only need three simple ingredients to make this banana chia pudding recipe.

1. 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.
2. 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)
3. 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)

This section features step-by-step photos for visual reference. The complete recipe can be found by scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Mash the banana until smooth 
2. Add the mashed banana, coconut milk, and chia seeds to a mixing bowl/jug and mix well.
3. 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.
4. 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

More Ways to Use Chia Seeds