Sweet bananas join healthy chia seeds in a delicious pudding, sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with vanilla.
On average, my sweet tooth hits at about 8:45 p.m., after dinner is done, and I’m winding down. It’s usually far past the time when I’d go to the grocery store, so I’m left to create something out of what I already have stashed in the pantry. And if I’m behaving myself that week, there’s nothing but “healthy stuff” in my pantry.
This isn’t a bad thing, of course. It’s limiting in that I can’t just have what I really want, which is a slice of warm apple pie with ice cream on top. No—I must get creative. This common occurrence at my house has led to some really amazing (and some really interesting) dessert concoctions.
This banana chia pudding is one creative way out of a sweet tooth attack. Not only is it pretty good for you, but it hits all the sweet tooth needs in one bowl. Banana and maple syrup team up to sweeten the bowl, while vanilla flavors it like ice cream, and almond milk gels up the chia seeds to create the right pudding-y texture. Just tell your sweet tooth to send you a reminder to make this pudding two hours ahead of when you want to eat it, so it has time to set!
Is This Banana Chia Pudding Healthy?
Yes, and especially when compared to other pudding desserts. For starters, it’s high in fiber thanks to the chia seeds, and they also contribute some protein, calcium, antioxidants, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Bananas are low in calories and fat, while giving a boost of potassium and vitamin B6. Plus, all the sugar in this dessert is derived from natural sources, like bananas and maple syrup. This recipe is overall vegan and gluten-free. If you’re concerned about the sugar content (natural sugars are still sugars, after all!), omit the optional maple syrup or use your preferred sugar-free sweetener.
Variations To Suit Your Sweet Tooth
As the recipe notes, maple syrup and vanilla extract are optional ingredients depending on your preferences. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of optional additions to this delicious pudding recipe!
- Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding finely chopped cashews, walnuts, pecans, or almonds to your pudding.
- Chocolate: A tablespoon of cocoa powder will give it a deep chocolate flavor.
- Nut Butter: A heaping scoop of almond or peanut butter will meld with the banana flavors perfectly while adding some extra protein.
- Berries: A handful of chopped strawberries or whole blueberries will only add to the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pudding in airtight containers in the fridge. The pudding should remain good for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover pudding in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
I see this pudding as an evening “snack attack” solution, so it stands alone when I serve it. But you could absolutely serve this pudding as part of a breakfast spread. Some Soft Scrambled Eggs and Easy Baked Maple Bacon would go perfect with this pudding, or you could put a dollop of pudding on top of a delicious Smoothie Bowl. Alternatively, try topping your pudding with some Protein Granola for a healthy afternoon snack!
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana and stir until well combined.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding consistency.
- Serve the chia pudding in bowls or glasses and, if desired, garnish with additional banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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