This chocolate banana chia pudding tastes sinfully rich, but it’s completely healthy. Try this easy budget recipe for your next breakfast meal prep! (vegan, gluten-free)
This chocolate banana chia pudding is healthy enough for breakfast and decadent enough for dessert. Chia seeds are full of nutrients, including fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium.
I love how this pudding thickens up just like traditional pudding, but it only takes a few minutes to make. There’s no need to stand over the stove stirring and stirring – the chia seeds do the work for you!
Table Of Contents
Recipe for Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bananas – The bananas should be nice and ripe for the best sweetness in this pudding.
- Coconut Milk – Use canned full-fat coconut milk for the richest, thickest chocolate banana chia pudding.
- Cocoa Powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Vanilla gives this chocolate chia pudding a little extra flavor.
- Pure Maple Syrup – I use the maple syrup from Costco, but any pure maple syrup will do. You can even skip the syrup if you’re happy with the sweetness from the ripe bananas.
- Chia Seeds – Chia seeds can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. When combined with the other ingredients, they thicken the mixture to a pudding texture.
How to Make
Mash the Bananas
Using a food processor or blender, mash the bananas to a smooth consistency. Add the coconut milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to the food processor and process until smooth.
Taste the mixture, and add maple syrup one teaspoon at a time if needed. You may not need any sweetener at all if the bananas are very ripe.
Combine the Chocolate Chia Pudding Ingredients
Place the chia seeds in a medium mixing bowl. Slowly pour the chocolate mixture over the chia seeds and whisk.
The pudding will start to thicken right away, but for the best results, cover the bowl and let the pudding thicken in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Topping Ideas
There are so many different toppings you can use in addition to banana slices and mini chocolate chips. Try walnuts, almonds, pecans, or other nuts, peanut butter or almond butter, cacao nibs, or fresh raspberries.
Chocolate Banana Chia Seed Pudding Tips and FAQ
How to Store this Chocolate Chia Pudding
Place the chia pudding in a covered container such as a mason jar in the fridge for a couple hours to let it thicken. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or they can be frozen for later.
When Should I Eat Chia Pudding?
Chia pudding is great for breakfast meal prep, and it’s also a delicious make-ahead snack. This chocolate chia pudding is even decadent enough for dessert. You can’t go wrong eating it any time of day.
Recipe Modifications
You can substitute unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free milk for the coconut milk if you’d like. Leave out the maple syrup if the mixture is sweet enough from the bananas.
If you don’t like the texture of chia seeds, you can blend them in the food processor along with the other ingredients.
Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
This chocolate banana chia pudding tastes sinfully rich, but it’s completely healthy. It costs $.88 per serving to make this healthy vegan dessert recipe.
Instructions
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (2 medium bananas)
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk or other milk
- 3 tbs cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp maple syrup or to taste
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
- Using a food processor or blender, mash the banana to a smooth consistency. Add the coconut milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to the food processor and process until smooth.
- Taste the mixture, and add maple syrup one teaspoon at a time if needed. You may not need any at all if the bananas are very ripe.
- Place the chia seeds in a medium bowl. Slowly pour the chocolate mixture over the chia seeds and whisk. The pudding will start to thicken right away when you stir it, but for the best results, cover the bowl and let the pudding thicken in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 231Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 13gSugar: 11gProtein: 6g
