Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
A creamy, chocolatey chia pudding naturally sweetened with banana and lightly flavored with cocoa. This nutrient-dense recipe is high in fiber, rich in plant-based protein, and low in saturated fat—making it an ideal choice for a quick breakfast, snack, or meal prep option.
Equipment
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or fork
- 1 measuring tablespoon set
- 1 measuring cup (¾ cup capacity)
- 1 jar or cup with lid for storage
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons 36 g chia seeds
- ¾ cup 180 ml almond milk (or preferred milk)
- 1 tablespoon 8 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ medium banana mashed
- 1 tablespoon 15 ml maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh banana slices
- Dark chocolate shavings or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the base ingredients: Begin by peeling half of a ripe banana and placing it into a medium mixing bowl. Using the back of a fork, mash it thoroughly until smooth and creamy, leaving very few lumps. The banana acts as both a natural sweetener and thickener, so make sure it is mashed well to create a silky pudding texture later.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle the chia seeds directly over the mashed banana, followed by the unsweetened cocoa powder. The chia seeds will absorb liquid and expand during refrigeration, while the cocoa powder provides that rich chocolate flavor. Adding them at this stage ensures they blend evenly without clumping.
- Mix in the optional sweetener: If you’d like a sweeter pudding, drizzle in the maple syrup (or your preferred liquid sweetener). This step is optional, especially if your banana is very ripe and already sweet enough. Stir lightly so the syrup begins to incorporate with the banana mixture before adding the liquid.
- Incorporate the liquid base: Pour in the almond milk—or any milk of your choice—over the banana, chia, and cocoa mixture. Whisk the mixture steadily using a whisk or fork, making sure to break up any clusters of cocoa powder or chia seeds. The goal is a smooth, well-blended mixture with no dry spots. Take your time with this step because evenly dispersing the chia seeds helps them gel properly into a pudding-like consistency.
- Rest and thicken briefly: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes. During this short rest, the chia seeds will begin to absorb the liquid and slightly thicken. After the waiting period, give the mixture another good stir or whisk. This prevents the chia seeds from sinking to the bottom and ensures a consistent pudding texture throughout.
- Transfer and refrigerate: Once the mixture is evenly combined, carefully transfer it into a jar, glass, or small airtight container. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to protect it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. Place it in the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight, to give the chia seeds time to fully expand and create a thick, creamy pudding.
- Garnish before serving: When ready to serve, remove the pudding from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir to loosen the texture. Top with freshly sliced banana, a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings, or even chopped nuts for added crunch. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful visual appeal to your pudding.
- Enjoy your healthy treat: Your chocolate banana chia pudding is now ready to enjoy. Creamy, rich in chocolate flavor, naturally sweetened with banana, and packed with fiber and protein, it’s a nourishing choice for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk, from almond and oat milk to regular dairy milk, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
- The sweetness is optional—ripe bananas often add enough natural sweetness, but a touch of maple syrup or honey can enhance the flavor.
- Adding a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder is a great way to make the pudding more filling and protein-rich.
- Resting time is essential; chia seeds need at least 2 hours to expand, but overnight chilling produces the best creamy texture.
- Toppings are versatile—fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or even a spoonful of nut butter can elevate this pudding.
