This Banana Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding is a sweet and creamy treat that’s also super easy to make! Just mix chia seeds, coconut milk, and ripe bananas for a yummy snack.
You’ll love how it thickens up in the fridge, becoming a delightful dessert. I always top mine with extra banana slices for a fruity finish—try it, and you might never skip breakfast again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates a rich and creamy texture. You can use light coconut milk, but it won’t be as thick. For a non-dairy option, almond or oat milk works too, though it will change the flavor.
Chia Seeds: These little seeds are packed with nutrients and help thicken the pudding. If you’re out of chia seeds, you could try flaxseeds, but they won’t yield the same texture or flavor.
Banana: Ripe bananas sweeten the pudding naturally. If you’re not a fan of banana flavor, try using applesauce or mashed avocado for added creaminess, but note that the taste will change.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup or honey add sweetness, but you can skip it if you prefer less sugar. Other options include agave syrup or stevia, according to your preference.
How Do I Make Sure My Chia Seed Pudding Is the Right Texture?
The secret to getting your chia pudding just right is all in the soaking process. Chia seeds soak up liquid and expand, creating a pudding-like texture. Be sure to give it enough time to set—overnight is best!
- After mixing all ingredients, let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Stir it again to break up any clumps—this helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to get that perfect texture.
Don’t forget to give it a stir before serving. This simple step ensures it’s creamy and delicious every time!
Banana Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Banana slices, for topping
- Toasted coconut flakes or nuts (e.g., almonds), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and needs to chill for at least 4 hours, or you can let it set overnight. All in all, you’ll be enjoying your delicious pudding with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, start by whisking together the coconut milk, mashed banana, maple syrup (if you choose to add it), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all until it’s well combined and smooth.
2. Adding Chia Seeds:
Once your mixture is smooth, stir in the chia seeds. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is important because they will help the pudding thicken as they absorb the liquid.
3. Letting It Sit:
After mixing, let the pudding sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the chia seeds to start absorbing some liquid. Give it another quick stir to break up any clumps. This way, you’ll have an even texture!
4. Chilling Time:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for a minimum of 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This is where the magic happens—the chia seeds soak up the liquid and turn the mixture into a pudding!
5. Serving:
When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding, take it out of the fridge and give it a good stir to ensure it’s nice and creamy. Spoon the pudding into individual serving jars or bowls.
6. Topping Options:
Now for the fun part! Top your pudding with fresh banana slices, toasted coconut flakes, and chopped nuts for a delicious finish. These add extra flavor and texture.
7. Enjoy Your Creation:
Lastly, serve your pudding chilled and enjoy this nutritious and tasty snack or breakfast. You’ll love the natural sweetness from the banana combined with the creaminess of the coconut milk and the health benefits from the chia seeds!
This Banana Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for any time of the day!
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Coconut Milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk for coconut milk! Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor and texture, making it lighter. If you’re looking for a creamier consistency, you might want to add a bit of coconut cream or use full-fat canned coconut milk instead.
How Long Will the Chia Pudding Last in the Fridge?
This chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If the pudding thickens too much after a day, just stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits like berries, mango, or kiwi to the pudding or use them as toppings. Just be mindful that adding too much moisture may affect the texture of the pudding, so adjust the liquid as needed.
What Can I Substitute for Chia Seeds?
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use flaxseeds, but they will provide a different texture and flavor. Grind them before adding to ensure they mix well. Alternatively, you could consider using tapioca pearls for a chewy texture, though they’ll require different preparation!
