Imagine waking up to a dessert that tastes like chocolate pudding but is actually packed with nutrients and energy. That’s exactly what you get with this Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding – a rich, creamy treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with deep cocoa flavors and the superfood power of chia seeds. This simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious pudding that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a healthy dessert. The best part? It takes just 5 minutes to prepare, and the chia seeds do all the work overnight, creating a thick, satisfying texture that rivals any traditional pudding.
Serves: 4 portions
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 banana for topping, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or berries for garnish
Getting Started
Before you begin, make sure your bananas are nice and ripe – they should have brown spots on the skin. This ensures maximum sweetness and makes them easier to mash. Gather all your ingredients and have a whisk ready, along with four small jars or containers for serving.
Making Your Pudding Base
In a medium bowl, mash the two ripe bananas with a fork until they’re mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will add nice texture to your finished pudding. Add the coconut milk to the mashed bananas and whisk everything together until well combined.
Next, add the cocoa powder to your banana and milk mixture. Whisk thoroughly to make sure the cocoa is completely mixed in with no dry patches remaining. The mixture should turn a rich chocolate brown color.
Adding the Magic Ingredients
Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, then add the salt. These ingredients will enhance all the other flavors and make your pudding taste like a gourmet dessert. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Now for the star ingredient – sprinkle the chia seeds over your chocolate banana mixture and whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds. The seeds need to be evenly distributed throughout the liquid so they can work their thickening magic properly.
The Waiting Game
Divide your pudding mixture evenly between four small jars or containers. Cover each container with a lid or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. The pudding needs at least 4 hours to set properly, but overnight is even better. During this time, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create that perfect pudding texture.
Serving Your Creation
When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding, give each container a gentle stir. The pudding should be thick and creamy, with a consistency similar to traditional chocolate pudding. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk and stir. If it’s too thin, let it sit in the fridge for another hour.
Top each serving with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, berries, or even a few extra chia seeds for crunch. You can also add a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you prefer your desserts on the sweeter side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This pudding keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch on Sunday and have healthy breakfasts or snacks ready all week long. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as everything has more time to meld together.
For the best texture, add your toppings just before eating. This keeps the banana slices fresh and any nuts or seeds nice and crunchy.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of banana and cocoa creates a naturally sweet and rich flavor that satisfies chocolate cravings without any refined sugar. The chia seeds provide protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, while the coconut milk adds healthy fats that help keep you full and satisfied. This pudding proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love – it just means finding better ways to enjoy them.
