Banana chia pudding – Caroline’s Cooking

This banana chia pudding is a brilliant straightforward, tasty breakfast or snack that is good for you too. With only a handful of substances and minimal effort, it is a fantastic little decide me up.

This publish could include affiliate hyperlinks, the place we earn from qualifying purchases. See extra particulars within the coverage web page.

I keep in mind after I shared my coconut chia pudding with white peach some time in the past now, I used to be a little bit reluctant at first. I’ve all the time been one to extra steer away from developments relatively than be drawn to them, and chia pudding all the time felt a bit that means. However I shortly grew to love it, as did the youngsters. Some model of chia pudding is now one thing I make at times as a tasty straightforward snack or breakfast.

I really like that it is tremendous straightforward to organize, then you definately simply go away it for a short time earlier than ending up. You could make it shortly earlier than you eat it or put together in a single day. Plus, like a smoothie bowl, it is enjoyable so as to add toppings to!

This banana model is a stunning variation on the theme. You have the pure sweetness of the banana that additionally provides taste, in addition to a lot of different good issues like fiber and potassium.

You could make it dairy free in the event you like (by which case it is also vegan) or use dairy milk, as you like. Either means it is fast to organize, adaptable and engaging.

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds are the seed from a plant that is truly a part of the mint household. The plant is native to Central and Southern Mexico. They’ve grow to be common lately resulting from their many well being advantages, together with being excessive in fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

They are available each white and black kind, that are basically the identical aside from shade. You can use both right here as you like – the black seeds stand out a short time the white ones mix in a little bit extra. But flavor-wise they’re the identical.

Chia seeds take up moisture shortly – as much as 10 instances their weight, apparently! – and so are normally finest mixed with liquid earlier than you eat them to keep away from points. This is why chia puddings typically require soaking time, but it surely additionally helps give a nicer thicker texture.

As the seeds soak, they swell and kind a form of jelly layer on the skin. The seeds lose their crunch and grow to be extra jelly-like balls – it could possibly appear unusual at first, however personally I fairly prefer it. If you like, you may keep away from a few of that mouthfeel by mixing the seeds in with the banana and milk to interrupt them up, or use prepared floor chia seeds.

Making banana chia pudding

While I really like the extra ‘common’ chia pudding, I’ve to say this one is a stunning twist, being that bit extra filling from the banana. As a common rule of thumb, you need to use about 1:4 chia seeds to liquid. Here the banana is in impact additional, so in the event you like, you may scale back the milk a little bit for a barely thicker pudding.

I like to recommend utilizing a ripe, however not overly ripe, banana for this. You need it to have an excellent “banana” taste and sufficient pure sweetness, therefore yellow relatively than barely inexperienced is finest for this. However you do not really need one with a blackened pores and skin as you’d for banana bread because the banana will flip extra gray (although it does are inclined to a bit anyway) and should really feel too banana-y. Though as you like.

If you want, you may mash the banana in a bowl then add within the different substances, however I want the smoother texture from mixing the banana and milk collectively.

You can use dairy or non-dairy milk, as you like. If you employ non-dairy, I’d recommend coconut milk is one of the best pairing flavor-wise, however almond milk would additionally work properly. Soy and oat milk will work, however personally I do not really feel the flavour goes fairly as properly.

I’ve added a little bit cinnamon and vanilla for added taste, however you may skip these in the event you want. If you need it a little bit sweeter, you may add some maple syrup however that is non-obligatory too because the banana does sweeten it.

Leave the pudding an excellent 20 minutes for the seeds to swell up, or you may cowl and refrigerate in a single day. If left longer, the banana will discolor a bit extra, however it is going to nonetheless style the identical.

Toppings!

As I discussed, one of many enjoyable issues with chia pudding is you may add toppings. Banana slices are an apparent alternative, and banana and coconut additionally pair rather well, so some toasted coconut additionally goes properly. The crunch provides a fantastic texture, too, together with the flavour being nice.

I’ve additionally made this with some date caramel on the facet, which is principally softened dates blended with water to make a paste. It’s SO tasty, and pairs splendidly with the banana taste. If you do not need to make the paste however need some dates in there, simply chopping some dates so as to add on prime can be nice too.

For a bit extra of a topping, you may also add issues like chopped pecans, granola or different fruits like strawberry that pair properly. Really no matter you’re feeling like to decorate it up!

This banana chia pudding is simple to make and straightforward to take pleasure in. Only just a few substances, and some minutes of prep result in such a scrumptious however guilt-free deal with. You’ll be in search of an excuse to have it once more.

Try these different more healthy treats:

See a few of my favourite cooking instruments and substances within the Caroline’s Cooking Amazon store.

This publish was first shared in April 2017 and has been up to date primarily with further data, suggestions and new photographs.

Remember to pin for later!