Banana Chia Seed Pudding

1/2/2021

Banana Chia Seed Pudding

Chia pudding is one of those snacks that's constantly stocked in my fridge. It's super easy to make, only requires a couple ingredients, and it's perfect as a snack or to satisfy your sweet tooth in the healthiest way! I've shared so many different ways to make chia pudding with you guys - Gingerbread Chia Pudding, Apple Pie Chia Pudding, and  Coconut Chia Pudding - but out of all of them, my very favorite is this one, Banana Chia Seed Pudding. This is actually the most simple of all of them, but there's just something about blending the banana with the nut milk before mixing it with the chia seeds that gives it such a good, creamy consistency and makes it feel more desserty... I can't get enough! If you've ever tried the chia pudding from True Food Kitchen (I'm obsessed!), this one really reminds me of it, and I know it's even better for you because we're not adding in any additional sugar!

Since it's the New Year and all, getting extra nutrition into our diets is on the top of many of our to-do lists this year, and making a big batch of chia pudding is a great way to start checking off that goal. Chia seeds are super high in fiber, which helps you feel full, keeps your metabolism in check, and reduces the total net carbs in a meal. It's also a great source of protein and healthy omega-3 fats. If you've never made chia pudding before, you'll be amazed how quickly and easily it comes together. When you add them to liquid, the seeds expand and turn into a pudding-like consistency, like magic. From there, all you need is some flavor and spices and you've got a really delicious snack on your hands! 

Ingredients
1/2 cup organic chia seeds
2 cups milk of choice (I like using an unsweetened nut milk with simple ingredients like Elmhurst or Malk)
1 banana
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

Toppings: 
your favorite nuts
organic berries and / or sliced banana 
drizzle of nut butter

Yields 3 servings

1. In a blender, blend 1 banana with nut milk or milk of choice until smooth.
2. Pour banana / milk mixture into a bowl or jar and add chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well and place into the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Remove chia pudding from fridge and give it a stir. If you would prefer it thicker, place back into the fridge for another 15 minutes or so. (You can also let it sit in the fridge overnight.) If it's ready to go, pour it into a bowl and add the toppings of your choice. 
4. ​Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy! 

PS - I first posted a version of this recipe in 2013. The photos and content needed a serious update, but I couldn't bear to delete the old video of my 25-year-old self, despite how embarrassing it may be. Here it is, for nostalgia's sake! :)