Chocolatey Banana Chia Pudding

Pudding is such an amazing dessert, especially a good banana pudding or chocolate pudding. They’re sweet, creamy, delicious, and popular with adults and kids alike. The downsides are that store-bought pudding cups and instant pudding mix are so high in extra sugar, usually contain dairy, and they’re not great for you at all.

Homemade pudding is really the way to go here, especially since it’s so easy to make. This is why I’m so excited to share this chocolatey banana chia pudding recipe with you all.

This easy, non-dairy chocolate banana chia pudding recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth, and make you feel good after eating it. In fact, it’s so good, you may even go bananas for it. Sorry beauties, I had to say it. :)

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at what makes this recipe so healthy— and delicious!

Banana Health Benefits

Beauties, I love bananas. In fact, I think they may be one of the perfect foods for humans. I know a lot of people avoid them because they think they’re too high in sugar and carbs, and can sabotage their healthy diets. But don’t worry— as long as you eat a well-balanced healthy diet, bananas won’t have any negative impact. In fact, you may look and feel better by including them in your diet!

Bananas are well-known for being great sources of potassium, which is vital for your muscular function and your digestion. They’re also packed with other vitamins, such as vitamin A, B, C, and K, and are great sources of folate, which is important for healthy blood cells. And for all the expectant mamas out there, folate is very important for your developing baby.

Bananas also contain complex carbohydrates, which help keep you feeling energized throughout the day. They also contain fructooligosaccharide, which is a helpful prebiotic that helps increase the number of healthy bacteria in your gut. Along with a good soil-based probiotic (SBO) supplement, these can help keep your gut healthy and your digestion regular.

How to Use Overripe Bananas

If your bananas get brown before you can eat them, don’t worry! An overripe banana is still as great for you as a ripe banana is. Compared to yellow and green bananas, overripe brown bananas are actually easier to digest and they’re full of amazing antioxidants.

There are lots of amazing ways to use overripe bananas in your cooking. Overripe bananas have a sweeter, less intense banana flavor than the yellow bananas we mostly tend to eat. This is because as bananas ripen, their starches transform into simple sugars. This makes them mushier, but it also makes them more versatile.

Helpful Tip: Overripe bananas are a great egg substitute in baked goods. Mashing up a brown banana creates a beautiful binding agent that works just as well as eggs. Use one mashed banana in place of each egg. I did this in my Banana Spice Cookies recipe, and it works great in banana bread— instead of using eggs, replace them with additional bananas for an amazingly soft and flavorful plant-based banana bread.

You can also use them to make dairy-free ice cream or soft serve, which I call “nice cream.” They’re also amazing in smoothies, dairy-free milkshakes, and other baked goods. More on all those after the recipe!

What Are Chia Seeds?

Seeds of all kinds are an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, and the humble chia seed is no exception. Chia seeds have been a popular health food in recent years, and for good reason.

That’s because these tiny seeds provide complete protein, as well as a ton of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also an amazing source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of fiber.

One of the coolest things about chia seeds is the nutritious gel they create when you mix them into liquids. This gel is filling, great for digestion, and creates long-term energy to keep you going. It doesn’t matter if you use black chia seeds or white chia seeds— they’re both great for you.

Like overripe bananas, you can also use chia seeds as an egg substitute! Let a tablespoon of chia seeds soak for a few minutes in 2.5 tablespoons of water, then you have a great binding agent you can use in baked goods.

Cacao Nibs: Not the Same as Regular Chocolate

I think it’s safe to say that a lot of people love chocolate— I definitely do! But beauties, most chocolate has a lot of extra fat and sugar in it, and it’s not great for you. However, you can still satisfy that chocolate craving without the guilt with cacao nibs.

Cacao nibs are pieces of crushed-up cacao beans, also known as cocoa beans— the main ingredient in chocolate. These are often roasted for added flavor but minimally processed. Because they’re naturally low in sugar, cacao nibs have a bitter, but still chocolatey flavor— kind of like cocoa powder— and are a healthier alternative to regular chocolate.

Health Benefits of Cacao Nibs

They’re rich in antioxidants and are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They’re also high in flavonoids, which can help prevent heart disease, some kinds of cancer, and cognitive decline. Satisfying your chocolate craving while still eating healthy— what’s not to love?

Now that your sweet tooth is craving dessert, I hope you give this recipe a try! This chocolate banana chia pudding is amazing for when you’re craving something sweet, and that will be kind to your body in return. When it comes to this recipe’s amazing flavor and amazing health benefits, the proof is absolutely in the pudding. :)

If you give this recipe a try, make sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see! If you love this recipe or know others who would, please share it on Pinterest too.

All my love,