Banana Cream Pie Chia Pudding – Healthy Vegan Treat

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Craving banana cream pie but want something healthy enough for breakfast? This Banana Cream Pie Chia Pudding is your dream come true. It’s rich, creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with fiber, omega-3s, and plant-based protein—all while tasting like your favorite old-school dessert.

Made with simple ingredients like mashed banana, chia seeds, and non-dairy milk, this no-cook treat is perfect for meal prep, post-workout snacks, or even a wholesome dessert with zero guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cream Pie-Inspired Chia Pudding

This pudding brings together everything you love about banana cream pie: sweet banana flavor, creamy vanilla richness, and that indulgent pudding texture. But instead of heavy cream and sugar, it’s made with whole-food ingredients you can feel good about.

You get the same nostalgic flavor, but with:

  • No refined sugar

  • No dairy (optional)

  • High fiber and healthy fats

  • Gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly

Whether you’re meal-prepping breakfast or building a healthy dessert jar, this recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this chia pudding plays a key role in creating the pie-like experience—without the pie crust or baking.

1. Ripe Bananas

Bananas are both the sweetener and the star of the show. Make sure they’re super ripe (spotty!) for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.

2. Chia Seeds

These tiny seeds absorb liquid and thicken into a pudding-like texture. They’re high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant protein.

3. Non-Dairy Milk

Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work beautifully. Use unsweetened for better control of sweetness.

4. Vanilla Extract

Adds that classic vanilla pudding aroma and enhances the pie-like taste.

5. Maple Syrup (Optional)

If your bananas are very ripe, you may not need any added sweetener. But a drizzle of maple syrup gives it extra dessert vibes.

6. Greek Yogurt or Coconut Cream (Optional)

Stirring in a bit of yogurt makes the texture ultra-creamy and adds protein. For vegan options, use coconut yogurt or whipped coconut cream.

7. Crushed Granola or Graham Crackers (Topping)

Optional, but gives that “crust” feel to mimic banana cream pie.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Banana Cream Pie Chia Pudding

This is a no-bake, prep-ahead recipe you can make in 5 minutes flat.

Step 1: Mash the Banana

In a medium bowl, mash 1 large ripe banana until smooth. Leave a few small chunks for texture if desired.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in 1 cup non-dairy milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1–2 tsp maple syrup if needed. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add Chia Seeds

Stir in 3 tablespoons of chia seeds. Mix well to avoid clumping. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes, then stir again.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the bowl or divide into jars and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into pudding.

Step 5: Serve & Top

Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. Top with sliced banana, granola or graham cracker crumbles, and a dollop of yogurt or whipped coconut cream.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for the Best Texture

  • Stir twice: Once after mixing and again 5 minutes later to prevent clumps.

  • Chill overnight: The longer it chills, the thicker and creamier it gets.

  • Use ripe bananas: They offer the best natural sweetness and flavor.

Flavor Variations

  • Banoffee Chia Pudding: Add a spoonful of almond butter and top with chopped dates.

  • Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the mix.

  • PB Banana Pie: Stir in 1 tbsp peanut butter and top with crushed peanuts.

Ingredient Swaps

  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt or skip the yogurt entirely.

  • Low-Carb: Replace banana with mashed avocado + monk fruit sweetener.

  • Nut-Free: Use oat or rice milk and a nut-free granola topping.

When to Serve Banana Cream Pie Chia Pudding

This pudding fits into every time of day—whether you’re starting your morning or ending your day with something sweet and smart.

  • Make-Ahead Breakfast: Meal prep several jars and grab one each morning.

  • Healthy Dessert: Layer with whipped coconut cream and graham crumbs.

  • Post-Workout Snack: Add protein powder or Greek yogurt for muscle recovery.

  • Kid-Friendly Treat: Serve in small cups with fun toppings like mini chocolate chips or sliced strawberries.

  • Brunch Add-On: Add to a DIY breakfast board or fruit parfait station.

Nutrition & Health Highlights

This banana cream pie chia pudding proves that dessert-style dishes can still be incredibly nutritious.

  • High in Fiber: Both chia seeds and bananas support digestion and fullness.

  • Rich in Omega-3s: Chia seeds are one of the best plant sources of essential fatty acids.

  • Naturally Sweetened: No added sugar required—bananas and maple syrup do the trick.

  • Protein Boost: Add Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder for sustained energy.

  • Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Friendly: Easily customizable for all dietary needs.

Each serving has roughly:

  • Calories: 200–250 (depending on mix-ins)

  • Protein: 6–10g

  • Fiber: 6–8g

  • Sugar: Naturally occurring from bananas

FAQ: Banana Cream Pie Chia Pudding

1. Can I blend this chia pudding for a smooth texture?

Yes! After mixing and chilling for 10–15 minutes, blend until smooth for a creamy, mousse-like texture. It’s perfect if you’re not a fan of the tapioca-like seed texture.

2. How long does it last in the fridge?

Banana chia pudding lasts 3–4 days in the fridge. Store it in airtight jars. If the banana turns slightly brown, it’s still safe to eat but may lose visual appeal.

3. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw and mash before using. Be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a watery pudding.

4. Is this recipe good for kids?

Absolutely! It’s naturally sweet, soft, and easy to digest—great for toddlers and picky eaters.

5. Can I add protein powder to the mix?

Yes! Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder and increase the milk by ¼ cup to maintain texture.

6. What’s the best milk for this recipe?

Any unsweetened non-dairy milk works—almond, soy, oat, or coconut. Full-fat coconut milk creates a richer, dessert-like pudding.

7. How can I make it taste more like pie?

Top it with graham cracker crumbs, vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, or even a few banana chips for crunch.

Tasty Recipes Card

Description:
This Banana Cream Pie Chia Pudding is a creamy, fiber-rich twist on your favorite dessert—made with banana, chia seeds, and non-dairy milk for a wholesome, easy breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana (mashed)

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

  • 3 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup (optional)

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional toppings: sliced banana, crushed graham crackers, coconut yogurt

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mash banana until smooth.

  2. Add milk, vanilla, salt, and maple syrup. Stir to combine.

  3. Stir in chia seeds. Let sit 5 minutes, then stir again.

  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  5. Stir before serving. Top with banana slices, yogurt, or crushed graham crackers.

Notes:

  • For smoother texture, blend after chilling for 15 minutes.

  • Add nut butter or protein powder for a nutritional boost.

  • Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Chill Time: 2 hours

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

  • Yield: 2 servings

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