If you’re looking for an easy, nourishing snack that feels like dessert, this banana chia pudding is it! It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with nutrition. The kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even on the busiest mornings). Made with blended banana, chia seeds, and cottage cheese, it’s full of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep little tummies full and happy. And since it’s naturally sweetened with banana, there’s no added sugar, making it a gentle and balanced option for babies too!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Chia Pudding
- toddler-approved — familiar flavor, gentle texture, and packed with nutrition
- made with just a few ingredients — banana, chia seeds, cottage cheese, and cinnamon
- high in protein from the cottage cheese (or dairy-free yogurt), keeping those little tummies satisfied longer
- creamy and thick — blends smooth, no chia texture depending on how well you blend it
- naturally sweetened with banana, no added sugar
- works for breakfast, snack, or dessert — so easy to prep ahead
Be sure to check out my simple chia pudding and strawberry cheesecake chia pudding for other ways to use up your chia seeds!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Banana Chia Pudding
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your Banana Chia Pudding
- Helpful Hint For Best Chia Pudding
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How To Serve To Toddlers
- Equipment
- Storing Your Banana Chia Pudding
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Banana Chia Pudding (high protein, no added sugar)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's all you'll need to make this banana chia pudding:
- bananas – the natural sweetener here! Use ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor and sweetness
- cottage cheese – adds creaminess, protein, and calcium (you can also use Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free version)
- chia seeds – blend them right in to thicken the pudding and add omega-3s and fiber
- vanilla extract – adds warmth and enhances the banana flavor
- cinnamon – optional, but adds a cozy sweetness
- milk (optional) – helps everything blend smooth without getting too thick
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Banana Chia Pudding
- Step 1: Add everything to a blender. Combine 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 2–3 teaspoon maple syrup (optional).
- Step 2: Blend on high for about 30–45 seconds, or until completely creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoon of milk if needed.
- Step 3: Pour into jars or bowls and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a thicker texture.
- Step 4: Top with sliced banana, crushed graham crackers, Cheerios, or hemp hearts for a fun twist.
Helpful Hint For Best Chia Pudding
This banana chia pudding will thicken as it chills, so don’t worry if it seems a little thin right after blending! Let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or even overnight for the creamiest texture. If it ever gets too thick, just stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it back up.
Substitutions
This banana chia pudding is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and can easily be made dairy-free!
- dairy-free - use a Greek-style plant-based yogurt (almond, soy, or coconut) and dairy-free milk
Variations
Feel free to change up the flavor-profile in this banana chia pudding by adding different mix-ins!
- chocolate banana: add 1-2 tablespoon cocoa powder before blending for a rich, chocolatey version that tastes like a chocolate dessert
- peanut butter banana: blend in 1–2 tablespoon peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter) for extra protein, healthy fats, and a creamy nutty flavor
- banana bread pudding: sprinkle in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for cozy banana bread vibes
- berry banana: toss in a few frozen blueberries or strawberries before blending for a fruity twist and extra antioxidants
Even try this pumpkin chia pudding for a classic fall favorite!
How To Serve To Toddlers
- serve chilled for a creamy, yogurt-like snack or dessert
- top with sliced banana, berries, or a sprinkle of hemp hearts
- layer it with granola, Cheerios, or fruit for a quick banana parfait
- spoon into reusable pouches or cups for an easy on-the-go toddler snack
- use as a dip for graham crackers or fruit for older toddlers
Equipment
All you need to make this banana chia pudding, is a high-speed blender, measuring utensils, and a spatula to scrape down the sides and pour your pudding into jars or containers for chilling.
Storing Your Banana Chia Pudding
Store your banana chia pudding in an airtight container or small jars in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The texture will thicken slightly over time, but it stays creamy and delicious.
If you’re meal-prepping for the week, portion into small containers or jars, it’s the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. I don't recommend freezing, since that'll mess with the texture some!
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
This banana chia pudding is one of my favorite ways to sneak in big nutrition with minimal effort, especially for busy mornings or snack time. Chia seeds may be tiny, but they’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, plant-based protein, calcium, and iron — all nutrients that support your toddler’s growth, digestion, and energy!
Blending chia seeds into the pudding makes them smooth and creamy (no chewy texture!) while keeping all those benefits. They also help stabilize energy between meals and support fullness, which means fewer snack battles later on!
FAQ
Yes! Just swap the cottage cheese for a thick, dairy-free Greek-style yogurt made from almond, soy, or coconut milk. Use your favorite non-dairy milk to blend, and it’ll still be creamy, protein-rich, and toddler-friendly.
You can, but I recommend adding at least 2 tablespoons to help everything blend smooth. If it thickens too much after chilling, just stir in a splash of milk before serving.
You can! Leaving them whole gives a more traditional chia pudding texture. But blending them in makes it silky-smooth, perfect for toddlers who don’t love visible seeds or chewy textures.
Yes! It’s naturally sweetened with banana and full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Just don't add any maple syrup for little ones under 2 years.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this banana chia pudding:
Easy Banana Chia Pudding (high protein, no added sugar)
Equipment
- high speed blender
- small jars for storing
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt (DF if needed) for a similar texture
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds 3 tablespoon for a thicker pudding
- 1-2 tablespoon milk of choice just enough to blend
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Add bananas, cottage cheese, chia seeds, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup (if using) to a blender.
- Blend on high for 30–45 seconds, until completely smooth and creamy if able.
- Pour into jars or small containers and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to thicken.
- Before serving, stir well. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it back up. Enjoy as-is or top with sliced banana, berries, or hemp hearts!
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