There’s something luxuriously simple about banana chia pudding with coconut milk, a recipe that turns humble pantry ingredients into a silky, naturally sweet breakfast. I first fell in love with this tropical, no-cook delight on a warm summer morning when the scent of ripe bananas practically begged to be transformed. With just a few minutes of stirring and a restful overnight chill, this pudding delivers a breakfast that feels like a vacation in a jar. (See images below for inspiration.)
Table of Contents
Banana Chia Pudding With Coconut Milk Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 340 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 120g)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (well shaken)
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth and creamy.
- Add the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Stir in the chia seeds, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Pour into jars or bowls, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Stir before serving and top with fresh bananas, coconut flakes, or nuts.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
Make this banana chia pudding with coconut milk your own:
- Low-fat option: Use light coconut milk for a thinner, lower-calorie pudding.
- Sweeteners: Replace maple syrup with honey, agave, or date paste.
- Dairy-free alternatives: Swap coconut milk for almond, oat, or cashew milk.
- Flavor boosts: Add cocoa powder, nut butter swirl, or espresso.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Always mix twice, once immediately, and once after five minutes, to prevent chia seed clumping.
- For extra creaminess, blend all ingredients before adding chia seeds.
- Use very ripe bananas for the most natural sweetness.
- If the pudding becomes too thick, stir in 1–2 tbsp coconut milk before serving.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
This pudding is ideal for meal prep.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without toppings for up to 1 month; thaw overnight.
- Reheating: Not applicable, keep chilled and enjoy cold.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Pudding too thin? Add 1–2 tsp chia seeds and chill another hour.
- Pudding too thick? Incorporate extra coconut milk to loosen.
- Clumpy texture? Ensure you stirred after the 5-minute rest.
- Lacking sweetness? Adjust with maple syrup or use a riper banana.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
The tropical creaminess of banana and coconut pairs beautifully with bright, contrasting flavors.
- Fresh berries or mango chunks
- Toasted coconut flakes or almonds
- Dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs
- A drizzle of almond butter or tahini
Pairing Recipes From Our Website
Banana Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Whisk in coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- Add the chia seeds and stir well to distribute evenly.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Transfer to jars, cover, and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Stir before serving and top with bananas, coconut flakes, nuts, or berries.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! just thaw fully and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Is coconut milk necessary?
No, but it provides unmatched creaminess. Any milk works.
How long does chia pudding last?
Up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I blend the pudding?
Absolutely! blend all ingredients except the chia seeds, then stir them in.
How do I meal-prep this?
Divide into jars, add lids, and refrigerate for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes! simply omit the maple syrup and rely on ripe bananas for sweetness.
Conclusion
Creamy, nourishing, and endlessly customizable, banana chia pudding with coconut milk is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary mornings into something special. If you try this version, share your favorite toppings or variations. I’d love to hear how you make it your own!