Easy Banana Chia Seed Pudding Recipe – Hemp & Cacao Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Banana Chia Seed Pudding Recipe – Hemp & Cacao Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a breakfast (or dessert!) that’s quick, healthy, and totally delicious. This Banana Chia Seed Pudding is exactly that! I first whipped this up on a busy weekday morning when I needed something fast but didn’t want to compromise on nutrition. It’s become a regular in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another chia seed pudding. The banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess, while the hemp seeds and cacao powder give it a lovely, subtle chocolatey flavour and a boost of goodness. It’s super easy to make, requires minimal effort, and is perfect for meal prepping. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favourite toppings and adapt it to suit your dietary needs. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy pudding:

• 1 banana
• 0.3 cup (approximately 35g) hemp seeds
• 0.25 cup (approximately 40g) chia seeds
• 0.25 cup (approximately 25g) cacao powder
• 1.5 tablespoons (approximately 22ml) almond butter
• 1 cup (approximately 240ml) soy milk

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Hemp Seeds: These are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They have a mild, nutty flavour that blends beautifully into the pudding. You can find them at most health food stores or online. I love sourcing mine from local farms when I can!
• Cacao Powder: Don’t confuse this with cocoa powder! Cacao powder is raw chocolate, meaning it hasn’t been processed with alkali. It retains more of its nutrients and has a slightly more bitter, intense chocolate flavour. You can use cocoa powder if that’s what you have, but the flavour will be a little different.
• Soy Milk: I prefer soy milk for its creamy texture and neutral flavour, but feel free to use your favourite plant-based milk. Almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk all work beautifully. Just keep in mind that different milks will affect the final consistency and flavour.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get pudding-making! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, combine the banana, hemp seeds, chia seeds, cacao powder, almond butter, and soy milk in your blender.
2. Now, blend everything on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth – a little texture is nice!
3. Pour the mixture into serving jars or bowls. I like using small mason jars for a pretty presentation.
4. Pop them in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the chia seeds to work their magic and thicken the pudding. Trust me, this step is important!
5. Before serving, add your favourite toppings (more on that later!).
6. Enjoy immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• For an extra creamy pudding, let it sit in the fridge overnight.
• If your pudding is too thick, add a splash more soy milk.
• If it’s too thin, add another teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit for a bit longer.
• Don’t skip the blending step! It really helps to break down the chia seeds and create a smoother texture.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Adaptations: This recipe is already vegan and gluten-free! For a nut-free version, simply substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
• Sweetness Level Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter pudding, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a few dates to the blender.
• Chocolate Intensity: For a richer chocolate flavour, add an extra tablespoon of cacao powder. My friend, Priya, loves hers super chocolatey!

Serving Suggestions

Okay, time for the fun part – toppings! Here are some of my favourites:

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Sliced mango
• A sprinkle of granola
• A dollop of coconut yogurt
• Mango jelly or strawberry puree – a little bit of childhood nostalgia!

Storage Instructions

Leftover pudding? No problem! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture might change slightly as it sits, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How long does the pudding take to fully set? At least 1-2 hours, but overnight is best for a really thick and creamy texture.
• Can I use a different type of milk? Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well.
• Can I make this pudding ahead of time? Yes! It’s perfect for meal prepping. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• What are the benefits of adding hemp seeds? Hemp seeds are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals. They’re a nutritional powerhouse!
• Can I add protein powder to this pudding? Yes, you can! Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder to the blender along with the other ingredients.