Banana & Cacao Chia Pudding
Silky cacao chia pudding layered with banana cream—a cold, make-ahead recipe for mornings or quiet desserts.
This is the chia pudding for people who think they don’t like chia pudding.
The chocolate layer leans dark and spiced, with cinnamon and sea salt giving the raw cacao real depth. On top, a light banana cream made with coconut milk and flax keeps it clean, spoonable, and not too sweet. Together, they hit that rare balance: rich but light, nutrient-dense but dessert-worthy.
It’s what you want after a salty lunch, late afternoon when your energy dips, or cold from the fridge as a quiet dessert.
Both layers can be made in advance and stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it an easy option to reach for during busy weeks—just layer and serve.
Banana & Cacao Chia Pudding
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
Chocolate Layer
240 ml (1 cup) almond or coconut milk
40 g (2 ½ tbsp) chia seeds
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Banana Cream Layer
240 ml (1 cup) plant-based milk
1 ripe banana, mashed
30 g (2 tbsp) chia seeds
10 g (1 tbsp) flaxseed powder
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
To Serve
½ ripe banana, thinly sliced
Cinnamon
Cacao nibs
Toasted, crushed hazelnuts
METHOD
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, chia seeds, cacao powder, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and sweetener until smooth. Stir multiple times during the first 30 to 45 minutes to ensure the seeds hydrate in evenly and don't clump or sink. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until thickened.
In a second bowl, combine the milk, mashed banana, chia seeds, flaxseed powder, and sweetener. Mix well, then stir multiple times during the first 30 to 45 minutes to ensure the seeds hydrate in evenly and don't clump or sink. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until softly set.
To assemble, layer the chocolate chia pudding and banana cream in glasses or bowls. Spoon gently to keep the layers clean and distinct.
Top with banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, cacao nibs, and crushed hazelnuts. Serve cold.
Afiyet olsun!