If you crave a breakfast or snack that’s nourishing, naturally sweet, and incredibly creamy, you are going to adore the Best Banana Chia Pudding with Walnut Cream Recipe. This comforting bowl combines the silky texture of chia seeds soaked to perfection with the rich, luscious walnut cream that adds a delightful depth of flavor. It’s the kind of treat that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients to power your day—plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the pudding’s creamy body, natural sweetness, or crunchy nutty notes.
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups nondairy milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk works beautifully here, lending a smooth base without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup chia seeds: These little powerhouses thicken the pudding and provide a lovely gelatinous texture packed with fiber.
- 1 large ripe banana: Adds natural sweetness and creaminess, making the pudding irresistibly smooth.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional): For a hint of extra sweetness if you like your pudding a bit sweeter—natural and pure.
- 1 cup walnut pieces: Used to make the decadent walnut cream that elevates the dish with healthy fats and a rich, nutty flavor.
- 3/4 cup nondairy milk (for walnut cream): Helps blend the walnuts into a luxuriously creamy topping.
- 3 pitted Medjool dates: These naturally sweet dates are perfect to add a caramel-like richness to the walnut cream.
How to Make Best Banana Chia Pudding with Walnut Cream Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Chia and Banana Mixture
Start by placing the nondairy milk, chia seeds, and ripe banana into a blender. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the chia seeds are evenly dispersed without chunks. This step is essential because it transforms the simple ingredients into a luscious pudding base that will thicken beautifully as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.
Step 2: Portion Into Containers
Now pour your chia pudding mixture evenly into four airtight containers. This makes it easy to store and enjoy throughout the week. Having individual servings sets you up for a quick and nutritious grab-and-go option or a calm moment to savor at home.
Step 3: Prepare the Walnut Cream
Rinse your blender and add walnut pieces, 3/4 cup of nondairy milk, and the pitted Medjool dates. Blend until you achieve a silky cream—which should have a thick but pourable consistency. This luscious walnut cream brings the perfect contrast to the light chia pudding, making every spoonful irresistibly rich.
Step 4: Add Walnut Cream to Pudding
Divide the walnut cream evenly over the chia pudding containers. You can swirl it in or add a thick layer on top, depending on your preference. This step turns the pudding into a complete dessert or breakfast treat with complexity and creaminess.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Refrigerate your pudding for at least one hour before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the chia seeds to swell fully and the flavors to meld, resulting in a smooth, velvety pudding that feels luxurious with every bite.
How to Serve Best Banana Chia Pudding with Walnut Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra walnut pieces, sliced bananas, or a few fresh berries on top to add a pop of texture and freshness. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of cinnamon also enhances the flavor profile beautifully, making your pudding look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this pudding with lightly toasted whole-grain bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Because the pudding is richly creamy and filling, simple, fresh side dishes complement it perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the chia pudding and walnut cream in clear glasses for an impressive parfait look. Add granola or toasted coconut flakes between the layers for added crunch. This makes your Best Banana Chia Pudding with Walnut Cream Recipe perfect for entertaining or just turning an ordinary day into a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pudding in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chia seeds continue to absorb moisture over time, so the texture might become thicker, which some people enjoy—just stir well before serving.
Freezing
While not ideal for freezing due to the texture change in chia seeds, the walnut cream can be frozen separately in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
This pudding is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmer, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds and stir well. Avoid overheating to maintain the best texture and nutrient integrity.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of nondairy milk?
Absolutely! Feel free to use regular cow’s milk if you aren’t avoiding dairy. The pudding will still turn out creamy and delicious with just a slightly different flavor profile.
Is the maple syrup necessary?
Nope! The banana and dates provide plenty of natural sweetness, so adding maple syrup is optional and depends on your personal taste preference.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can try pecans or cashews for the cream. Keep in mind that each nut will bring its own unique flavor and texture, but the walnut cream truly pairs wonderfully with the banana chia pudding.
How long does it take for the chia pudding to set?
It generally takes about one hour in the refrigerator for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and create that perfect pudding texture. For best results, some prefer to let it sit overnight.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, using nondairy milk and natural ingredients makes this recipe both vegan and gluten-free, suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Banana Chia Pudding with Walnut Cream Recipe is like inviting a little sunshine into your day. It’s effortless, nourishing, and unbelievably tasty—a sweet companion for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite wholesome treats. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy that creamy, nutty goodness!
Print
Best Banana Chia Pudding with Walnut Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A wholesome and creamy Banana Chia Pudding recipe that blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutritional powerhouse of chia seeds, enhanced by a smooth walnut-date cream. This easy, no-cook recipe uses nondairy milk making it perfect for a nutritious vegan breakfast or snack, packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Chia Pudding
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups nondairy milk (almond, soy, oat)
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 large ripe banana
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional)
Walnut-Date Cream
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 3/4 cup nondairy milk
- 3 pitted medjool dates
Instructions
- Blend Chia Mixture: In a blender, combine the nondairy milk, chia seeds, and large ripe banana. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the chia seeds are well incorporated.
- Portion Pudding: Pour the blended chia pudding mixture evenly into four airtight containers to prepare for chilling.
- Prepare Walnut-Date Cream: Clean the blender thoroughly. Then add walnut pieces, nondairy milk, and pitted medjool dates to the blender, and blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add Topping: Divide the walnut-date cream evenly among the containers with the chia pudding, layering it on top or stirring gently.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled chia pudding and walnut cream for at least one hour to allow it to thicken and develop flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding or omitting the maple syrup based on taste preference.
- Use any type of nondairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat for variations in flavor.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Soaking chia seeds helps thicken the pudding and release their gel-like texture.
- Prepare in advance for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack option.
