This banana cream pie chia seed pudding is creamy, naturally sweet, and full of banana flavor. Ripe bananas are caramelized in a honey-butter glaze, then layered with a silky chia seed pudding and finished with whipped cream and crunchy graham cracker crumbs for a delightful dessert or snack any time of the day.
We love chia seed pudding for its ease and versatility. This version leans into classic banana cream pie flavors: honeyed, buttery bananas and a smooth, vanilla-scented chia base, finished with graham cracker crumbs for texture. It’s an ideal make-ahead treat that feels indulgent while remaining wholesome.
Why you’ll love it!
- Effortless meal prep—make the pudding ahead and assemble when ready.
- A satisfying, healthier way to curb a sweet craving.
- Kid-friendly flavors: bananas, honey, and graham crackers.
- Great texture contrast: silky pudding plus crunchy crumbs and caramelized banana.
Banana Cream Pie Chia Pudding Ingredients
- Chia seeds: 1/4 cup. Any fresh chia seeds (black or white) will work—stale or expired seeds may not gel properly.
- Oat milk: 1 cup unsweetened, plain oat milk (or any milk you prefer).
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons for depth of flavor.
- Honey: 4 tablespoons total, with 3 tablespoons for the pudding and 1 tablespoon for caramelizing the bananas.
- Salt: a pinch to enhance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons to make the honey-butter glaze for the bananas.
- Bananas: 2 large, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds for caramelizing.
- Graham crackers: 4 sheets, crumbled for topping.
- Optional: 1/2 cup whipped cream or dairy-free whipped cream for a classic finish.
Top tip for success
Always use fresh chia seeds that are not past their expiration date. Old or stale chia seeds may fail to expand and thicken. Also, mix the pudding thoroughly when first combining ingredients to prevent clumps of dry seeds.
How to make Banana Cream Pie Chia Seed Pudding
STEP 1: Prep and set
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, oat milk, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of honey until well combined. Make sure the honey dissolves and is not sticking to the bottom. Stir in a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours so the chia seeds can swell and the pudding becomes thick and creamy. If the pudding is too thick after setting, stir in a tablespoon or two of additional oat milk until you reach the desired consistency.
STEP 2: Caramelize bananas
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. When it melts, add 1 tablespoon of honey and whisk to combine. Add the banana slices in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until they begin to caramelize and take on a golden-brown color. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly.
STEP 3: Assemble and enjoy
Layer the pudding and bananas in jars or glasses. Start with about 2 tablespoons of chia pudding, top with 3–4 slices of caramelized banana, then another 2 tablespoons of pudding. Repeat for one or two more layers if desired. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream (optional) and a sprinkle of crumbled graham crackers. This recipe yields approximately four small cups.
FAQs
Chia pudding has a creamy, slightly gelatinous texture with tiny seed bits throughout. It’s fairly neutral on its own, so the flavor depends on what you add—vanilla, honey, fruit, or cocoa all work well.
Why do chia seeds come with a warning?
Dry chia seeds can absorb 10–12 times their weight in liquid, so if eaten dry or swallowed without enough liquid they could pose a choking risk. Always hydrate chia seeds before consuming.
Why didn’t my chia seeds thicken?
Chia pudding that fails to thicken is usually due to old seeds or insufficient mixing. Check the seed expiration and stir thoroughly when combining with liquid; refrigeration time is also essential for full thickening.
Storage
Store prepared chia seed pudding in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the caramelized bananas separate until just before serving for the best texture. This pudding is excellent for batch prepping—double or triple the recipe to save time during the week.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 29 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate.