This recipe is for 9 month baby & up

Healthy Banana Pudding is a yummy breakfast, snack or dessert idea that everyone can enjoy! Babies, toddler, older kids and adults. It is made with a few simple, wholesome ingredients and all in all takes 5 minutes of prep time. Great for busy mornings as an easy breakfast option or a quick snack and dessert you can grab from the fridge. This pudding comes together so well by blending ripe banana, date, yogurt, chia seeds and milk. The natural sweetness of bananas reduces the need for any added sugars, making it a nutritious treat that parents can feel good about serving. This recipe is allergen-friendly, egg-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and if made with non-dairy milk and yogurt, can be dairy-free and a great vegan option for little ones.

How to Serve:

9 month baby & up: Serve as is or can put extra chopped banana pieces or blueberries for added texture.

Toddlers and Kids: Try adding some granola or nuts on top

Adults: It’s a perfect breakfast option, post-workout snack, or even a healthy dessert, you can tailor it to your liking by adding granola, nuts or add a little cocoa powder to make a chocolate banana pudding.

Why Healthy Banana Pudding?

The ingredients in the pudding create a nutritious breakfast, dessert or snack that is not only delicious but also supportive of a child’s growth and development. It provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, take a closer look at each ingredient below.

1. Chia Seeds

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for brain development, chia seeds are rich in omega-3s, which support cognitive function.
Fiber: High in fiber, chia seeds aid digestion and help prevent constipation, promoting gut health.
Protein: A good source of plant-based protein, they support growth and development in children.
Minerals: Chia seeds are packed with important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, contributing to strong bones.

2. Bananas

Rich in Nutrients: Bananas provide essential vitamins, particularly vitamin C and B6, which are important for immune function and energy metabolism.
Natural Sweetness: Their natural sweetness makes them a great first food for babies and a healthy snack for kids, reducing the need for added sugars.
Potassium: High in potassium, bananas help regulate blood pressure and support heart health.
Energy Boost: Bananas provide a quick source of energy, making them ideal for active children.

3. Yogurt

Probiotics: Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that promote gut health, aiding digestion and enhancing immunity.
Calcium and Vitamin D: These nutrients are vital for bone growth and development, especially in growing children.
Protein: Yogurt is a good source of protein, which is essential for growth and repair of tissues.

4. Dates

Natural Sweetener: Dates are naturally sweet and can be used as a healthy alternative to refined sugars in various recipes.
High in Fiber: They promote digestive health and can help regulate bowel movements.
Vitamins and Minerals: Dates are rich in vitamins such as B6, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium, which support overall health.
Energy-Dense: Packed with calories, dates provide a quick energy boost, making them a great snack for active children.

Substitutions:

Banana- If you don’t like banana, try replacing with another sweet fruit like mango

Chia Seeds- I don’t recommend substituting the chia seeds in this recipe

Date- For 12+ months you can swap with another sweetener like honey or maple syrup

Milk- Can use whole milk or any non-dairy milk of choice. For example oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, almond milk, etc.

Whole Milk Yogurt- Can replace with non-dairy yogurt of choice. Like oat milk yogurt, coconut milk yogurt, soy milk yogurt, etc.

What you need:

A high powered blender

Glass storage containers

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more you should try:

Healthy Banana Split

Wild Blueberry Chia Pudding

Banana Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

Vanilla Overnight Oats