Apple Banana Chia Pudding

Food and NutritionRecipes and Meal Ideas

Written by Kenny

  • Fact Checked by
This Apple Banana Chia Pudding is the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and smooth chia goodness for babies, toddlers, and the whole family. A treat that’s as delicious as it is nourishing—try it for a snack or breakfast everyone will love!

Jump to Recipe

Why This Pudding is Great for Babies, Toddlers and Families

Nutrient-Packed: Chia seeds provide fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting growth and development.

Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas and apples add sweetness without added sugar, making it gentle on young taste buds.

Easy to Digest: The soft, smooth texture is perfect for babies just starting solids, and chia seeds are easy on the stomach.

Customisable: It can be adapted with different fruits, milk options, and toppings, suiting each family member’s tastes and dietary needs.

Quick and Convenient: Prepped in minutes and stored easily, it’s a time-saver for busy families looking for a healthy snack or breakfast option.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk ( whole milk or breast milk/formula )
  • 2 tablespoons plain yoghurt
  • 5 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 ripe banana (mashed)
  • 1 small apple 

Equipment

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chia Pudding Base

Combine Milk, Yoghurt, and Chia Seeds:

  • Add 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt. Yoghurt adds a creamy texture and probiotics that are beneficial for digestion.

  • Stir in 5 tablespoons of chia seeds. Chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture.

Mix Thoroughly:

  • Whisk the ingredients together until the chia seeds are evenly dispersed in the milk and yoghurt.

  • Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent the seeds from clumping.

Refrigerate:

 

  • Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight. This gives the chia seeds time to absorb the liquid fully, creating a thick, creamy pudding.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruits

Banana:

  • For Babies and Toddlers: Mash the banana well until smooth to avoid any chunks that could be a choking hazard.

 

  • For Older Kids and Adults: Slice or chop the banana for added texture if desired.

Apple:

  • For Babies: Peel, core, and chop the apple into small pieces. Steam the apple pieces until soft, then mash or blend into a smooth puree. Let it cool before adding to the pudding.

  • For Toddlers and Adults: You can either steam and puree the apple or simply grate it fresh for a bit more texture and flavour.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Combine Chia Pudding with Fruits:

  • Take a suitable portion of chia pudding from the refrigerator and place it in a serving bowl.

 

  • Add a few tablespoons of mashed banana and apple puree to the chia pudding.

 

  • Stir until the fruit is evenly mixed with the chia pudding.
  • For Babies: Serve the mixture as is, with a smooth consistency.

     

  • For Toddlers and Adults: Top with extra banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour if desired.

Serve:

  • For Babies: Serve the mixture as is, with a smooth consistency.

  • For Toddlers and Adults: Top with extra banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour if desired.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh, Ripe Fruit: Choose ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and a creamy texture that’s easy to mash for babies. When using apples, opt for sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, as they blend smoothly, making them ideal for purees.

Stir the Chia Pudding After a Few Minutes: After mixing chia seeds with milk and yoghurt, let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir it again to prevent clumping. This extra stir ensures an even, creamy texture.

Adjust the Liquid for Desired Consistency: Chia pudding can vary in thickness. If you prefer it thinner, add more milk; for a thicker pudding, add extra chia seeds. Remember that it thickens as it sits, so check the consistency after refrigeration.

Prepare in Advance: Chia pudding benefits from a few hours (or even overnight) in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option. Consider preparing it the night before for a quick, ready-to-serve breakfast.

Add Fruit Right Before Serving: For the freshest taste, add the mashed banana and apple puree just before serving to avoid browning or sogginess.

Make It Smooth for Babies: Babies may prefer a smoother texture, so blend or mash the fruit thoroughly. Mix it well into the chia pudding to create a creamy, baby-friendly consistency.

Try a Variety of Toppings for Toddlers and Adults: Add a bit of texture and flavour by topping with chopped fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of berries. This enhances the pudding’s appeal and boosts its nutritional value.

Taste Test Before Serving: Before serving, give it a quick taste to adjust for sweetness and texture. For toddlers and adults, a hint of honey (for those over 1 year) or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavour if desired.

Be Mindful of Choking Hazards for Babies: For babies, ensure all ingredients are pureed or mashed to the right consistency. While chia seeds soften, it’s essential to stir well so they’re fully absorbed and soft in texture.

Recipes Substitutes

Milk Alternatives

  • Almond Milk: For a dairy-free or vegan option, use almond milk. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavour that complements bananas and apples.
 
  • Oat Milk: This non-dairy milk is creamy and works well if you’re looking for a thicker consistency.
 
  • Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical flavour and makes the pudding richer. Use light coconut milk for a subtler flavour, or canned coconut milk for extra creaminess.
 
  • Breast Milk or Formula: For babies under 1 year, you can replace the milk with breast milk or formula to make it suitable for their dietary needs.

Yoghurt Alternatives

  • Greek Yoghurt: For a thicker, creamier pudding, use greek yoghurt. It adds protein and richness.

     

  • Coconut or Almond Yoghurt: For a dairy-free option, try plant-based yoghurts. They add creaminess and a bit of tang without dairy.

     

  • Skip the Yoghurt: If you want a simpler or more liquid consistency, you can omit the yoghurt entirely. Just add a bit more milk.

Fruit Substitutions

  • Pear: For a twist on flavour, substitute apple puree with pear puree. It’s naturally sweet and blends smoothly.

  • Mango: Adds a tropical sweetness that pairs well with bananas. Mango can be mashed or pureed.

  • Berries: For toddlers and adults, try blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries (mashed for babies). These add antioxidants and a burst of colour.

Chia Seed Alternatives

  • Ground Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds don’t gel as much as chia seeds, so use slightly more to achieve a similar texture. This alternative works well but may result in a looser consistency.

 

  • Oats: For a heartier texture, add a few tablespoons of oats in place of some chia seeds. They’ll soak up liquid and create a thicker texture after refrigerating.

Flavour Additions

Spices

  • Cinnamon: A small sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and complements apples and bananas beautifully.

  • Nutmeg: Adds depth and a slightly nutty flavour—use just a pinch for best results.

  • Vanilla Extract: Just a few drops of vanilla extract add a deliciously sweet aroma, making it more appealing to toddlers and adults.

Sweeteners

  • Honey or Maple Syrup: For toddlers over 1 year and adults, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

 

  • Date Syrup or Pureed Dates: Dates add natural sweetness without processed sugar and blend smoothly into the pudding.

Additional Nutrients

  • Nut Butters: Stir in a spoonful of almond, peanut, or cashew butter for healthy fats and extra creaminess. Avoid chunky versions for younger children.
 
  • Hemp Seeds: Like chia seeds, hemp seeds add protein and healthy fats, with a mild flavour that works well in pudding.
 
  • Mashed Avocado: Adding mashed avocado gives the pudding extra creaminess and healthy fats without altering the taste much.

How to Store

1. Storing the Chia Pudding Base

  • Refrigerator: Store the plain chia pudding (without the fruit mixed in) in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. This keeps the texture and flavour intact.

     

  • Portioning: Consider dividing the chia pudding into individual serving containers. This makes it easy to grab a portion without disturbing the rest, and it’s convenient for serving different family members.

2. Adding Fruits Right Before Serving

  • Banana and Apple Puree: For best freshness, add the mashed banana and apple puree just before serving. This prevents the fruit from browning and keeps it at its best texture. Store fruit separately if needed.

3. Storing Prepared Pudding with Fruit Mixed In

  • Refrigerator: If you’ve already added the banana and apple, the pudding can be stored for 1-3 days in an airtight container. 

4. Freezing (Optional)

  • Freeze for Longer Storage: The plain chia pudding (without fruit) can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to eat. The texture may become slightly looser after freezing, but a quick stir usually helps.

Nutrition Guide

(per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 180-220 (depends on milk and toppings)
  • Protein: 5-7g (chia seeds and yoghurt)
  • Healthy Fats: 8-10g (chia seeds)
  • Carbohydrates: 25-30g (fruit, milk)
  • Fibre: 6-8g (chia seeds, fruit)
  • Vitamins & Minerals:

    Vitamin C    : from apple and banana
    Calcium: from milk and yoghurt
    Iron and Omega-3s: from chia seeds

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk ( whole milk or breast milk/formula )
  • 2 tablespoons plain yoghurt
  • 5 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 ripe banana (mashed)
  • 1 small apple 

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chia Pudding Base

Combine Milk, Yoghurt, and Chia Seeds:

 

  • Add 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt. Yoghurt adds a creamy texture and probiotics that are beneficial for digestion.

 

  • Stir in 5 tablespoons of chia seeds. Chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture.

Mix Thoroughly:

  • Whisk the ingredients together until the chia seeds are evenly dispersed in the milk and yoghurt.

  • Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent the seeds from clumping.

Refrigerate:

 

  • Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight. This gives the chia seeds time to absorb the liquid fully, creating a thick, creamy pudding.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruits

Banana

  • For Babies and Toddlers: Mash the banana well until smooth to avoid any chunks that could be a choking hazard.

  • For Older Kids and Adults: Slice or chop the banana for added texture if desired.

Apple

  • For Babies: Peel, core, and chop the apple into small pieces. Steam the apple pieces until soft, then mash or blend into a smooth puree. Let it cool before adding to the pudding.

  • For Toddlers and Adults: You can either steam and puree the apple or simply grate it fresh for a bit more texture and flavour.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Combine Chia Pudding with Fruits

  • Take a suitable portion of chia pudding from the refrigerator and place it in a serving bowl.

  • Add a few tablespoons of mashed banana and apple puree to the chia pudding.

  • Stir until the fruit is evenly mixed with the chia pudding.

Serve

  • For Babies: Serve the mixture as is, with a smooth consistency.

  • For Toddlers and Adults: Top with extra banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour if desired.