Apple Banana Chia Pudding

Why This Pudding Is Great for Babies, Toddlers and Families

Nutrient-Packed: Chia seeds provide fiber, 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.

Customizable: It can be customized with different fruits, milk options, and toppings to suit 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.

Apple Banana Chia Pudding Recipe 

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

1. Make the Chia Pudding Base: In a medium-sized bowl, pour 1 cup of milk. Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. 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.

Whisk the ingredients together until the chia seeds are evenly dispersed in the milk and yogurt. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent the seeds from clumping.

2. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight. This gives the chia seeds time to absorb the liquid fully, creating a thick, creamy pudding.

3. Prepare the Fruits: Peel, core, and chop the apple into small pieces. Steam the apple pieces until soft, then mash or blend them into a smooth puree. Let the puree cool before adding it to the pudding. You can either steam and puree the apple or simply grate it fresh for a bit more texture and flavor.

Mash the banana well until smooth to avoid any chunks that could be a choking hazard. Slice or chop the banana for added texture for older kids if desired.

4. 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.

5. Serve: For Babies, serve the mixture as is or with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor. Top with extra banana slices for toddlers and older kids.

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 yogurt, 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: To enhance the pudding's appeal and boost its nutritional value, add texture and flavor by topping it with chopped fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of berries.

Taste Test Before Serving: Taste it quickly to adjust for sweetness and texture. If desired, a hint of honey (for those over 1 year old) or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor for toddlers and adults.

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: For a dairy-free or vegan option, use almond milk. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor complements bananas and apples. Oat milk is a non-dairy milk and works well if you’re looking for a thicker consistency. Coconut milk adds a tropical flavor and makes the pudding richer. Use light coconut milk for a subtler flavor or canned coconut milk for extra creaminess.

To meet the dietary needs of babies under one year old, you can replace the milk with breast milk or formula.

Yoghurt Alternatives: For a thicker, creamier pudding, use Greek yogurt. It adds protein and richness. Use Coconut or Almond Yoghurt For a dairy-free option, try plant-based yogurts. They add creaminess and a bit of tang without dairy.

You can omit the yogurt entirely if you want a simpler or more liquid consistency. Just add a bit more milk.

Fruit Substitutions: For a twist on flavor, substitute apple puree with pear puree. It’s naturally sweet and blends smoothly. Mango puree adds a tropical sweetness that pairs well with bananas. Mango can be mashed or pureed.

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

Chia Seed Alternatives: 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. 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.

Flavor Additions

Spices: A small sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and complements apples and bananas beautifully. Nutmeg adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor —use just a pinch for best results. 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. Dates add natural sweetness without processed sugar and blend smoothly into the pudding.

Stir in a spoonful of almond, peanut, or cashew butter for healthy fats and extra creaminess. Avoid chunky versions for younger children. Like chia seeds, hemp seeds add protein and healthy fats. Their mild flavor works well in the pudding.

Adding mashed avocado gives the pudding extra creaminess and healthy fats without altering the taste much.

How to store

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 flavor intact. 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.

To ensure the freshness of the fruit, add the mashed banana and apple puree just before serving. This prevents the fruit from browning and maintains its best texture. If necessary, store the fruit separately.

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

Freezing (Optional): 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

Suitable for 6+

(per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 180-220 (depends on milk and toppings)
• Protein: 5-7g (chia seeds and yogurt)
• Healthy Fats: 8-10g (chia seeds)
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g (fruit, milk)
• Fiber: 6-8g (chia seeds, fruit)
• Vitamin C: from apples and bananas 
• Calcium: from milk and yogurt 
• Iron: from chia seeds
• Omega-3s: from chia seeds

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes