This banana chia pudding with date caramel is such a tasty breakfast / dessert that's good for you too. It's vegan, paleo, dairy & gluten free but full of flavor.
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Let me get this out there before I go any further: I know this banana chia pudding is kind of buzzword central. After all it's vegan, paleo, dairy free and gluten free. And's that's before you mention the chia seeds and date caramel.
But try not to judge, as I know I would be tempted to do. This is actually really, really good.
It's thick and creamy, deliciously sweet but in a wonderfully low guilt way. It's the kind of breakfast, snack or even dessert you eat and actually feel good about after. And want again.
I remember when I shared my coconut chia pudding with white peach a while ago now, I was a little reluctant at first. I don't really like feeling like I'm jumping on a trend, and chia seeds definitely felt that way. However I found I liked it, and chia pudding is now something I make now and then as a nice, refreshing snack or breakfast.
It's a lot lighter than many options so is perfect in warmer weather. Plus, you can take a second to prepare it in the evening and it's ready to go, maybe with just the slightest additions, in the morning.
I came up with this banana chia pudding with date caramel as I was thinking what to make for this month's Foodie Extravaganza theme: caramel. While I'm not massively sweet-toothed I do have a soft spot for caramel, particularly dulce de leche. I considered a few ideas with that, but then inspired by the flavors of banoffee pie, I came up with this. OK, it's not 'real' caramel in here, but it's just as good.
What is date caramel?
I mentioned when I shared my banana oatmeal that we'd had some tasty oatmeal in London last year with date puree. I've since come across it called date caramel, and I can completely see why. It has all the same smooth creamy sweetness, it's just made from dates.
In fact, it's simple dates pureed with a little water. The only caution is it's best to use very soft dates, in fact I'd recommend medjool dates, or else you'll need to soak them in boiling water for a little first.
Dates and banana go wonderfully together, as do dates and caramel, so you get the idea that this is a pretty great combination. Throw in coconut milk, and topped with a little toasted coconut too, and it can hardly get better.
While I love the more 'regular' chia pudding, I have to say this one just blew me away. It's more filling, but in a really good way. The flavors are so good, and it feels almost indulgent. So much so, it would work for breakfast, dessert, or simply a snack.
This banana chia pudding with date caramel is easy to make and easy to enjoy. Only a few ingredients, and a few minutes of prep lead to such a delicious but guilt-free treat. You'll be looking for an excuse to have it again.
Try these other healthier treats:
- Date oatmeal cookies (with only date as the sweetener)
- Sweet potato brownies
- Plus get more breakfast recipes in the archives.
Banana chia pudding with date caramel
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup coconut milk 80ml (thick - I use culinary coconut milk)
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3 oz soft dates 85g (Medjool best), pitted weight
- 3 tablespoon water approx
- ½ tablespoon toasted coconut approx, to serve
Instructions
- Blend together the coconut milk and banana in a food processor or blender. Add the chia seeds and pulse once or twice to mix then tip into a dish. Cover and chill for 20min to allow seeds to swell and soften. You can leave overnight, but it will become a little more grey.
- If the dates are not really soft, soak in boiling water for 10min or so first. Pulse the dates in a food processor so they become small chunks. Add some water, a tablespoon at a time so that it comes together as a smooth puree. The exact amount will depend on your dates but you want a spoonable mixture but not too runny. Note - this will give you enough for around 2-3 chia puddings or use the rest for something else (also good on toast, with oatmeal and more).
- Once the chia have soaked, layer up the chia pudding with the date puree and top with a little toasted coconut.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Try these other caramel recipes for Foodie Extravaganza:
Easter Coconut Bird's Egg Nests - Palatable Pastime
Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Cake - A Day in the Life on the Farm
Caramel Apple Granola - Hardly a Goddess
Caramel Apple Dip - Sew You Think You Can Cook
Fa'ausi (Samoan Coconut Caramel Bread) - Tara's Multicultural Table
Kim c says
Hi i dont see the notes for the servings. Is this really 622 calories?
Caroline's Cooking says
So the recipe serves approx 2-3, with the calorie value of 374 calories being per serving if you have 2 servings. Bear in mind that peanut butter is relatively high in calories but calories are only one factor in creating a balanced diet. If you are looking for something lower in calories I would suggest excluding the peanut butter and maybe adding a dash of cinnamon instead.
frugal hausfrau says
I love the looks of this and date/caramel? Amazing! Happy FF!
Mollie
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Mollie, it's such a tasty combination, and great ingredients too!
Ginger says
How interesting! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Ginger!
Lynn Elliott Vining says
Wow! Sounds really good!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it really is!
Michele says
What a pretty dessert... And guilt-free, too! I never would have thought of making date caramel - great idea!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Michele, I definitely need to use it more!
Doreen Simpson says
Such a super easy but perfectly healthy breakfast... it's all in the prep... love it ♥
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I agree it's great being so easy and healthy.
sneha datar says
This is a delicious dessert, love the date caramel.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Sneha!
Tara says
Love the layers! I havent worked with chia seeds that much, but it sounds perfect paired with that date caramel.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Tara, it absolutely is a great combination!
Barrie says
This is absolute genius! What a wonderful thing, dates as caramel! I STILL haven't tried chia pudding, but this is sending me over the edge!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Barrie, I have to say I think this is my new favorite to have chia pudding - so tasty!
Nettie Moore says
This looks scrumptious!! Nettie
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it is!
Julie says
This looks like such a delicious treat. I would love it any time of day!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Julie, it's really tasty and I agree, great any time!
Wendy Klik says
I love the thought of Date "Caramel". I am a huge date fan and I can see how that sweet goodness would work as a caramel.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Wendy, we love dates as well and the date caramel is so delicious.