3 Ingredient Banana Cocoa Pudding

By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 16, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 214 votes

This 3 Ingredient Banana Cocoa Pudding is rich, silky, naturally sweet, and made entirely in a blender. No sugar, no cooking, and no fillers. Just ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and milk transformed into a spoonable chocolate dream you can enjoy any time of day.

creamy 3 ingredient banana cocoa pudding in glass jar

Table of Contents

About This Recipe

What It Is

3 Ingredient Banana Cocoa Pudding is a simple, wholesome chocolate pudding made without cornstarch, eggs, refined sugar, or stovetop cooking. The bananas provide natural sweetness and body, cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor, and milk creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Why It Works

Bananas contain natural starches and soluble fiber that thicken beautifully when blended. Cocoa powder absorbs liquid and intensifies flavor. Together, they create a pudding consistency without heat or thickeners.

When to Make It

This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, healthy desserts, lunchbox treats, or late night chocolate cravings. It is also ideal for summer since it requires zero cooking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
thick banana cocoa pudding texture

3 Ingredient Banana Cocoa Pudding


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: karyl laeving
  • Total Time: 5 minutes (+ 30 minutes chilling)
  • Yield: 2 to 3 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, naturally sweet 3 Ingredient Banana Cocoa Pudding made in the blender with ripe bananas, unsweetened cocoa powder, and milk. No cooking, no refined sugar, and ready in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe bananas (about 240 g), sliced

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (10 g)

1/2 cup milk of choice (120 ml)


Instructions

1. Add the sliced bananas, cocoa powder, and milk to a blender or food processor.

2. Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides and blend again if needed.

3. Taste and blend 5 seconds more if you want it extra chocolatey.

4. Divide into 2 to 3 small cups or jars.

5. Chill for 30 to 60 minutes for the thickest pudding texture, then serve cold.

Notes

Best bananas: very ripe with lots of brown spots for natural sweetness and a creamy texture.

Texture control: if too thick, blend in 1 tablespoon milk at a time. If too thin, blend in 1/2 banana or chill longer.

Cocoa options: Dutch-process cocoa gives a darker color and smoother chocolate flavor.

Storage: refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended because the texture can turn icy.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake, Blender
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/2 cup / 120 g)
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Why You’ll Love It

  • Only 3 real ingredients
  • Naturally sweet with no added sugar
  • Ready in 5 minutes
  • Kid-approved and lunchbox-friendly
  • Vegan and dairy-free adaptable

Key Ingredients & Notes

Ripe Bananas

Use bananas with heavy brown spotting. The riper the banana, the sweeter and creamier your pudding will be. Underripe bananas will make the pudding bland and slightly grainy.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Choose high quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa will give a darker color and smoother taste. Learn more about cocoa powder differences from Healthline.

Milk of Choice

Any milk works here. Almond milk keeps it light, oat milk adds creaminess, and dairy milk makes it extra rich. Coconut milk works too but adds a tropical note.

Optional additions are not needed but you can blend in a spoon of Greek yogurt for protein or a splash of vanilla for warmth.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Cocoa Pudding

  1. Peel and add 2 ripe bananas to a high speed blender.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.
  3. Pour in 1/2 cup milk.
  4. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth. Scrape down sides as needed.
  5. Taste and adjust cocoa if desired.
  6. Transfer to serving cups and chill for at least 30 minutes for best texture.

Visual cue: The pudding should be glossy, thick, and fall slowly from a spoon.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Always blend longer than you think for ultra smooth pudding
  • Chill before serving to allow natural thickening
  • Use room temperature bananas for best blending
  • If pudding is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time
  • If too thin, chill longer or add half a banana
  • Clean blender immediately to avoid cocoa residue
  • Serve in clear jars for Pinterest-perfect presentation

Variations & Substitutions

  • Protein Boost: Blend in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or silken tofu
  • Extra Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • Frozen Treat: Freeze into popsicle molds
  • Breakfast Bowl: Top with granola and berries
  • Mocha Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee

If you love no-bake desserts like this, try these reader favorites:
No-Bake Chocolate Pudding Cups (Healthy & Creamy)
Protein Cookie Dough Bites (Healthy & No Bake)
3 Ingredient Chocolate Oat Clusters (Healthy No Bake)

Serving & Storage

Serving

Serve chilled in small glass jars, ramekins, or dessert cups. Top with banana slices, berries, or shaved dark chocolate.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container
  • Stir before serving
  • Not recommended for freezing as texture changes

Conclusion

This 3 Ingredient Banana Cocoa Pudding proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Creamy, chocolatey, and nourishing, it is the kind of recipe you will make on repeat.

If you tried it, leave a rating below, drop a comment with your favorite topping, and share a photo. Do not forget to sign up for our newsletter for more healthy no-bake desserts you will love.

FAQs

Can I make this banana cocoa pudding ahead of time?

Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling. Make it up to one day ahead for best flavor and thickness.

Does this pudding taste like banana?

It has a mild banana background that blends beautifully with chocolate. Riper bananas make it taste sweeter and less banana-forward.

Can I use cacao powder instead of cocoa?

Yes, but cacao is more bitter. You may want to add a teaspoon of maple syrup if using raw cacao powder. Learn more from The Spruce Eats.

Is this pudding healthy?

Yes. It contains fiber, potassium, and antioxidants with no refined sugar. Cocoa powder benefits are outlined by BBC Good Food.

Can kids eat this?

Absolutely. It is naturally sweet, smooth, and made from whole foods.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star