If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines creaminess, nutrition, and a burst of natural flavors, look no further than this Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding. It’s a wonderfully wholesome dish where ripe bananas blend seamlessly with rich peanut butter and chia seeds, creating a luscious pudding with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you want a satisfying breakfast, a healthy snack, or a decadent dessert, this recipe is your go-to for a delicious, nourishing experience that’s as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the taste, texture, and overall richness of the pudding while keeping it packed with nutrition. Let’s break down the essentials:

Bananas: Naturally sweet and creamy, they provide a smooth texture and vital potassium for energy and heart health.
Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty punch, healthy fats, and protein to keep you satisfied longer.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds thicken the pudding beautifully while offering fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
Almond Milk: Keeps the pudding light and dairy-free with a subtle nutty undertone.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Optional natural sweeteners that enhance the pudding’s flavor without overpowering it.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a lovely aromatic backdrop that elevates all the other ingredients.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance and deepen the flavors.
Chopped Peanuts or Granola (optional): For an extra crunch and delightful contrast in texture when serving.

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

Step 1: Mash the Bananas and Blend with Peanut Butter

Begin this joyful creation by mashing your ripe bananas in a bowl until they are smooth and creamy, allowing for a few little chunks if you’d like a bit of bite. Mix in the peanut butter, letting it melt gently into the bananas, forming a luscious mixture that tastes indulgent yet wholesome. This combination is the heart and soul of the pudding, delivering both flavor and creamy texture.

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor the Mixture

If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, now is the time to fold in your maple syrup or honey, adjusting to your preferred level. Stir in the vanilla extract to introduce a subtle warmth and depth, along with a pinch of salt that’ll bring all the flavors together perfectly. Every ingredient at this step amplifies the taste, making the pudding irresistibly comforting.

Step 3: Add the Chia Seeds

Sprinkle in your chia seeds and stir thoroughly to distribute them evenly throughout the pudding base. These tiny gems are what transform the mix from a simple blend into a thick, pudding-like consistency that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Their gel-like texture will develop as they absorb the liquids around them.

Step 4: Stir in the Almond Milk

Pour the almond milk slowly while stirring, which will loosen the mixture just enough to allow the chia seeds to swell and thicken properly. Plant-based milks work beautifully here, and you can choose whichever is your favorite. This step is where the magic begins to reveal itself as the pudding takes shape.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer your mixture to a jar or airtight container and pop it into the fridge for at least four hours, but overnight works best. This patience rewards you with a pudding that is perfectly set, rich in texture, and ready to enjoy. Give it a stir before serving to refresh the consistency.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

Garnishes

Serving your Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding with thoughtful garnishes not only adds texture but also turns every spoonful into a flavor adventure. Consider sprinkling chopped peanuts for crunch, granola for crispy delight, fresh banana slices for added sweetness, or even a handful of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. For a decadent touch, a few dark chocolate chips can turn it into an indulgent treat sure to please any palate.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack combo. It also works well alongside fresh fruit salad for a light and balanced meal. Since it’s rich yet healthy, combining it with simple sides ensures your overall meal stays fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your pudding by layering it in clear glasses with alternating layers of granola and banana slices to create a beautiful parfait. You can also use mason jars for an adorable grab-and-go option, perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack. For a creamy dessert vibe, serve it with a drizzle of warm peanut butter or a dash of cinnamon on top to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you make a larger batch of Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding, simply store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to four days, making it a convenient choice for meal prepping breakfasts or snacks that keep on giving.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it as the pudding’s texture can change when thawed. The chia seeds might separate and create a less enjoyable consistency. If you must freeze, expect slight changes, and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before stirring well.

Reheating

This pudding is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. However, if you prefer a warm version, gently warming it on low heat with a splash of milk while stirring can create a comforting hot pudding, though it won’t be quite the same as the cold, gelled texture many love.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be great alternatives while maintaining the creamy richness and nutty flavor of the pudding.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, using plant-based milk and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, this pudding is fully vegan and friendly for many dietary preferences.

How long does it take for chia seeds to thicken the pudding?

Chia seeds typically need at least 4 hours to absorb the liquid and thicken properly, but overnight chilling produces the best results with a silky, pudding-like texture.

Can I add protein powder to the pudding?

Definitely! Mixing a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the base can boost the protein content, just be mindful of the flavor so it complements the peanut butter and banana rather than overpowering them.

What if I don’t like the texture of chia seeds?

If the gel-like texture isn’t your favorite, try reducing the amount of chia seeds or blending the pudding after it sets for a smoother consistency. Alternatively, you could use flaxseed meal for a different texture and nutritional profile.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding that makes it feel like a little moment of joy in your day. It’s easy to prepare, wholesome to eat, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes and preferences. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy a sweet, healthy treat at any time!

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding is a creamy, nutritious, and naturally sweetened breakfast or snack option. Combining ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, nutrient-dense chia seeds, and smooth almond milk, this pudding offers a perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and natural sweetness. Easy to prepare and customizable with a variety of toppings, it’s an ideal make-ahead recipe for a wholesome start to your day or a satisfying treat.

Instructions

Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy, leaving a few small chunks if desired for texture.
Mix in Peanut Butter: Stir the peanut butter into the mashed bananas until fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy base.
Add Sweetener and Flavor: If using, mix in the maple syrup or honey for sweetness, then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
Incorporate Chia Seeds: Stir the chia seeds thoroughly into the mixture to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Add Almond Milk: Pour the unsweetened almond milk gradually while stirring to combine the ingredients. The chia seeds will begin absorbing the liquid and thickening the pudding.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the pudding mixture and add more sweetener if needed to reach your desired sweetness level.
Refrigerate: Transfer the pudding into a jar or airtight container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the chia seeds to fully absorb liquid and thicken.
Stir and Serve: Once set, stir the pudding to evenly mix, then serve in bowls or cups. Top with optional toppings such as chopped peanuts, granola, banana slices, coconut flakes, or dark chocolate chips.

Notes

For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey as the sweetener.
Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste or omit altogether if you prefer less sweetness.
You can use any type of milk—dairy or plant-based—according to your dietary preference.
Refrigeration time is crucial for proper pudding consistency; overnight is best for maximum thickness.
Optional toppings add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler pudding.
Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: No-Cook, Refrigeration
Cuisine: American