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I put together this Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding because I wanted something creamy and good for you that felt like dessert without the sugar rush. Just mix up some basic ingredients—peanut butter, ripe banana, and chia seeds—and you've got satisfying layers with a chewy bite. It's a lifesaver for prepping breakfast or quick snacks ahead. Toss it in jars for mornings on the go or when the family wants something fun and filling.
The first time I made this, it didn't even finish chilling before my family scooped it up. Now I always double the batch so there's enough for late-night munchies.
Tasty Ingredients
- Chopped peanuts or granola: Toss some on top for bite—use fresh nuts or crunchy granola for the best crunch
- Unsweetened almond milk: Makes everything dairy-free and lets the other flavors pop—just grab the plain kind with no extra sugar
- Vanilla extract: Adds cozy, warm flavor and makes everything smell amazing—pure vanilla really does make a difference
- Natural peanut butter: Gives you that rich nutty kick—pick one with only peanuts (and maybe salt)—no extra oil needed
- Chia seeds: These plump up and thicken your pudding—go for seeds that look shiny and dark, as that's a sign they're fresh
- Maple syrup or honey: Optional if you want it sweeter—pure maple or local honey taste the best
- Ripe bananas: Creamy and sweet—pick ones with those telltale brown spots for top-notch flavor
- A little pinch of salt: Balances out the flavors—you can skip this part if you don't love salt
Easy Step-by-Step
- Top and Enjoy:
- When it's ready, stir well, scoop into bowls, and load it up with your favorite toppings like granola, more banana, or crunchy peanuts
- Let It Chill:
- Cover the bowl or jars tight and pop it in the fridge for four hours—or better yet overnight—to thicken and let chia seeds do their thing
- Give It a Taste:
- Sneak a spoonful to check the flavor—add more syrup or vanilla if you like it sweeter or warmer
- Add the Milk:
- Slowly pour in your plant milk, stirring as you go, so everything combines into a thick, pourable mix
- Drop in the Chia Seeds:
- Add in chia, stirring really well, making sure there aren’t any clumpy bits left behind
- Spoon in the Sweets:
- Add maple syrup or honey, plus your vanilla and that little pinch of salt, and mix so it's all even
- Mix Banana and Peanut Butter:
- Stir in your peanut butter until bananas and peanut butter are totally blended
- Mash Bananas:
- Use a fork to mash ripe bananas in a bowl—you can leave a few chunks if you like it chunky
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The part I crave most is that hint of vanilla paired with the peanut butter. Reminds me of peanut butter banana sandwiches from after school with my little brother. One bite, and I'm right back there.
Storage Hints
Just stash your pudding in a jar or sealed bowl in the fridge up to four days. Give it a good stir before you scoop it—sometimes those chia seeds settle. Too thick? Add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Swap Options
No peanut butter? No problem—use almond or cashew butter for new flavors. If you want a different plant milk, oat or soy milk are both tasty swaps. For sweetening, try agave or maple syrup if you're keeping it vegan. Top with chopped nuts or cacao nibs to change up the texture.
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Fun Ways to Serve
I like packing the pudding into tiny cups, layering on more banana, roasted peanuts, and shaking over a little cinnamon for a bakery-style finish. This stuff even makes a super filling for crepes or stacks of berries and yogurt in a parfait.
How This Dish Came to Be
Mixing peanut butter and bananas is a longtime favorite in homes across America, but adding chia seeds brings in some ancient magic. The Aztecs and Mayans used chia for lasting energy. Now we get the best of both worlds—a classic combo turned into something that’s both nostalgic and modern-good-for-you.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long do chia seeds take to thicken up?
Give chia seeds at least 4 hours in the fridge so they plump up and get thick. Letting them sit overnight is even better.
- → Could I swap peanut butter for something else?
Sure thing, try sunflower, cashew, or almond butter. They’ll switch up the flavor.
- → Can I use normal milk instead of non-dairy milk?
You bet. Use any milk you like, whether it’s dairy or plant-based. Whatever makes you happy.
- → What if I want it sweeter?
Up the sweetness by popping in more ripe banana, drizzle in honey or some maple syrup before you pop it in the fridge.
- → Which toppings taste best with this?
Top with chocolate chips, more banana, chopped nuts, coconut shreds, or go for some granola. All delicious.
- → Is this okay for vegans?
It sure is. Just stick with plant milks and maple syrup instead of honey to make it totally vegan.