I still remember the first time I made banana peanut butter chia seed pudding. It was one of those slow Sunday mornings when I had overripe bananas on the counter and a craving for something sweet yet nourishing. I wasn’t in the mood for baking, but I wanted comfort food that felt like dessert and still fueled my body. That’s when I decided to experiment with chia pudding, blending my favorite pantry staples: banana, peanut butter, and chia seeds. What I ended up with was a creamy, dreamy pudding that quickly became one of my go-to breakfasts and snacks.
This recipe is special to me because it checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prep the night before, made with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly customizable. Plus, there’s something nostalgic about the combination of banana and peanut butter—it tastes like childhood in a bowl. But with the added chia seeds and plant-based milk, it feels grown-up and intentional.
If you’ve never tried chia pudding before, this version is a great place to start. It has a rich and creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness, and it keeps me full for hours thanks to the healthy fats and fiber. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a guilt-free dessert, this recipe might just become your new favorite too.
Let me walk you through exactly how to make it, share some of my favorite variations, and give you a few tips I’ve learned along the way to get the best flavor and consistency every time.
High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding Recipe
What is Banana Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding?
It’s a no-cook, naturally sweetened, plant-based pudding made by combining mashed bananas, peanut butter, chia seeds, and milk. As the chia seeds absorb the liquid, they create a thick, pudding-like texture that’s both creamy and satisfying.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you enjoy easy prep, wholesome ingredients, and delicious results, this recipe is for you.
It takes just a few minutes to mix everything together, and you can leave it to chill while you go about your day.
It’s high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which makes it perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert.
Plus, you can tailor it to your taste with different toppings and mix-ins.
Ingredients needed to make Banana Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, depending on banana sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
High Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding Recipe
Instructions to make Banana Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay.
- Add the peanut butter and stir it into the mashed banana until fully combined. If your peanut butter is thick, warming it slightly in the microwave can make it easier to mix.
- Pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, and optional maple syrup. Whisk well to incorporate everything into a smooth, slightly runny base.
- Stir in the chia seeds and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly so the seeds are evenly distributed.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping as the chia seeds begin to gel.
- Cover the bowl or transfer the pudding to individual jars with lids.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The pudding will thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.
- Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Add toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Banana Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey optional, depending on banana sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay.
- Add the peanut butter and stir it into the mashed banana until fully combined. If your peanut butter is thick, warming it slightly in the microwave can make it easier to mix.
- Pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, and optional maple syrup. Whisk well to incorporate everything into a smooth, slightly runny base.
- Stir in the chia seeds and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly so the seeds are evenly distributed.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping as the chia seeds begin to gel.
- Cover the bowl or transfer the pudding to individual jars with lids.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The pudding will thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.
- Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Add toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Notes
- Always stir twice: once when you first add the chia seeds, and again after 5 minutes to avoid clumping.
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
- Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture, but smooth makes it more dessert-like.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the entire mixture before chilling.
- Store in individual jars for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Sugars: 12 grams (natural from banana and optional sweetener)
- Fat: 18 grams (mostly healthy fats from peanut butter and chia seeds)
What Goes Well with this Recipe
I love topping mine with sliced bananas, granola, a drizzle of peanut butter, or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. Sometimes I add dark chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a flavor twist. It also pairs beautifully with berries, coconut flakes, or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you’re not strictly vegan.
My Tips for the Best Chia Seed Pudding
- Always stir twice: once when you first add the chia seeds, and again after 5 minutes to avoid clumping.
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
- Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture, but smooth makes it more dessert-like.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the entire mixture before chilling.
- Store in individual jars for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Easy Variations to Try
- Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Berry Bliss: Fold in chopped strawberries or blueberries before refrigerating.
- Spiced Pudding: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to give it a warm flavor.
- Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder.
Best Way to Store It
Store the pudding in an airtight container or small mason jars in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If it thickens too much over time, just stir in a little extra milk before serving.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Sugars: 12 grams (natural from banana and optional sweetener)
- Fat: 18 grams (mostly healthy fats from peanut butter and chia seeds)
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, but thaw them completely and drain excess water before mashing.
Is this recipe vegan?
It is if you use plant-based milk and skip honey.
Can I make it nut-free?
Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
How long does it last?
Up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The texture may change slightly but will still taste great.
Can I blend the mixture?
Absolutely. Blending gives it a smoother, mousse-like texture.
Conclusion
I honestly didn’t expect this simple chia pudding to become such a favorite of mine, but now I make it at least once a week. It’s one of those recipes that manages to feel indulgent and comforting, while still being full of the good stuff. I love that I can prep it in just a few minutes, stash it in the fridge, and wake up to something that feels like a treat—especially on busy mornings when time is short but hunger is real.
Over the past year, I’ve shared this recipe with friends, taken it to picnics, and even brought a jar to work a few times. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe. There’s something about the familiar pairing of banana and peanut butter that brings people in. And once they find out it’s healthy too? It’s a win all around.
What I also love is how flexible it is. I can switch up the toppings depending on what I have on hand, or add extra flavors like cocoa or cinnamon. It’s the kind of recipe that evolves with you, and I think that’s why I keep coming back to it.
So if you’re looking for something easy, filling, and delicious to add to your routine, I really encourage you to try this banana peanut butter chia seed pudding. It might just surprise you like it did me. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick breakfast, a post-gym snack, or a dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about, this little jar of goodness checks every box.
And once you try it, don’t forget to make it your own.
