Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding – Protein-Packed Breakfast

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding transforms ripe bananas into creamy, protein-packed breakfast combining natural peanut butter and chia seeds for satisfying make-ahead meal ready when you wake up. This vegan breakfast delivers rich nutty flavor, healthy fats, and essential nutrients in convenient grab-and-go format perfect for rushed mornings.

Each spoonful tastes like childhood favorite peanut butter banana combination while delivering omega-3s, fiber, and sustained energy. The best part? You can prep this pudding in under 5 minutes before bed and wake up to thick, creamy breakfast that actually tastes like dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic peanut butter banana flavor everyone loves
• Vegan and dairy-free for plant-based diets
• Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
• 5-minute prep the night before for easy mornings
• Kid-approved taste that’s actually nutritious

Equipment Needed

• Mason jar or glass container with lid
• Fork for mashing banana
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond or oat)
• 2 tsp natural peanut butter
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• Optional: vanilla yogurt for topping
• Optional: banana slices for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Ripe bananas work best for this recipe – save those spotty brown bananas sitting on your counter specifically for chia pudding! The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding becomes without needing extra sweetener. Mash banana right on the peel with fork to save dishes and make cleanup easier.

Natural peanut butter without added oils or sugar provides cleanest ingredients and best flavor.

The kind that separates in the jar with just peanuts and maybe salt works perfectly. Chia seeds absorb liquid overnight, transforming thin mixture into thick, creamy pudding while adding omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Non-dairy milk keeps this recipe vegan, but regular dairy milk works great too if you’re not dairy-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mash Banana

Mash ripe banana with fork until smooth and creamy. You can mash directly on banana peel to save dishes, then scrape mashed banana into mason jar or glass container.

Combine Ingredients

Add non-dairy milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, peanut butter, and pinch of cinnamon to jar with mashed banana. The cinnamon adds warmth and pairs perfectly with peanut butter banana combo.

Stir Thoroughly

Stir mixture thoroughly with fork, making sure chia seeds distribute evenly throughout liquid. Pay special attention to bottom and corners where chia seeds tend to settle and clump together if not mixed well.

Refrigerate

Cover jar with lid and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight until thick and set. Chia seeds will absorb liquid and expand, creating pudding-like consistency that’s thick but still creamy.

Stir Before Bedtime

If you remember, give pudding quick stir before going to bed to remove any chia seed clumps that may have formed. This optional step ensures smoothest texture but isn’t absolutely necessary.

Serve

When ready to serve, give pudding good stir and add splash of milk if needed for desired consistency. Top with scoop of vanilla yogurt, swirl of extra peanut butter, or fresh banana slices for beautiful presentation.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Save overripe bananas specifically for this recipe – freeze if needed
• Stir mixture well to prevent chia seeds from clumping
• Add cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter version
• Try almond or cashew butter for different nut flavors
• Make multiple jars for grab-and-go breakfasts all week

Tips & Variations

Store chia pudding in airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days for perfect meal prep option. Pudding should be thick, not liquidy – if it’s too thin, stir in more chia seeds and let sit another hour. If too thick, add splash of milk and stir to loosen.

Try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version that’s allergy-friendly. Add tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter banana pudding kids go crazy for. Stir in hemp hearts or ground flax for extra nutrition boost. Layer with granola and yogurt for parfait-style presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pudding topped with extra peanut butter drizzle, sliced bananas, and sprinkle of cinnamon for classic presentation. Add granola or crushed nuts for crunchy contrast to creamy pudding. Pair with hot coffee or fresh juice for complete breakfast.

Common Mistakes

• Using unripe bananas creates bland, less sweet pudding
• Not stirring well causes chia seeds to clump badly
• Using too much peanut butter makes pudding greasy
• Not refrigerating long enough prevents proper thickening
• Forgetting to stir before serving leaves clumps at bottom

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

This pudding makes satisfying breakfast on its own but pairs well with whole grain toast, hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, or fresh fruit salad. For heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs and turkey sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy?

Absolutely! Any milk works perfectly – dairy, almond, oat, coconut, or soy all create delicious creamy pudding.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

For best results, wait until bananas develop brown spots. You can speed ripening by placing in paper bag overnight.

Is this recipe nut-free?

Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for completely nut-free version that’s still delicious and creamy.

Can I warm this pudding?

Yes! Warm in microwave for 30 seconds if you prefer warmer breakfast, though it’s designed to be enjoyed cold.

How much protein does this have?

Each serving provides about 5g protein from chia seeds and peanut butter, plus additional protein from milk you choose.

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