Save Remember those indulgent banana-chocolate-peanut butter sundaes that always brought smiles to your face? This Chunky Monkey Overnight Chia Pudding brings those nostalgic flavors into a nourishing, make-ahead breakfast that feels like dessert. Rich chocolate chia pudding forms the creamy base, while sweet banana slices and drippy peanut butter create those classic flavor combinations that never disappoint.
Save The magic of this Chunky Monkey pudding happens while you sleep. As the chia seeds absorb the chocolatey liquid, they create a perfectly thick, pudding-like consistency that's both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the chia seeds, peanut butter, and banana makes this a breakfast that will keep you fueled throughout the morning.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large ripe banana, sliced
- 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons dark chocolate chips (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped roasted peanuts (optional topping)
- Extra banana slices (optional topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding base
- In a medium bowl, whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumping.
- Refrigerate overnight
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, until thickened.
- Prepare banana
- When ready to serve, slice the banana.
- Layer the pudding
- In two jars or glasses, layer half the chia pudding at the bottom, followed by a layer of banana slices and a drizzle of peanut butter. Repeat the layers with remaining pudding, banana, and peanut butter.
- Add toppings
- Top with chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, and extra banana slices if desired. Serve chilled.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture, give your chia mixture another stir about 30 minutes after placing it in the refrigerator. This extra step ensures all chia seeds are evenly distributed and prevents any clumping. If your pudding seems too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. For meal prep, the basic chocolate chia pudding can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and use oat milk or coconut milk instead of almond milk. To make it vegan, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. For extra protein, stir a scoop of chocolate protein powder into the chia mixture before refrigerating. Want to reduce sugar? Skip the maple syrup and use a very ripe banana for natural sweetness.
Serviervorschläge
This Chunky Monkey Chia Pudding makes a stunning breakfast when served in clear glass jars to showcase the beautiful layers. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside whole grain toast with additional peanut butter. For a dessert twist, add a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of cacao nibs. When serving to guests, set up a small toppings bar with different nuts, seeds, and fruit so everyone can customize their pudding.
Save Whether you're seeking a nutritious breakfast that feels like a treat or a healthier dessert option, this Chunky Monkey Overnight Chia Pudding delivers satisfaction in every spoonful. The combination of chocolatey chia pudding, sweet banana, and creamy peanut butter creates that classic flavor profile we all love, while providing substantial nutrition to fuel your day. Make it tonight, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast that will make mornings something to look forward to!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long does chia pudding need to soak?
The chia seeds need at least 8 hours to properly absorb the liquid and achieve that thick, pudding-like texture. Overnight chilling in the refrigerator works perfectly, making this an ideal make-ahead breakfast option.
- → Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely. Any milk variety works well here, including dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. The nutritional content will vary slightly, but the creamy texture remains consistent across all options.
- → How long will this stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The layered pudding stays fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in airtight containers. For best texture, add the banana slices fresh each day rather than storing them pre-layered, as they can oxidize and become mushy.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is excellent for meal prep. Make the chocolate chia base in advance and store it separately, then assemble with fresh banana and peanut butter when ready to eat. The components can be prepped up to 5 days ahead.
- → Can I make this nut-free?
Simply replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. You'll also want to skip the peanut topping and choose a milk alternative that doesn't contain nuts or tree nuts.
- → What can I substitute for maple syrup?
Honey, agave nectar, or date syrup all work as natural liquid sweeteners. For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce or omit the sweetener entirely, as the ripe banana provides plenty of natural sweetness.