Delicious & Easy Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding: Your Go-To Vegan Breakfast & Snack

This creamy, naturally sweetened peanut butter & banana chocolate chip chia pudding is a powerhouse of nutrition. Perfect for busy mornings, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert, it’s incredibly easy to meal prep and enjoy throughout the week.

Hello, wonderful friends!

This week marks an exciting new chapter for me as I officially dive into structured marathon training. While I’ve been running consistently throughout the year with the marathon goal always in the back of my mind, following a precise training *plan* is a whole different ball game. And if you know me, you know how much I thrive on a well-thought-out plan – it brings a sense of purpose and helps me stay on track.

After a refreshing trip back from Germany, I wasted no time kicking off the Nike Marathon training program. At first glance, the entire schedule can seem a bit daunting, with all those miles staring back at you. However, breaking it down, it’s quite manageable: typically two shorter, speed-focused runs during the week and one longer endurance run on the weekend. This approach not only builds stamina but also allows for adequate recovery. I’m also thrilled to integrate my new hydration pack and some fantastic hydration tablets into my routine, ensuring I stay well-fueled and hydrated as the mileage increases.

With the intensified training comes an increased need for smart, healthy nutrition. My body will be burning more calories and demanding quality fuel for both performance and recovery. This means prioritizing wholesome, energy-boosting meals and, crucially, readily available snacks. Bananas, in particular, have become my post-run best friend. Their natural sugars quickly replenish glycogen stores, and their potassium content helps prevent muscle cramps, making them an ideal recovery food. I’ve been experimenting with fun and delicious ways to incorporate them into my diet right after my jogs, often heading straight to the kitchen for some creative culinary relief.

This Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding is the latest (and perhaps greatest!) creation from my recent “banana bonanza.” It’s a delightful, nourishing, and incredibly convenient recipe that hits all the right notes. It’s perfectly suited for warmer weather, offering a cool and refreshing treat that doesn’t compromise on taste or health benefits. Plus, its meal-prep friendly nature means I can whip up a batch on a Sunday and have grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks ready for my busy training week. This pudding isn’t just delicious; it’s a strategic part of my training fuel, keeping me energized and satisfied.

Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding

Crafting this incredibly simple yet satisfying chia pudding requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and delightful texture, while also packing a significant nutritional punch. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to gather from your pantry:

• Ripe banana
• Creamy peanut butter (or your preferred nut/seed butter)
• High-quality Navitas Organics Chia Seeds
• Nutrient-rich Navitas Organics Hemp Seeds
• Dairy-free dark chocolate chips
• Unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)

That’s truly it! With these foundational ingredients, you’re well on your way to enjoying a delicious and nutritious treat.

The Power of Navitas Organics Superfoods

When it comes to sourcing my superfoods, I consistently turn to Navitas Organics, and for this particular chia pudding recipe, their Navitas Organics Chia Seeds were an absolute must. Choosing a reliable brand for key ingredients like chia seeds ensures you’re getting the highest quality and most potent nutrients, which is especially important for anyone leading an active lifestyle or simply striving for optimal health.

These 100% organic chia seeds are a remarkable source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall cardiovascular wellness. Beyond their impressive omega-3 content, they also deliver a substantial amount of protein and dietary fiber, two components vital for sustained energy, digestive health, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied throughout your day. For someone undergoing marathon training, this means better muscle repair and a consistent energy supply.

One of the most fascinating properties of these tiny but mighty chia seeds is their incredible absorbency. When soaked in liquid, they can absorb up to 10 times their weight, transforming into a gel-like consistency that forms the base of this delightful pudding. This gelling action not only creates a wonderfully creamy texture but also contributes to the pudding’s filling nature. Furthermore, Navitas Organics Chia Seeds boast a neutral flavor profile, making them incredibly versatile. They seamlessly integrate into a myriad of recipes, from smoothies and overnight oats to baked goods and, of course, our star today: Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding. By incorporating such high-quality ingredients, we elevate not just the taste, but the nutritional value of every single bite.

Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding

Don’t let the deliciousness of this Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding fool you; it’s astonishingly simple to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward steps and minimal fuss, making it ideal for anyone – from seasoned cooks to kitchen novices. Follow these simple guidelines to achieve the best possible texture and consistency, ensuring a perfectly plump and creamy pudding every time.

First, let’s create the flavorful base. Take your ripe banana and place it in a mason jar – or any sealable container you plan to use for storage. Add the peanut butter to the jar. Using a fork, thoroughly mash the banana with the peanut butter until you have a smooth, creamy mixture with no large lumps. This initial mashing ensures the banana’s natural sweetness and the rich peanut butter flavor are evenly distributed throughout the pudding, providing a consistent taste in every spoonful.

Next, introduce the stars of the show: the chia seeds, hemp seeds, a generous handful of dairy-free dark chocolate chips, and the unsweetened almond milk. Once all ingredients are in the jar, mix everything vigorously until it’s perfectly combined. It’s crucial to stir well to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together at the bottom. After this initial mix, I highly recommend letting the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This short rest allows the chia seeds to begin their magic, absorbing some liquid and starting to plump up. Give it another thorough stir after these 5 minutes to reincorporate any seeds that may have settled, ensuring an even, gel-like consistency once fully set.

Once satisfied with your mix, cover the mason jar or container tightly and transfer it to the refrigerator. The key to a truly decadent chia pudding is patience! It needs to chill overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours. This extended refrigeration period is essential for the chia seeds to fully expand and create that desirable thick, luscious, pudding-like texture. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer watery and has taken on a firm, creamy consistency.

The following day, retrieve your perfectly set pudding from the fridge. Now comes the fun part: serving! Garnish your pudding with more freshly sliced banana for an extra burst of sweetness and texture, a sprinkle of additional dark chocolate chips for indulgence, a dollop of extra peanut butter for rich creaminess, and for an added superfood crunch, a scattering of cacao nibs. Each topping elevates the experience, transforming a simple pudding into a gourmet treat.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding

This Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Whether you’re looking for a substantial breakfast to kickstart your day, a healthy pick-me-up snack, or even a guilt-free dessert, this recipe has you covered. The recipe provided makes one generous serving, which is perfect for a single meal. However, its simplicity makes it ideal for scaling up; feel free to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe to prepare multiple servings for the entire week.

One of my favorite ways to utilize this recipe, especially during intense marathon training weeks, is through meal prepping. I love preparing several jars on a Sunday evening and having them readily available in the refrigerator. This way, I have a healthy, delicious, and satisfying option within arm’s reach for effortless snacking or quick breakfasts, eliminating any temptation for less nutritious choices when hunger strikes. It’s a game-changer for maintaining consistency with healthy eating habits.

Beyond the suggested toppings, don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have on hand. The beauty of chia pudding is its adaptability. Here are some other fantastic ideas to elevate your pudding:

• **Chopped Nuts:** Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews add a delightful crunch and extra healthy fats.
• **Granola:** For an even heartier and more textural experience, a sprinkle of your favorite granola is excellent.
• **Fresh Berries:** Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add a tangy contrast and a boost of antioxidants.
• **Dried Fruit:** Chopped dates, raisins, or dried cranberries can enhance the natural sweetness.
• **Shredded Coconut:** Toasted or untoasted, coconut flakes add a tropical twist and pleasant texture.
• **A Drizzle of Maple Syrup or Agave:** If you prefer a bit more sweetness, a light drizzle can enhance the flavor, though the banana provides ample natural sweetness.
• **Spices:** A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract stirred in with the wet ingredients can add another layer of flavor complexity.

For those with nut allergies or who simply prefer a different flavor profile, this recipe is easily adaptable. You can make it entirely nut-free by substituting the peanut butter with an equal amount of sunflower seed butter (also known as “sunbutter”). This swap maintains the creamy texture and provides similar healthy fats and protein without any nuts.

Enjoy this delightful and nourishing chia pudding – it’s a treat for your taste buds and your body!

Explore More Delicious Chia Pudding Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding, you’re in for a treat! Chia puddings are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit almost any flavor preference or dietary need. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, fiber-rich, and protein-packed meal or snack. Below is a collection of some of my other favorite chia pudding creations that I know you’ll enjoy just as much. Each recipe offers a unique twist, proving just how adaptable these tiny seeds can be!

• Decadent Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding

• Rich Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding

• Classic Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding

• Smooth Blended Cacao Chip Chia Pudding

• Vibrant Berry Chia Pudding Parfaits

• Sweet & Tart Cherry Chia Pudding

• Refreshing Matcha Avocado Chia Pudding

• Cozy Pumpkin Chia Pudding Parfait Cups

• Bright Raspberry Chia Pudding

I Want to Hear From You!

If you give this delightful Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding recipe a try, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me immensely in continuing to create more delicious and healthy recipes for you all.

Please be sure to leave me a comment, a rating, and a review right here on the blog. Your thoughts and insights are incredibly helpful!

Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your fantastic creations. I love seeing how you make these recipes your own!

For more recipe inspiration and to discover other healthy treats, check out my Pinterest page. You can easily pin recipes like this one to save for later!

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XO Lauren

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This post is proudly brought to you by Navitas Organics, but please know that all words and delicious eats shared here are entirely my own. I’m grateful for your support of the sponsors that help keep me fueled and hungry for more great content!