Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding is dairy-free, refined sugar free and made with just 5 ingredients - chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa, maple syrup and natural peanut butter.
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It's finally April and spring is in the air. Okay, it might be a bit premature to say that since it snowed last night. But we've been having some sunny days and warmer temperatures, so I'm declaring it spring!
So with that declaration, you'd think I'd be sharing recipes for green salads, asparagus and lemon dishes, all the things that conjure up images of spring. Those recipes are definitely coming, but since the other day was National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (I know, there is truly a day for everything!), I was inspired to share this recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding.
I started eating chia pudding a few years ago when I was looking for something a little different to eat in the mornings that would fill me up but wasn't the usual toast, smoothie or oatmeal bowl. And chia happens to be a superfood that's filling and works well in so many recipes.
How do you make chia pudding?
A general rule of thumb is that for every 1 cup of liquid, you add about ¼ - ⅓ cup of chia seeds. I like my chia pudding thick, so I usually go with ⅓ cup. I normally use almond milk, but you can also use cow's milk, coconut milk or cashew milk. For taste, I like to add maple syrup or honey, or you can even add some puréed fruit. For this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding, I added maple syrup, cocoa and peanut butter.
Once, you've settled on your ingredients, just whisk it all together and refrigerate for a few hours until the chia seeds have plumped and absorbed the liquid. If you don't like the texture of the chia seeds, you can blend all the ingredients in your blender, which grinds up the chia seeds a bit. The result will be a pudding with a finer texture.
Assembling this Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding is best enjoyed with many, many toppings!
- Triple Berry Chia Jam is a must! Any kind of jam that is refined sugar-free will work. I just always have a jar of this triple berry goodness stored in the fridge. The tart taste of the berries pairs well with the cocoa and peanut buttery pudding.
- Since I'm also a huge fan of banana with peanut butter, I usually add a few banana slices to this pudding. And, if I have time, I caramelize the bananas with a bit of coconut sugar. So good!
- Shredded coconut is also a great topping, and if it's toasted coconut, all the better.
- I love to sprinkle on a bit of granola. I usually have some Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola on hand, but any kind will work. We're just looking for that crunch factor here, so even if you wanted to add some chopped nuts or seeds, that would work too.
- Lastly, and this is totally optional, but if I'm feeling decadent, I usually melt a bit of peanut butter to drizzle on top. Honey would be awesome too!
And that's it. This delicious little pudding parfait is all yours to devour! 😉
Hope you get a chance to make this loaded Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding. If you do, I would love to hear about it in the comments below, or see some pics on Instagram! Just tag @crumbtopbaking if you want to share your creation. And if you love chia pudding, you might also want to check out this recipe for Cherry Chia Pudding, because cherry season is just around the corner! 😉
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon natural peanut butter, smooth and salted
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Optional toppings:
- Any kind of refined sugar free chia jam, suggested recipe in notes
- Caramelized banana slices, instructions in notes
- Granola, nuts and/or seeds
- Unsweetened toasted coconut
- Melted peanut butter
- Honey
Instructions
- Making the pudding: Add all the ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight, until the chia seeds have plumped and the pudding has thickened. The pudding will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Assembling the pudding: Divide the pudding into 2 dishes, and top with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using ⅓ cup of chia seeds will create a thick pudding. If you don't like your pudding thick, just reduce the amount of chia seeds.
- If you don't have salted peanut butter, you can use smooth natural peanut butter and add a pinch of salt to the pudding.
- To make the triple berry chia jam, add 1 cup each of blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries (fresh or frozen) and 1 tbsp. of maple syrup to a small sauce pan. Cover and bring to a low boil. Simmer until the fruit has softened. Mash the berries and stir in 4-6 tbsp. chia seeds (depending on desired thickness of jam). Remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes covered. Store in the fridge and enjoy within 2 weeks.
- To caramelize the banana, slice one medium-sized banana and spread the slices out on a pre-heated, greased frying pan. Sprinkle on ½ teaspoon coconut sugar. Sauté the banana slices for 3-4 minutes, turning over at the mid-way point. The banana slices are done when they are slightly softened and the coconut sugar has melted. I avoid using a banana that is overly ripe as it will be too sweet and mushy when caramelized.
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Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
Oh my goodness, I'm loving what I see! So simple, nutritious and also incredibly delicious! I really like how the chia seeds plump up! I'd love that bowl in front of me right now. It has all of my favorites!
Leanne says
Thanks Nicoletta! This bowl has all my favourites too! And it's so simple to make! I usually make some on Sunday to have as a quick breakfast or snack during the week!
Dana says
Oh heck yes please! I'm much more for savory things, but when PB is brought into the equation, I'm in. I guess technically it is savory — and oh-so-delicious when mixed with sweet! It really just amplifies everything.
Leanne says
I totally agree Dana! PB is definitely on the savoury side but I think it's always meant to be paired with something sweet!;) Have a great week!
Cathy says
I keep thinking I need to eat more chia. This recipe is one I must try! I love the general instructions you've included, too!
Leanne says
Thanks Cathy! I hope you get a chance to make it! I try to add chia to at least one meal or snack each day. I'm glad you appreciate the general instructions. This is definitely a customizable recipe!
Terry says
You always have the most amazing breakfast ideas! Then you add peanut butter to make t even better!
Leanne says
Thanks so much Terry! I'm a huge fan of PB and it's usually a key ingredient in many of my recipes! 😉
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says
Looks so yummy! I love the carmelized bananas for sure! This would be a yummy and healthy breakfast perfect for any morning! Wishing I was eating this right now 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Kelly! It's a filling breakfast for sure. I'm wishing I had some right now too! 😉
Albert Bevia says
I never knew there was a national peanut butter and jelly day! great inspiration to create this amazing and healthy pudding, love the toppings, specially the caramelized banana slices
Leanne says
Thanks Albert! There seems to be a day for everything! I'm big on toppings, if you couldn't tell! 😉 And the caramelized banana slices go really well with the chocolate and peanut butter.
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
This looks so amazing, Leanne! I love caramelized bananas too, and they would be just perfect with this! Thank you for bringing us all of these healthy and delicious recipes!! You're killing it!
Leanne says
Thanks so much Katherine! I'm glad I mostly focus on healthy recipes, because I end up eating most of the food! I only recently started caramelizing bananas, and it has been a game changer! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
I tried a chia pudding first time ever only a year ago, so I'm not that familiar with it yet. I needed some time to get used to its texture, but I kind of like it now. And this chia pudding with peanut butter, cocoa, and lots of delish toppings - you've elevated it to a special level!
Leanne says
Thanks Ben! The texture of chia pudding does take some getting used to. First when I started making them I would blend everything in the blender, so the texture was more manageable. But now, of course, I love it and the texture doesn't bother me. Glad you like all the toppings. Happy weekend!
[email protected] says
I just want all of your toppings. Lol
Leanne says
Haha! The toppings are pretty delicious! 😉
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
I have all the ingredients on hand so I think I'm making this for dinner :). It's healthy so that's allowed right? I looove chia pudding; add peanut butter and chocolate and this is pretty much all I need to eat for the rest of my life. PS, hope your weather warms up soon!
Leanne says
Thanks Kelsie! I think spring is on the way for sure. We just need patience around here! As for chia pudding for supper, I think it's a great idea. And I could totally eat chocolate and PB every day! Have a great weekend!
Ashika | Gardening Foodie says
The perfect combination Chocolate and peanut butter , and in a healthy pudding...even better. Leanne, this is such an amazing recipe, I have a bottle of chia seeds in the fridge just waiting to be used in a delicious recipe like this. Cannot wait to try, thank you for sharing
Have a great weekend 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Ashika! I love a healthy, delicious treat, and you can't beat a chia pudding for that. I hope you get a chance to make the recipe! Be sure to let me know what you think if you do. Happy weekend to you too!
marcie says
It's nice to see chocolate and peanut butter here instead of green spring food....we all need some variety! 🙂 I love chia pudding and this looks like the most delicious one ever. I can't wait to try it!
Leanne says
Thanks Marcie! I love my greens, but yes, variety is definitely important! Hope you get a chance to try this one. Would love to know what you think of all the toppings!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Chia pudding for the win...especially if it's chocolate pb! I can't believe that after a few decent days of weather here we are with snow and freezing rain (with more potentially on the way). Oh well, guess we will have to enjoy spring through spring inspired recipes 😉 This looks delicious, Leanne! I'm thinking this would be lovely for my 3pm snack!
Leanne says
Thanks Dawn! The weather around here is definitely up and down, but I'm hopeful true spring weather is around the corner! In the meantime, I like your idea of this pudding as an afternoon snack. I usually can't wait that long, so I eat it for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack!
puja says
I love pudding, can't wait to try it. Gorgeous photos as always! Pinned
Leanne says
Hi Puja! I hope you like this pudding as much as I do! Thanks for pinning!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
This pudding sounds so easy Leanne. And what a perfect little sweet, yet healthy treat!
Leanne says
Thanks Mary Ann! Yes, I love my easy-to-make sweet treats. And this one is healthy enough to double as breakfast! Yay!