Pin it
Ever wonder what would happen if your favorite peanut butter banana sandwich met overnight oats? That's basically this chia pudding. After countless mornings of trying to make healthy breakfasts actually exciting, I discovered that sometimes magic happens when you let ingredients do their thing overnight. These tiny chia seeds turn into something amazing while you sleep, creating a creamy pudding that tastes like dessert but acts like breakfast.
Last week, my kid asked if this was actually dessert. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that make healthy food feel like cheating.
Essential Ingredients
- Chia Seeds: These tiny heroes transform everything
- Your Choice of Milk: Any kind works here
- Ripe Banana: The spottier, the better
- Good Peanut Butter: The drippy natural kind is perfect
- Touch of Maple Syrup: Just if you need it
Creating Your Pudding
Pin it
The Night Before
- Start by mixing your chia seeds and milk. It's like setting up tiny magic seeds - they'll do all the work while you sleep. Three tablespoons of seeds to one cup of milk is your magic ratio:
The Morning Swirl
- When you wake up, those seeds will have turned your milk into this amazing pudding texture. Give it a good stir to break up any clumps:
Banana Business
- Slice up that ripe banana - the spottier the better for sweetness. Layer it in or mash it up and mix it through:
Peanut Butter Magic
- Drizzle that peanut butter on top, watching it sink into the creamy pudding. Sometimes I warm it slightly so it gets extra drippy:
First time I made this, I was so impatient I checked it every hour. Now I know that going to bed and forgetting about it works best.
Perfect Timing
Make it the night before - breakfast will be ready when you are.
Serving Suggestions
Top with extra banana slices, a drizzle of honey, maybe some granola for crunch.
Make It Yours
Try different nut butters, add some cocoa powder, or throw in some berries.
Storage Success
Keeps in the fridge for up to five days - perfect for meal prep Sunday.
Pin it
Through countless breakfast experiments and busy mornings, this chia pudding has become my go-to when I want something that feels special but takes zero effort in the morning. It proves that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that work while you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this keep in the fridge?
- The prepared chia pudding will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Add banana just before serving.
- → Can I use a different milk?
- Yes, any milk works - dairy, almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are all great options.
- → What can I substitute for peanut butter?
- Any nut butter works well - try almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for variety.
- → Why add salt?
- A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- → Is maple syrup necessary?
- No, it's optional. The ripe banana provides natural sweetness.