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Chocolate chia peanut butter chia pudding – creamy chocolate pudding that’s laced with peanut butter! That’s what we’re dealing with here.
Who wants in?!
What if I told you that that rich, creamy pudding was actually healthy for you?!?! Like healthy enough to be made, and enjoyed regularly, and even healthy enough to be eaten as a snack, or a breakfast?
Would you even believe me?
Also, it’s so ridiculously easy to make. No cooking required!
I’m sure you’ve heard of chia seed pudding, right?! Well if you haven’t…
What is chia seed pudding?
Chia seed pudding is a pudding made using chia seeds to thicken a sweetened, or flavored milk base. The chia seeds work as a thickener, because they are very fibrous. As they sit in the liquid they absorb it and become gelatinous, creating a thick, creamy texture.
It’s pretty magical!
Are you excited about this magical chocolate peanut butter chia pudding yet?! Because you should be!
With Valentine’s day right around the corner I figured it would be about time that I update one of my favorite chocolate recipes. I originally made this chia pudding back in the early days of my blog. It has been a recipe I make all of the time in my every day life, whenever I want a healthy chocolate-y treat.
It never disappoints. My husband goes nuts over it too. My sister-in-law has confessed that she makes it often too. That’s when you know it’s a recipe that’s worth a glow up – new photos, better SEO so more people find it, and a better written recipe!
If you are a chocolate lover, who also obsesses over the combo of peanut butter and chocolate – hello peanut butter cup in pudding form – then, this chocolate peanut butter chia pudding is for you!
Ingredients for chocolate peanut butter chia pudding:
The full recipe is in the recipe card below, but let’s go over a few of the ingredients here so that you know what to expect.
Chia pudding:
- milk of choice – for that creamy base. Use any milk you like. I use almond milk.
- real maple syrup – for a natural sweetness without needing refined sugars.
- pure vanilla extract – for flavor.
- kosher salt – for a little salty balance
- cocoa powder – unsweetened cocoa powder for that chocolate-y goodness.
- cinnamon – love the flavor of cinnamon with chocolate.
- chia seeds – for that natural thickening that makes chia pudding…chia pudding.
- creamy natural peanut butter – for that peanut butter cup taste we love so much! I use natural peanut butter. Only ingredients should be peanuts, and maybe salt.
Optional toppings:
I don’t always add toppings, the pudding is so good just as it is. But, sometimes you want to get a little fancy. Here are some ideas.
- homemade whipped cream – I like to add this whenever I want to make this a more fancy, and indulgent dessert.
- extra drizzle of peanut butter – because more peanut butter is always better.
- sliced bananas – peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas…a winning combo!
That’s all you need to make a healthy, satisfying, delicious, chia pudding.
The best part is that the ingredients are easy to customize. You can keep this recipe dairy free by using a non-dairy milk. You can swap the peanut butter for any nut butter or seed butter you like, etc.
How to make chia seed pudding
The full directions are written in the recipe card below. But, just so you get the idea of how EASY this recipe is to make, here is the gist of it.
- Mix everything together in a bowl until well combined. (Side note: sifting the cocoa powder makes it easier to stir into the milk).
- Transfer to an air tight container.
- Chill in the fridge for 3 hours, or overnight – the chia seeds will become soft and thicken the pudding.
See, so easy!!!
How healthy is chia pudding?
Very healthy.
The chia seeds provide healthy omega 3 fatty acids. They are loaded with fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They are a powerhouse of nutrition.
Not to mention, that in this chocolate peanut butter chia pudding you have the added benefits of some extra protein and healthy fat that the peanut butter provides.
When to eat this chocolate peanut butter chia pudding?
Is it a snack? Is it dessert? Is it breakfast?
It’s all of the above! That’s the beauty of it!
I personally enjoy this chia pudding as a healthy dessert. Or, sometimes as a snack. I have never found chia pudding to be satiating enough for me to enjoy as a breakfast alone. If I do have it as a breakfast I also eat some eggs with it.
However, I know many people love to meal prep chia pudding as a quick breakfast for the weekdays.
It is a great option. Remember, it’s high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. And, since we sweeten it with maple syrup it’s naturally sweetened. You could even add some of that sliced banana to get your fruits in first thing in the morning.
So, yes, it could be a great option for a quick morning breakfast, that’s also healthy. You may want to increase your serving size a little though, versus when you have it as a dessert.
How long will chocolate peanut butter chia pudding last in the fridge?
If you’re wanting to make a batch of chia pudding as a meal prep option for breakfast or a snack. Or, as a healthy treat to have at the ready, it’s a great recipe to make in advance.
Chia pudding will last for 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
I do find that it can get a little thick too after sitting for a few days. My solution: simply stir in a little milk to thin it out.
How long do chia seeds need to soak to create a pudding-like texture?
At least 3 hours. 8 hours (or overnight), is best.
What’s the texture of chia pudding?
Lovely.
The seeds soften as they soak and become tender. The texture of the pudding is thick, creamy, and decadent. The chia seeds aren’t crunchy at all.
Chia pudding sort of reminds me of the texture of rice pudding. It’s obviously not smooth like a traditional custard style pudding, it has some texture, but it doesn’t require chewing.
Just trust me, it’s worth giving chia pudding a try.
Reasons you will love chocolate peanut butter chia pudding:
- It’s a cholate lover’s dream,
- and, it tastes like a peanut butter cup.
- It’s thick, and creamy.
- It’s so easy to make – 10 minutes of hands on time.
- The ingredients are customizable.
- It’s naturally gluten free.
- It’s easy to make it vegan and dairy free.
- You can serve it as breakfast, a snack, or a dessert.
- You can easily make it more fancy by adding whipped cream as a topping.
- Or, it’s easy to keep it simple and fuss free.
- It’s healthy – packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
- It’s fun to make – like magic.
- It’s great for meal prep – lasts in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.
- It’s made using pantry/fridge staples.
- It doesn’t taste healthy one bit.
More recipes that feature chia seeds:
- Raspberry chia jam
- matcha chia pudding with mango
- chai tea spiced chia pudding
- coconut banana chia seed pudding
More healthy sweets for you to love:
- healthy chocolate oatmeal cookies
- no bake brownies with chocolate frosting
- vegan chocolate frosting
- banana peanut butter oatmeal snack cookies
- favorite black bean brownies
- vanilla cashew butter cups
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know how it went. Leave a comment down below along with a star rating. I appreciate it!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding
★★★★★5 from 2 reviews
- Author: Emily Koch
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Chill Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 4 to 5 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, chocolate, easy, superfoods
- Method: whisking
- Cuisine: Gluten Free, dairy free, egg free, vegan, vegetarian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chocolate peanut butter chia seed pudding is a decadent chocolate dessert that’s actually healthy for you. Made using chia seeds this pudding is packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein. No cooking is required.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
chia pudding
- 2 cups milk of choice (I use plain almond milk)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or sub honey)
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 cup creamy, natural peanut butter
optionaltoppings
- whipped cream (click here for the recipe)
- extra peanut butter
- sliced bananas
Instructions
- Combine the wet ingredients: To a medium mixing bowl add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and kosher salt
- Add the dry ingredients: Then, use a fine mesh siv to sift the cocoa powder, and cinnamon over top of the milk mixture. Whisk the cocoa powder in until well combined. Then whisk the chia seeds in, followed by the peanut butter – whisk until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the flavors as needed.
- Chill: Transfer the pudding to mason jars, to one large air-tight container. place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours, overnight is best.
- Finish: Once the chia pudding has set, the chia seeds will have expanded, and the the consistency will turn into a nice thick, rich pudding. Give the pudding a good stir and give it a taste. Again, you can adjust the flavors as needed here.
- Serve: To serve the pudding spoon portions of it into small bowls, or other serving glasses. Top it with sliced bananas, or extra peanut butter, if desired. On the occasion we are feeling extra indulgent/fancy, I will serve it with a nice dollop of homemade whipped cream. So, so good! However, it is super delish without any toppings as well.
Notes
Leftovers: The pudding will keep in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If it gets a little too thick, simply stir a little milk in to thin it out.
Dairy free: To keep this recipe dairy free make sure to use a non-dairy milk. And, make sure to omit the whipped cream as a topping.
Vegan: To keep this recipe vegan make sure to use a vegan, non-dairy milk, omit the whipped cream toping, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Peanut free: You can swap the peanut butter for any other kind of nut butter or seed butter you like. Tahini paste would be great, it goes nicely with chocolate. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter would also work.
Keywords: chia pudding, chocolate chia pudding, gluten free dessert, dairy free dessert, vegan dessert, healthy dessert, easy recipe, easy dessert, no bake dessert, chocolate and peanut butter, peanut butter
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