Pin It A luscious, no-cook breakfast or snack inspired by the classic Chunky Monkey flavor—creamy layers of banana, cocoa, and peanut butter meld with chia for a satisfying, nutrient-packed pudding. This easy American-style dish yields 2 servings and is perfect for those following a vegetarian or gluten-free diet.
Pin It With only 10 minutes of preparation, this Chunky Monkey Overnight Chia Pudding is an ideal meal-prep solution. By letting the mixture chill for at least 6 hours, you create a thick, decadent texture that makes every spoonful delightful.
Ingredients
- Chia Pudding Base
- 4 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Cocoa Layer
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- Peanut Butter Layer
- 2 tbsp natural creamy peanut butter
- Banana Layer & Toppings
- 1 large ripe banana, sliced
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and vanilla. Set aside for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until mixture starts to thicken.
- Step 2
- Divide the mixture equally into two bowls. To one half, whisk in cocoa powder and 1/2 tbsp maple syrup until fully combined.
- Step 3
- In two jars or glasses, layer as follows: Spoon half of the plain chia pudding into the bottom of each jar. Add a layer of banana slices over the chia. Spread 1 tbsp peanut butter over the bananas in each jar. Add the cocoa chia pudding layer on top. Top with remaining banana slices, chocolate chips or cacao nibs, and chopped walnuts if desired.
- Step 4
- Cover jars and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours) until thickened and set.
- Step 5
- Serve chilled. Stir before eating, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a whisk ensures the chia seeds are evenly distributed without clumps. For the best results, use the required tools: a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and two serving jars or glasses.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit walnuts. You can also substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or use coconut milk in place of almond milk for extra creaminess.
Serviervorschläge
This pudding is excellent as a make-ahead breakfast or a snack on the go. If you are sensitive to allergens, note that this recipe contains peanuts and tree nuts, and check chocolate chip labels for soy lecithin.
Pin It Each serving provides approximately 325 calories, 18g of fat, 37g of carbohydrates, and 9g of protein, making it a well-rounded start to your day. Enjoy this chilled treat whenever you need a boost!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long does chia pudding need to set?
The pudding needs at least 6 hours in the refrigerator to thicken properly, though overnight chilling yields the best texture. The chia seeds absorb liquid and expand, creating a creamy pudding-like consistency.
- → Can I make this nut-free?
Yes. Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and omit the walnuts. The rest of the ingredients are naturally nut-free, making this easy to adapt for nut allergies.
- → What milk works best for chia pudding?
Unsweetened almond milk is used here, but any milk works well. Coconut milk adds extra creaminess, while dairy milk provides more protein. Choose based on your dietary preferences and desired richness.
- → How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
These layered jars stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together beautifully over time, making them ideal for meal prep.
- → Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh banana slices work best for layering as they hold their shape. Frozen bananas tend to release excess water as they thaw, which can make the layers watery. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before layering.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Assemble jars on Sunday and enjoy breakfast or snacks throughout the week. The layers actually improve after sitting overnight, and the grab-and-go format makes busy mornings effortless.