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High Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding - Creamy, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chia seeds: Black or white, both work.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Or cacao powder for a richer taste.
  • Protein powder: Chocolate or vanilla. Whey, pea, or your favorite.
  • Milk: Dairy or non-dairy (almond, oat, soy, cashew).
  • Peanut butter: Natural, creamy is best. Substitute with almond or sunflower seed butter if needed.
  • Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, agave, or a zero-calorie option like stevia or monk fruit.
  • Vanilla extract: Optional, but boosts flavor.
  • Salt: A small pinch to round out the chocolate and peanut butter.
  • Optional toppings: Sliced banana, berries, chopped peanuts, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter.

Method
 

  1. Whisk the base: In a medium bowl or large jar, whisk 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 scoop protein powder, 1–2 tablespoons sweetener, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If your protein powder clumps, blend it or shake it in a lidded jar first.
  2. Add peanut butter: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter. For easier mixing, warm the peanut butter slightly so it blends evenly without streaks.
  3. Stir in chia seeds: Add 3 tablespoons chia seeds and whisk thoroughly. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps. This second stir is key for a smooth texture.
  4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The chia seeds will absorb liquid and thicken the pudding.
  5. Adjust consistency: After chilling, give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk and mix until creamy. If it’s too thin, stir in another teaspoon of chia seeds and rest for 10–15 more minutes.
  6. Serve and top: Divide into bowls or jars. Add sliced banana, berries, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of cacao nibs for crunch. A small drizzle of peanut butter on top looks great and adds extra richness.