Chocolate Smoothie Chia Pudding

Reasons to Love Chocolate Smoothie Chia Pudding Recipe

First and foremost, it's nutrient-packed. The pudding combines wholesome ingredients like bananas, dates, oats, chia seeds, and almond or peanut butter, offering a rich mix of essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber, and protein. It’s a great way to sneak in nutritious foods while satisfying sweet cravings.

The natural sweetness from the banana and dates makes this pudding an excellent alternative to sugary desserts or snacks. It's naturally sweetened, which means you don't have to worry about refined sugars or artificial sweeteners. The cocoa powder adds a rich, chocolatey flavor, making it feel like a treat without any of the guilt.

This pudding is also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, it fits seamlessly into various meal times. You can personalize it by adding different toppings like fresh fruit, yogurt, or granola, making it adaptable to everyone's tastes. For babies and toddlers, you can serve it in simpler ways, while older kids and adults can enjoy it with added extras like nuts or a drizzle of honey.

Another reason to love it is the convenience. The pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it an easy, grab-and-go meal or snack. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a healthy after-school snack, or a dessert, it’s ready when you are.

It’s also baby and toddler-friendly. The ingredients are gentle on little tummies, and the pudding can be customized to suit different stages of eating. From mashed fruits for babies to adding toppings for toddlers, it’s a fun, interactive, and safe food for young eaters.

Additionally, this pudding is perfect for those looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, especially if you choose plant-based milk and nut butter. It’s an inclusive recipe that works for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.

Lastly, it’s simply delicious! The rich, creamy texture paired with the indulgent chocolate flavor is something that everyone in the family will enjoy. It’s a fun way to introduce healthy ingredients without compromising on taste, making it a dessert or snack everyone can get excited about.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why this chocolate smoothie chia pudding is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!

Chocolate Smoothie Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 banana (chopped into chunks)
• 2 dates (pitted)
• 2 tbsp oats (rolled oats or quick oats)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter (choose the one you prefer or have on hand)
• 1 cup milk of choice (cow's milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
• 3 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Smoothie Base: Begin by placing the chopped banana and pitted dates into a blender. Add the oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, and the almond or peanut butter. Pour in 1 cup of milk (choose the milk you prefer – dairy, almond, oat, etc.). You can adjust the amount of milk depending on the desired consistency.

2. Blend Everything Together: Blend all the ingredients on high until smooth and creamy. Ensure that the dates, banana, oats, and cocoa powder are fully combined into a thick, smooth consistency. This will form the base of your chocolate smoothie.

3. Transfer to a Bowl: Pour the smoothie mixture into a glass bowl. This will be the base for your chia pudding.

4. Add the Chia Seeds: Add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds into the bowl with the smoothie mixture. Stir the mixture well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the smoothie.

5. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken the pudding into a creamy texture.

6. Serve: After the chia seeds have soaked and the pudding has set, stir it well to break up any clumps of chia seeds. You can serve the pudding as a healthy breakfast or snack

Tips for Success

First, it’s important to use ripe bananas. A ripe banana (yellow with some brown spots) will be sweeter, which helps to naturally sweeten the pudding and reduces the need for additional sweeteners.

If your dates are on the drier side, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before blending. This will make them softer and easier to blend into a smooth texture, ensuring there are no chunks in your pudding.

When making the pudding, consider adjusting the consistency. The thickness of the pudding depends on how much liquid you use and how long you let it set. If the pudding turns out too thick after refrigerating, simply add a splash of milk and stir to loosen it up. On the other hand, if it’s too runny, you can add a little more chia seeds and allow it to set for a longer period.

It’s also crucial to stir the chia seeds well after adding them to the smoothie mixture. This ensures they are evenly distributed, helping to prevent clumping and ensuring the pudding thickens uniformly.

Make sure to let the pudding refrigerate for long enough. Ideally, it should sit for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, letting it sit overnight works perfectly. Chia seeds need time to absorb the liquid and expand, which creates the thick, creamy texture that defines chia pudding.

If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can always add a little honey or maple syrup, but remember that the banana and dates already contribute natural sweetness. For babies under 1 year, avoid adding honey and stick with the natural sweetness from the fruit.

Choosing the right milk is also key to getting the desired texture. Any type of milk works, but if you're looking for a dairy-free option, plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) is great. If you use cow’s milk, consider using full-fat milk for a creamier texture, though skim milk works as well if you want a lighter version.

To achieve a smooth texture, make sure to blend the smoothie base thoroughly. This ensures that the oats and dates are fully incorporated and that no chunks remain, giving you a silky, creamy pudding.

Serving Suggestions

For serving, consider portioning the pudding into individual bowls or cups. This makes it easy to serve your family and provides a practical way to store leftovers for later. Small jars or cups are especially convenient for toddlers or on-the-go snacks.

If you want to add extra flavor and texture, you can get creative with toppings. Fresh fruit, granola, or even a sprinkle of cocoa nibs can be added once the pudding is set. For toddlers or babies, stick to soft, diced fruit like berries or bananas to avoid any choking hazards.

For toddlers, one simple idea is to serve the chia pudding with soft, bite-sized pieces of fruit like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. These fruits are easy for toddlers to pick up and eat, adding natural sweetness and extra nutrition to the pudding. If your toddler enjoys creamy textures, you can mix the chia pudding with plain, unsweetened yogurt. This combination adds probiotics and makes the pudding even smoother. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey (for babies over 1 year) for extra flavor.

Another fun option for toddlers is serving the pudding in a parfait style. Layer the chia pudding with yogurt and soft fruit to create a mini parfait. Toddlers will love the layers and textures, making it more engaging for them to eat. You can also serve the pudding as a smoothie bowl, topped with small pieces of granola (soft, not hard), fruit, and a few seeds. This makes it a fun and interactive snack that encourages toddlers to practice using a spoon.

For babies who are transitioning to self-feeding, spoon small amounts of chia pudding onto a plate and let your toddler dip soft crackers or pieces of toast into the pudding. It's an enjoyable way for them to interact with the food and practice their fine motor skills.

For the whole family, consider serving the chia pudding in parfaits. Layer the pudding with fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey (for older kids and adults) in clear glasses or jars. This creates a customizable and fun dessert or breakfast where everyone can build their own parfait with their favorite toppings. You can also add nuts or coconut flakes for extra crunch, depending on your family’s preferences.

If you want to make the pudding more filling, top it with crunchy granola and a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter. This adds protein and healthy fats, making it a great breakfast or snack option for everyone. For a portable family snack, you can scoop the pudding into individual cups or mason jars. These are easy to grab and go, and you can top them with chocolate chips or chopped nuts for older kids and adults.

Another great family option is turning the pudding into a smoothie bowl. Add a few extra toppings, such as sliced bananas, berries, and granola, for a fun and customizable treat. The pudding can also be served as a side dish or snack alongside other family-friendly foods like scrambled eggs, toast, or a fresh fruit salad.

Finally, keep in mind that this pudding can be made ahead in bulk and stored in the fridge for later. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy mornings or as a healthy snack throughout the day

How to Store

To store your Chocolate Smoothie Chia Pudding properly and keep it fresh, follow these guidelines:

Once you've made the pudding and allowed it to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, cover the bowl or individual servings with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. This helps prevent the pudding from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge and keeps it fresh.

If you’ve made a large batch, you can transfer the pudding into airtight containers or small mason jars for easier storage and portion control. These containers are also ideal for storing individual servings, making it convenient to grab a snack or breakfast on the go.

The chia pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After this time, the pudding may lose its creamy texture or become too thick, so it’s best to enjoy it within that time frame. If the pudding becomes too thick, you can easily loosen it by adding a small splash of milk and stirring it well.

For longer storage, you could freeze the pudding, though this may alter the texture slightly once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe jars. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature, and stir to restore its creamy consistency.

Always make sure to check the pudding for any signs of spoilage (such as an off smell or mold) before serving.

Equipment

• Blender
• Airtight containers 

Nutrition

Suitable for 6 months +

Per Serving):

• CALORIES: 150KCAL

• CARBOHYDRATES: 22G

• PROTEIN: 4G

• FAT: 7G

• SODIUM: 30MG

• POTASSIUM: 200MG

• FIBER: 6G

• SUGAR: 12G

• VITAMIN A: 50IU

• VITAMIN C: 3MG

• CALCIUM: 80MG

• IRON: 1.2MG

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.