Indulge in this easy-to-make, chia pudding parfait. With a base of dairy-free yogurt and chia seeds, swirled with peanut butter and chocolate it’s then topped with sliced bananas and crunchy protein cookies to give a sweet, rich flavor in every bite.
If you prefer a sweet breakfast over a savory one, this is for you! This chia pudding parfait is loaded with nourishing ingredients, a hint of protein, and the perfect creamy but crunchy flavor.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love that you can either make it the night before and enjoy it in the morning (just like these sheet pan protein pancakes with Greek yogurt) or whip it up the morning of. It comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for those days when you want an indulgent pick-me-up.
It’s easy to double the batch as well and serve them up on Mother’s Day as a cute, sweet brunch recipe. Even better if it's paired with one of these mimosa recipes!
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: though it looks like a lot of ingredients, the chia pudding parfait is actually quite simple to whip up and can be made the morning of or the night before.
Perfect flavor: this breakfast parfait has every flavor you love. Blends of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter all topped with a crunchy cookie.
Allergy-friendly: a great brunch recipe when you’re hosting anyone with an allergy! The parfait is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free.
Ingredients You Need
There are two main parts to the banana peanut butter chia pudding. You'll be using the ingredients to create layers so that each bite is the perfect blend of flavors.
The parfait:
Coconut yogurt: any dairy-free yogurt will work here. I like to use a plain one so that I can add sweetness personally.
Chia seeds: one of the foods I think every toddler should have in their diet because they’re that nourishing! Make sure to use whole seeds and not ground ones and learn more about how to get more chia seeds into your diet.
Collagen powder: this is optional, but I add it in for an extra dose of protein. Learn more about collagen powder and how it differs from protein powder.
Honey: used to add a bit of sweetness to the base of the yogurt parfait. Know that you can use maple syrup instead if you need this breakfast parfait to be vegan.
Cacao powder: more potent than cocoa powder so you reap the benefits of extra antioxidants and magnesium. Learn more about the difference between cocoa powder and cacao.
Peanut butter: opt for natural peanut butter and make sure it’s fresh. This way it blends into the chia pudding better.
Toppings
Protein cookies: I personally make these protein cookies and use them on top of the chia pudding parfait. If you don’t have them made though, know that you can buy protein cookies too or use any cookie you have on hand.
Bananas: you’ll need a banana to slice so this is a great way to use up any on the counter!
Coconut whipped cream: all you need to make this is a can of full-fat coconut milk (learn more about coconut milk and how to choose the one you need). Leave it in the fridge overnight and then whip it when you need it. Super simple.
Expert Tips To Make It
This is one of those recipes that can be made as indulgent or as healthy as you like, kind of like high protein waffles. To make the chia pudding healthier, add the collagen powder to the chia pudding parfait base and go easy on the cookies and coconut whipped cream.
To make coconut whipped cream, you need a can of full-fat coconut milk that’s been in the fridge overnight. Drain the water and whip just the thick white cream (learn the exact steps in this whole30 whipped cream recipe).
You can use white chia seeds in place of black ones for a whole new aesthetic feel.
Make it ahead: if you’re making it in advance, only mix the two chia pudding layers together (the cacao one and the peanut butter one). Don’t layer the parfait yet or you’ll have soggy protein cookies. Layer it in the morning.
Make it vegan: this breakfast parfait can easily be made vegan by swapping maple syrup in place for the honey and making sure your cookies are vegan.
Store it: if you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge for 2-3 days in a jar. Ideally, store the breakfast parfait separately (chia pudding and toppings). If it’s already assembled, you can store it as-is just cover the jar with plastic wrap. Your cookies won’t be as crunchy, but the parfait will still be delicious.
How To Make It
Step 1: Make the chia pudding base by mixing the yogurt, honey, chia seeds, and collagen powder. Divide it into two bowls and let it sit.
Step 2: In one bowl whisk in the peanut butter and in the other bowl whisk in the cacao powder.
Step 3: Make the coconut whipped cream by using a handheld mixer and whipping the chilled coconut milk.
Step 4: Start layering the parfait by placing the cacao chia pudding mixture into the bottom of a glass.
Step 4: Add a layer of crumbled protein cookies followed by the peanut butter chia pudding and coconut whipped cream.
Step 5: Finish off the breakfast parfait by topping it with sliced bananas and more crumbled cookies or cacao powder.
How To Pack In Protein
To make this chia pudding parfait more satiating, add in some collagen powder to the yogurt base. Collagen is a clean source of protein that helps with hair, skin, nails, digestion, and keeping you full.
It is the easiest way to bump up your protein intake (learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet).
I use collagen powder almost daily and grab it from Perfect Supplements because they focus only on quality and not additives.
Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse and make a great addition to just about everything (though creamy chia pudding is the easiest way to enjoy them). You can add them to your yogurt parfait but make sure to give them a few minutes to absorb. Chia seeds absorb liquid, so they’ll alter the texture while amping up the health benefits of your parfait.
Some of the benefits of chia pudding include the fact that they have a slow digestion time to keep you full longer. They’re high in fiber and great for your gut. Chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 three fatty acids, calcium, and also have a unique blend of amino acids (they’re a complete protein!).
It’s not common but like anything else, chia seeds can go bad. If you want to extend the life of your chia seeds, store them in a sealed jar in the fridge. Stored like that, chia seeds should last at least a year unless liquid gets into the jar as you use it. You’ll know your chia seeds have gone bad if they start to clump together. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry about it.
Other Healthy Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Coffee chia seed pudding
- Dairy-free egg casserole
- High protein overnight oats without protein powder
- Blueberry chia pudding
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Dairy-Free Chia Pudding Parfait
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 banana sliced
- 11/4 cup vegan yogurt
- 2 tablespoons collagen powder
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons cacao powder
- ½ cup canned coconut milk full fat
- 4-5 protein cookies crushed
For The Garnish
- 1 teaspoons cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon protein cookies crushed
Instructions
Make The Pudding
- Add the yogurt, honey, chia seeds, and collagen powder if using to a medium-size bowl. Whisk well. Let it sit and rise for about 10-15 minutes.
- Divide the pudding mixture into two separate bowls.
- In one bowl, add the cacao powder and mix well until the ingredients are combined.
- In the other bowl add the peanut butter and mix well.
- Using a handheld mixer, whip the can of coconut milk until it has the texture of whipped cream.
- Crumble the protein cookies either with your hands or by pulsing them in a food processor.
Layer The Parfait
- Add the cacao pudding layer at the bottom of a bowl or jar (about 2 tablespoons).
- Sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of the cookies layer.
- Then add the peanut butter chia pudding on top (. About 2.5 tablespoons).
Toppings
- Spoon or pipe the coconut whipped cream to each jar.
- Divide the sliced bananas between the servings and sprinkle the top with leftover crushed protein cookies.
- Dust with cacao powder to garnish.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Ann
I'm trying to incorporate more protein into my diet, so I love that this parfait includes collagen powder. It's a simple way to add a protein boost without changing the flavor or texture of the dish.
fitasamamabear
Ah happy to give you a new recipe to work in!
Padma
Ooh, love the sound of it! Breakfast is my most favourite meal and I enjoy having dishes that have layers of textures and flavors. This fits the bill perfectly!
fitasamamabear
Glad you liked it!
Kris
Made the protein cookies from scratch for the topping and they were a game-changer! Adds the perfect crunch to the creamy parfait. I really loved the creamy texture and the hint of chocolate and peanut butter. So yum!
fitasamamabear
Omg yay!!! It adds such a nice crunch.
Sarah
Had a huge bag of chia seeds and have been using them up by making this pudding! It's so good for breakfast. I ran out of collagen powder but protein powder seems to work as a substitute. Thanks for a great way to use up chia seeds.
fitasamamabear
Happy you have something new to use them for!
Gwen
This was really good! I swapped out the peanut butter for almond butter and it made the perfect breakfast!
fitasamamabear
Perfect swap!
Georgia T.
I am always struggling to get enough protein in my diet. Came across your recipe and was delighted to try it. It turned to be so easy to make and tasted so heavenly! Best part was that it kept me full for hours, so I am definitely putting this pudding parfait into frequent rotation. I used almond butter instead of peanut butter.
fitasamamabear
So happy to help! it's a struggle for a lot of people.
Anonymous
My family loved this!
Sheena
My family loved this! Will try it again for a breakfast treat!