In my estimation, the very best breakfasts are those that could double as a dessert. French toast, pancakes smothered in maple syrup, muffins that would for sure be called cupcakes if they only had a little frosting on top—that’s what I’m talking about!
This is one of those breakfasts/almost desserts. Except (lean in, as I’m about to whisper this part) this is also super healthy. Crazy, right? But it’s totally true. You’re gonna like this one, I swear.
Chocolate Banana Chia Seed Shake, makes one.
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon almond butter
2 teaspoons honey (or other sweetener you prefer)
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup almond milk
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
First, in a large cup or small bowl, whisk together the milk, cocoa, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the chia seeds and then refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour (stirring once after 20 minutes so it doesn’t clump). You’ll see your mixture turn from a thin almond milk substance into a thick and creamy pudding.
Mash together the banana, almond butter, and honey. You can layer the banana mixture in with the chia pudding, serve it over the top (like a dessert), or you could stir it all together. Totally up to you. I will say this turned out to be challenging to drink with the straw you see pictured. I quickly ditched my straw for a spoon, so I recommend you do that as well. 🙂
If you want, you could totally top this with a few mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. Or you could add some chopped nuts to the top. I personally love the crunch, but feel free to leave it creamy if you don’t. Live your (chia) life, my friend. Enjoy! xo. Emma
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
46 Comments
I’ve never added chia seeds to milkshakes or smoothies before, but I’ve heard they’re kind of like tapioca balls, which I LOVE! Gotta try this.
Cat
http://oddlylovely.
Looks yummy!!! Since I’m curious about making this for myself (your argument was very compelling…) I’m wondering if I could make the Chia pudding the day before (or a big batch on the weekend)? I don’t have 45min-an hour in the morning to stir chia seeds, but still want to try it.
Yumm sounds so delicious!
http://lifeofbrookeandjane.blogspot.com/2014/08/tassel-bannergarland-diy.html
Dessert breakfasts forever! Love this – thanks for sharing. (& I love your straws!)
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
It looks delicious!! Never would imagine it was actually also healthy! 🙂
But my alltime favourite breakfast is pancakes! I just love!But definitely will try this!
Yum!! Thanks for a simple recipe with ingredients I already have! 🙂
Hi Julie, you can. The seeds will become even more thick over time, the word congeal comes to mind. 🙂 So, great for pudding or scooping up with a spoon. You’d want to thin them out somehow if you want to use a straw to enjoy them though.
Good luck and happy snacking!
-Emma
Pancakes are a fav of mine too, they are a classic. 🙂
-Emma
I love it when you guys post healthy recipes, because they always are so delicious! I’ll be having this as dessert, breakfast, and snacks for sure!
Ahh, love those layers!
-E
OMG. I want one, NOW.
Oh this looks SO good!
http://iolablog.com/
mmm this looks so good!!
xo, Erica
sweet-endeavors.com
This looks so good! I love adding chia seeds to my smoothies.
Tamara
http://www.trulytamara.com
breakfast dessert is my fave.
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://theaccidentalmama.com
Perfect recipe. Looks yummy.
http://www.fashiondenis.com
This looks so good! Chocolate and banana are such an awesome combination!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
Ohhh, yum yum yum!!! well done, Emma! I need to give this a go this weekend!
this looks delicious
http://www.foodpleasureandhealth.com
I love sweet breakfasts and this one looks really good!
i wanna try.. thanks
http://www.amessylove.com
good
http://www.amessylove.com
Love chia seeds! I add it to my breakfast smoothies every day!
Especially love it when it tastes like dessert. Double win!
{Teffy’s Perks} X
I’m not sure I’m on the chia bandwagon yet. What does it taste like? I heard they are like gooey…
Looks good! I’m wondering if you could make this in a blender and then let it set for 45 minutes for the chia seeds to plump up. What do you think?
I need to try this!
Delicious, perfect for breakfast.
http://thinkworkandgo.blogspot.com/
This looks soooo good! I need to try this one tomorrow morning XO
Yum this sound great!
Not a huge fan of bananas, but I may make it without it http://sadityinthecity.com
ohmygosh..you just showed the smoothie I’ve had every morning for breakfast for the last three years! Nutritious, yummy, and I don’t have to think about what to make each morning. Keeps me full until lunch. I hadn’t thought about doing a pudding part. My smoothies have a banana, a cup of milk, 2T of natural (crunchy) peanut butter, cocoa, a sweetener, and chia seeds, and ice. I blend it all together and drink it on my drive to work. so good.
yum!! and pretty, too! 🙂
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
I made this last night, but used peanut butter instead. It was delicious! Thanks for the great recipe!
Yum! Chia seeds are one of my favorite superfoods so I will definitely be trying out this recipe.
-Katherine
http://themountaincreative.com
Oh my goodness! This looks so fricking good!! Want one now!!
Lulu xx
https://www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
Would this be good made in a blender?
Can you use protein powder in place of the cocoa powder?!
I’m not the biggest fan of cinnamon. Would it completely change the recipe if I left it out? Could I just add extra cocoa to make up for it? *drool* :}
What is a substitute for almond butter? Also can we make this with normal milk?
This looks divine! Definitely going to try this ASAP!!
Currently making my 3rd of these since you posted the recipe. Soooo good! Thanks, Emma!
My first chia recipe was a success thanks to you ladies!!
loving the look of this shake! you can never go wrong with chocolate and banana together…
What is the calorie break down? I made this today and it’s really good
Easy AND tasty!
Chocolate at breakfast is always appreciated. Rice, almond or coconut milk all will work here (and each one gets along with chocolate) PB2 Powder (the new stuff) will also work for anyone counting calories but wanting a PB taste. Letting this to sit over night in the fridge, then putting it in the blender in the morning results in a more ‘soft serve’ texture. It’s an excellent and easy recipe, all around.
Hi, love your wonderful recipes.. Am wondering how to print the recipes off without having to print all the picture?