High Protein Banana Pudding
Published May 06, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Craving a guilt-free treat? Dive into this easy protein-packed banana pudding featuring cottage cheese. This is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and can easily be tailored to be low-carb and gluten-free!
What Makes This Recipe Great?
If you’ve tried my Healthy Banana Split Dilly Bars, you know how much I love a good healthier dupe recipe! Today, I’m introducing my healthier Protein Banana Pudding recipe! This recipe is made with a base of cottage cheese mixed with maple or sugar free syrup, protein powder, banana pudding mix, vanilla extract and an optional banana and then blended together. Topped with whipped cream, crushed vanilla wafers and a banana slice.
As a southern girl, banana pudding runs through my blood. This recipe is a homage to the classic dessert, infused with a healthier twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Full measurements located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- cottage cheese: I used 2% low-fat, but full-fat works great also.
- vanilla protein powder
- banana pudding mix:Â I used Keto Simply Delish, which is a healthier brand with better ingredients.
- maple or sugar-free syrup: Maple syrup is great if your not low carb. A great low-carb option is Lakanto Sugar Free Maple Syrup.
- vanilla extract
- banana optional: If you are not low carb, add a half of banana. If you’re low-carb, remove. For more banana flavor, you can add 1/4 tsp banana extract.
- milk: cream, coconut, or almond milk works.
- wafers: For low-carb use High Key Wafers and for gluten-free sub Simple Mills crushed Sweet Thins graham crackers.
- whipped topping
Step By Step
- Blend: Add the cottage cheese to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Once smooth, combine the rest of the pudding ingredients and blend again until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add milk gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon of milk and increase as needed until you reach your preferred texture.
- Build Pudding Cups: In two glasses, layer crushed wafers at the bottom, followed by a tablespoon of whipped topping and banana pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with whipped topping, crushed wafers, and a slice of banana on top.
Protein Banana Pudding
Expert Tips
- Blending: Use a high-speed blender to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended. This helps break down any lumps and creates a smoother consistency. I also tested this with a food processor and it didn’t get as smooth. A high-speed blender is a MUST to get that silky consistency.
Dietary Substitutions
- Low Carb Option: remove the banana, sub High Key low-carb wafers for regular wafers and use sugar free syrup in place of maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free Option: make recipe as is and use Simple Mills Sweet Thins in place of regular wafers.
- Dairy-Free Option: Sub your favorite dairy-free yogurt in place of cottage cheese, use dairy-free whipped topping, dairy-free milk and use Simple Mills Sweet Thins in place of regular wafers.
Storage
- Transfer the pudding to an airtight container or cover with a lid. Refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- Before serving leftover pudding, give it a quick stir to redistribute any separated ingredients, and enjoy it chilled for the best taste and texture.
Blend Thoroughly: Use a high-speed blender to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended. This helps break down any lumps and creates a smoother consistency.
Blend in Stages: Add ingredients to the blender in stages, starting with the cottage cheese and liquid ingredients. Blend until smooth before adding other ingredients like protein powder and banana pudding mix.
Yes, it is a 1:1 swap but you may not need to add milk to thin out.
For sure! To make this dairy-free sub your favorite dairy-free yogurt in place of the cottage cheese, use dairy-free whipped topping, dairy-free milk and Simple Mills Sweet Thins in place of regular wafers.
Remove the banana, sub High Key low-carb wafers for regular wafers and use sugar free syrup in place of maple syrup.
More High Protein Recipes
Breakfast & Brunch
High Protein Sausage & Egg Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Breakfast & Brunch
Easy Protein Pancakes Recipe (Low Carb)
If you love this recipe, please give it a star rating and leave a comment below!
High Protein Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 1/2 tbsp banana pudding mix I used Simply Delish (better ingredients)
- 1-2 tbsp maple or sugar-free syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 banana optional (remove for low carb)
- 1-2 tbsp milk, plant-based or regular to thin if needed
Topping
- 2 tbsp crushed wafers see notes for dietary subs
- 1/4 cup whipped topping (remove for low carb)
- banana slices optional
Instructions
- Blend: Add the cottage cheese to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Once smooth, combine the rest of the pudding ingredients and blend again until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add milk gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon of milk and increase as needed until you reach your preferred texture
- Build Pudding Cups: In two glasses, layer crushed wafers at the bottom, followed by a tablespoon of whipped topping and banana pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with whipped topping, crushed wafers, and a slice of banana on top.
- Serving: For optimal flavor, enjoy this dessert chilled. Letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors and makes it so much better! Transfer the pudding to an airtight container or cover with a lid. Refrigerate for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Blending: Use a high-speed blender to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended. This helps break down any lumps and creates a smoother consistency. I also tested this with a food processor and it didn’t get as smooth. A high-speed blender is a MUST to get that silky consistency.
- Low Carb Option: remove the banana, sub High Key low-carb wafers for regular wafers and use sugar free syrup in place of maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free Option: make the recipe as is and use Simple Mills Sweet Thins in place of regular wafers.
- Dairy-Free Option: Sub your favorite dairy-free yogurt in place of cottage cheese, use dairy-free whipped topping, dairy-free milk and use Simple Mills Sweet Thins in place of regular wafers.
- Storage: Transfer the pudding to an airtight container or cover with a lid. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Before serving leftover pudding, give it a quick stir to redistribute any separated ingredients, and enjoy it chilled for the best taste and texture.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This protein banana pudding taste so close to the real thing. I love it.