If you’re looking for a truly delicious way to boost your protein intake while satisfying a sweet craving, this High Protein Banana Pudding is about to become your new favorite treat. With a creamy, dreamy texture and the wholesome goodness of bananas layered with the subtle richness of cottage cheese, this recipe cleverly transforms a classic comfort dessert into a nutritious snack or post-workout indulgence. Even better, it’s ready in minutes with minimal effort and can be customized to your taste and dietary needs. Let’s dive into a pudding that tastes like childhood memories with an adult-friendly nutrition upgrade!

High Protein Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity; just a few staple ingredients blend together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each one brings something special: creaminess, natural sweetness, or an extra punch of protein — and you likely already have most of them in your kitchen!

Cottage cheese: Acts as the ultra-creamy, high-protein base — use full-fat for extra richness.
Ripe banana: Provides natural sweetness and that signature pudding flavor.
Maple syrup or honey (optional): Adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the banana, use to taste.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a classic bakery aroma.
Vanilla protein powder (optional): Gives your High Protein Banana Pudding an extra boost — perfect for workouts or busy days.
Milk or almond milk (optional): Adjusts the consistency, making your pudding as thick or silky as you like.
Toppings: Sliced banana, crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers, whipped cream or Greek yogurt — for the classic banana pudding vibe or a creative twist!

How to Make High Protein Banana Pudding

Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Start by measuring all your ingredients before you get blending. Make sure your banana is nice and ripe — lots of brown dots means it’s perfect for maximum sweetness and creamy texture. If you’d like to pre-slice some banana for garnish, set those aside now.

Step 2: Create the Pudding Base

Add the cottage cheese, peeled banana, maple syrup or honey (if using), vanilla extract, and protein powder (if desired) to your blender. This step is where the magic happens: the humble ingredients will blend into an unbelievably smooth and luscious pudding! Give the mixture a taste to check for sweetness, and add a little more syrup or honey if you like things sweeter.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency

If the pudding looks a bit too thick, don’t be afraid to add a splash or two of milk or almond milk. Blend again until you reach a velvety, spoonable consistency that’s just perfect for dessert (or breakfast, we won’t judge!).

Step 4: Chill the Pudding

Pour the High Protein Banana Pudding into two small serving bowls or cups. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the texture set. This short wait makes the pudding delightfully cool and thick — just like traditional banana pudding, only way healthier.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Right before serving, get creative with your toppings! Add slices of banana, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers, and a generous dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Every bite gets a kick of freshness, crunch, or creaminess, depending on what you choose.

How to Serve High Protein Banana Pudding

Garnishes

The classic touch for any banana pudding is definitely a generous scatter of banana slices and a dusting of cookie crumbs. For extra protein and a tangy edge, I love swapping out regular whipped cream for a swoosh of vanilla Greek yogurt. Or, try chopped nuts or a drizzle of nut butter for a more decadent twist!

Side Dishes

While this High Protein Banana Pudding is a satisfying treat all its own, it also plays well with others! Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a sunny brunch, pair with a hot espresso as an afternoon pick-me-up, or serve as a lighter finish to a hearty homemade dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

This pudding shines bright in mini mason jars or clear glasses where you can layer the creamy base with cookies and fruit for a stunning effect. For gatherings, try making a High Protein Banana Pudding trifle, or serve bite-sized pudding parfaits at your next party. Kids absolutely love it in popsicle molds for a frozen summer snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover High Protein Banana Pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge. Cover the bowls tightly or scoop the pudding into an airtight container; it will stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before enjoying again.

Freezing

While freezing is not traditional, you absolutely can freeze this pudding for a fun ice cream-like treat! Spoon individual servings into freezer-safe containers and let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before digging in. The texture will be slightly firmer but still creamy and satisfying.

Reheating

Typically, High Protein Banana Pudding is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s too firm coming out of the fridge or freezer, just let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to take the chill off and restore that dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this banana pudding dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plain or vanilla dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) for the cottage cheese, and use plant-based protein powder and milk. You’ll still get a creamy, enjoyable texture with plenty of protein.

Is protein powder necessary for this recipe?

Nope, it’s completely optional! The cottage cheese already loads your High Protein Banana Pudding with protein. Adding a half scoop of protein powder is perfect for an extra boost, especially post-workout, but the pudding is delicious with or without it.

Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen bananas can actually make your pudding even thicker and chill it faster. Just slightly thaw them so they blend smoothly, or add an extra splash of milk to get the right consistency.

How far ahead can I make High Protein Banana Pudding?

You can prepare this pudding up to two days in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight deepens the flavors and makes the texture even creamier. Add your toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh.

What are some other topping ideas?

Beyond the classics, try shaved dark chocolate, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, diced peaches, or a swirl of peanut butter. High Protein Banana Pudding is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!

Final Thoughts

There’s so much joy in discovering a treat that’s good for the soul and your wellbeing. I hope you feel as excited as I do to try this High Protein Banana Pudding; it’s a sweet, nourishing way to treat yourself any day of the week. Gather your ingredients, blend up something delightful, and enjoy every creamy, protein-packed spoonful!

High Protein Banana Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a guilt-free and protein-packed treat with this High Protein Banana Pudding recipe. Creamy and delicious, this dessert is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings while fueling your body with nutrients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup cottage cheese
1 large ripe banana
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ scoop (about 15g) vanilla protein powder (optional)
2 tablespoons milk or almond milk to adjust consistency (optional)

Toppings:

banana slices
crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
whipped cream or Greek yogurt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, banana, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and protein powder. Blend until smooth.
Adjust Consistency: If needed, add milk to achieve desired pudding consistency. Blend again.
Chill and Serve: Divide the mixture into serving cups and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Top with banana slices, crushed crackers, and whipped cream before serving.