High-Protein Banana Pudding

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• ½ cup milk, plus more if needed
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, optional
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 12 mini vanilla wafers, roughly crushed
• ½ cup light whipped topping, optional
• Ground cinnamon for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla protein powder, pudding mix, vanilla extract, and optional honey to a blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk and blend again.
3. Transfer the pudding mixture to a bowl and refrigerate it for approximately 20 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Divide half of the pudding mixture among four serving glasses or jars.
5. Add a layer of sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.
6. Spoon the remaining protein pudding over the banana layer.
7. Top each serving with additional banana slices, a small amount of whipped topping, crushed vanilla wafers, and cinnamon.
8. Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the pudding to thicken and the flavors to combine.

Tips

• Use a ripe banana for a naturally sweeter flavor.
• Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to create a smooth texture.
• Use a protein powder that you already enjoy, because its flavor will be noticeable.
• Add the vanilla wafers shortly before serving if you want them to remain crunchy.
• For a lower-sugar version, omit the honey and use sugar-free pudding mix.
• To make it thicker, reduce the milk or refrigerate it for an additional hour.
• Use high-protein Greek yogurt for the highest protein content.

Storage

Store the banana pudding in covered containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bananas may darken slightly, but the pudding will remain safe to eat when refrigerated properly.

For the freshest presentation, store the pudding separately and add the banana slices and wafers shortly before serving. Freezing is not recommended because the dairy mixture may become grainy after thawing.

Nutritional Information

Approximate amount per serving:

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 31 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 18 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the protein powder, milk, sweetener, and cookies used.

Benefits

• Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and protein powder provide more than 30 grams of protein per serving.
• Bananas provide potassium, natural sweetness, and carbohydrates.
• This pudding can be served as a filling breakfast, snack, or lighter dessert.
• The recipe requires no cooking and can be prepared ahead of time.
• Individual jars make it convenient for meal preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it without cottage cheese?
Yes. Replace the cottage cheese with an additional cup of Greek yogurt, although the final protein content may change.

Can I make it without protein powder?
Yes, but the pudding will contain considerably less protein. Add more Greek yogurt and reduce the milk to maintain a thick texture.

Which protein powder works best?
Vanilla whey, whey-casein blend, or a smooth plant-based vanilla protein powder works well.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Frozen bananas can be blended into the pudding, but fresh bananas are better for creating the layers.

How can I make it gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free vanilla cookies or omit the wafers.