If you’re craving a dessert that’s delicious yet packed with protein, this banana pudding recipe is the perfect treat. Combining cottage cheese with a hint of banana flavor, this dessert can easily be adjusted to fit low-carb and gluten-free diets. Let’s dive into how to make this guilt-free indulgence that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition.

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Cottage Cheese: A versatile dairy product, cottage cheese serves as the base of this dessert. Using 2% low-fat cottage cheese provides a balance of creamy texture and lower fat content. If you prefer a richer flavor, full-fat cottage cheese is a great alternative.
2. Vanilla Protein Powder: Adding vanilla protein powder elevates the nutritional profile of this pudding. Not only does it add sweetness, but it also increases the protein content, making this dessert a great post-workout treat or a midday snack.
3. Banana Pudding Mix: I recommend using Simply Delish Keto Banana Pudding Mix because of its cleaner ingredients. It brings that classic banana flavor without all the added sugars typically found in conventional pudding mixes. For a low-carb version, this brand fits perfectly.
4. Maple or Sugar-Free Syrup: For those not concerned about carbs, real maple syrup adds a rich sweetness to this pudding. However, if you’re following a low-carb diet, opt for a sugar-free syrup like Lakanto’s Sugar-Free Maple Syrup.
5. Vanilla Extract: This simple ingredient enhances the overall flavor, giving the pudding a depth of sweetness that balances well with the cottage cheese.
6. Banana (Optional): If you’re sticking to low-carb, feel free to omit the banana. However, for those who can enjoy a bit of fruit, half a banana adds a creamy, natural sweetness. Alternatively, for a banana essence without the carbs, a small amount of banana extract works wonders.
7. Milk of Your Choice: Depending on dietary preferences, you can use cream, coconut milk, or almond milk. Each type will slightly change the flavor and texture, but they all work well to thin out the mixture to your desired consistency.
8. Wafers: For this recipe, you can use traditional wafers or opt for alternatives based on your dietary needs. High Key Wafers are a low-carb option, and Simple Mills Sweet Thins work great if you need a gluten-free substitute.
9. Whipped Topping: This is optional, but whipped topping adds a light and fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the pudding. For a dairy-free version, there are several plant-based whipped toppings available.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Blend the Base

Start by placing the cottage cheese into a high-speed blender. Cottage cheese can be a bit lumpy, so blending it until smooth is key for achieving a silky pudding texture. Once you’ve got a smooth base, add in the vanilla protein powder, banana pudding mix, maple or sugar-free syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend again until all the ingredients are fully combined.

If the mixture seems too thick, this is where your milk of choice comes in. Start by adding one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until you reach your preferred consistency. Some people like their pudding thick and creamy, while others prefer it slightly runnier.

2. Assemble the Pudding Cups

To build your pudding cups, begin by crushing your wafers. You can do this in a food processor or simply crush them by hand. Start by adding a layer of crushed wafers to the bottom of each glass. Next, spoon in a layer of whipped topping (if you’re using it), followed by a generous layer of the banana pudding mixture.

Repeat the layers until the glass is full, making sure to end with a dollop of whipped topping, a sprinkle of crushed wafers, and a banana slice (if you’re not going low-carb). This presentation not only looks appetizing but also gives you a delightful contrast of textures with each bite.

3. Chill and Serve

This pudding is best served cold, so allow it to chill for at least an hour before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, transfer the pudding to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Before serving, give the pudding a quick stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Protein Banana Pudding

1. High-Speed Blender is a Must: Using a high-speed blender is essential to break down the lumps in the cottage cheese and create a smooth consistency. A food processor won’t yield the same silky texture, so be sure to invest in a good blender.
2. Adding Milk Slowly: Be mindful when adding milk to the mixture. It’s easy to overdo it and make the pudding too runny, so always add in small amounts and blend thoroughly between each addition.
3. Customizing Sweetness: If you like your pudding sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount of syrup or protein powder. However, keep in mind that adding more syrup will increase the carb count.

Dietary Modifications

1. Low-Carb Version: To keep this dessert low-carb, simply omit the banana and use low-carb wafers like High Key. Sugar-free syrup is also a must to avoid unnecessary carbs.
2. Gluten-Free Alternative: By default, this recipe can be gluten-free as long as you use Simple Mills Sweet Thins or any other gluten-free wafer brand.
3. Dairy-Free Adaptation: If you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt. There are several great plant-based yogurts that work well in this recipe. Use dairy-free whipped topping and your preferred non-dairy milk to thin the mixture.

Storing Your Protein Banana Pudding

For best results, store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. The flavors often meld together better after a day, so making it in advance is a great idea if you’re prepping for a special occasion.

Common Questions

1. How can I get my pudding extra smooth?
Blend, blend, blend! Using a high-speed blender and blending the ingredients in stages will ensure a lump-free, creamy pudding. Start with the cottage cheese and milk, then add the other ingredients.

2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt in a 1:1 ratio. However, you may not need as much milk to thin the mixture since yogurt is naturally smoother.

3. How can I make this dessert dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free yogurt instead of cottage cheese, and choose plant-based whipped topping and milk. Brands like Simple Mills offer excellent gluten-free, dairy-free wafer options too.

4. How do I make a low-carb version?
Omit the banana, use sugar-free syrup, and choose low-carb wafers like High Key. This will drastically reduce the carb content while still delivering a delicious dessert.

High Protein Banana Pudding

Recipe by Cookingpoint.net

4.0 from 19 votes

Course: High Protein

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

0

minutes

Calories

286

kcal

Total time

10

minutes

Quick Protein-Packed Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cottage cheese

• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder

• 2 ½ tbsp banana pudding mix (Simply Delish)

• 1-2 tbsp maple or sugar-free syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ banana (optional, omit for low-carb)

• 1-2 tbsp milk (plant-based or regular to thin as needed)

• For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp crushed wafers (gluten-free/low-carb options available)

• 1/4 cup whipped topping (optional)

Directions

• Blend the Ingredients: Add cottage cheese to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Then, add vanilla protein powder, banana pudding mix, syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend again until smooth. If needed, add milk gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
• Assemble the Pudding Cups: Layer crushed wafers at the bottom of two glasses, followed by a spoonful of whipped topping and banana pudding. Repeat the layers and finish with a dollop of whipped topping and a banana slice (optional).
• Chill and Serve: Enjoy chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 287kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 40g
• Calcium: 237mg