Craving a delicious, guilt-free treat? This protein-rich banana pudding made with cottage cheese is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping it healthy! With simple substitutions, it can easily be made low-carb and gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve enjoyed my Healthy Banana Split Dilly Bars, you know I love recreating classic treats with a healthier twist. This Protein Banana Pudding is smooth, creamy, and packed with protein while keeping the flavors of traditional banana pudding intact.
The secret? Blending cottage cheese with vanilla protein powder, banana pudding mix, maple or sugar-free syrup, and vanilla extract. You can customize it further by adding a banana (or omitting it for a lower-carb option). Topped with whipped cream, crushed wafers, and a banana slice, this dessert is both indulgent and nutritious.
Ingredients
Full measurements are available in the recipe card below.
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Cottage cheese (2% low-fat or full-fat)
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Vanilla protein powder
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Banana pudding mix (I use Keto Simply Delish for a healthier option)
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Maple or sugar-free syrup (Lakanto Sugar-Free Maple Syrup for low-carb)
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Vanilla extract
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Banana (optional: omit for low-carb, or add banana extract for extra flavor)
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Milk (cream, coconut, or almond milk)
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Wafers (High Key Wafers for low-carb, Simple Mills Sweet Thins for gluten-free)
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Whipped topping
How to Make Protein Banana Pudding
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Blend: Add cottage cheese to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add the remaining pudding ingredients and blend again. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
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Assemble: 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 banana slice.
Expert Tips
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Use a High-Speed Blender: Ensures a silky smooth texture.
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Blend in Stages: Start with the cottage cheese and liquid ingredients before adding the rest.
Dietary Modifications
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Low-Carb: Omit the banana, use High Key low-carb wafers, and sugar-free syrup.
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Gluten-Free: Use Simple Mills Sweet Thins instead of regular wafers.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt, use dairy-free milk and whipped topping.
Storage
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Before serving, stir to redistribute any separated ingredients and enjoy chilled.
FAQs
How do I make the pudding extra smooth?
Use a high-speed blender and blend in stages to eliminate lumps.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Swap in equal amounts. You may not need to add milk to thin it out.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap cottage cheese for dairy-free yogurt, use dairy-free milk and whipped topping.
How do I make this low-carb?
Remove the banana, use High Key low-carb wafers, and opt for sugar-free syrup.
Best High Protein Banana Pudding
This protein-packed banana pudding is rich, creamy, and satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt! Made with cottage cheese and protein powder, it’s an easy, healthy dessert you’ll love.
Servings: 2
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Pudding Base
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 ½ tbsp banana pudding mix (Simply Delish recommended)
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or sugar-free syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ banana (optional, remove for low-carb)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (regular or plant-based, as needed)
Toppings
- 2 tbsp crushed wafers (see dietary swaps below)
- ¼ cup whipped topping (remove for low-carb)
- Banana slices (optional)
Instructions
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Blend the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender until completely smooth. Add protein powder, banana pudding mix, syrup, vanilla extract, and banana (if using), then blend again until silky. If the mixture is too thick, add milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
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Crush the wafers and set them aside.
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In two glasses, add a layer of crushed wafers, then spoon in a layer of pudding. Add a layer of whipped topping, then repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
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Top with additional crushed wafers and banana slices if desired.
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Chill before serving for the best flavor. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Stir before serving to redistribute ingredients for the best texture.
