High-Protein Banana Pudding.

Traditional banana pudding is often a sugar-heavy affair, relying on instant pudding mixes and sweetened condensed milk.¹ While that version is undoubtedly nostalgic, it often leaves you feeling sluggish rather than satisfied. This protein-forward reimagining takes the core elements—creamy custard, ripe fruit, and a bit of crunch—and updates them with ingredients that actually sustain you.

By utilizing high-protein bases like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, we achieve a texture that is remarkably thick and indulgent without needing heavy cream. It is the kind of recipe that works just as well for a quick breakfast as it does for a post-dinner treat. If you’ve been looking for a way to satisfy a sweet tooth while hitting your protein goals, this is the bowl you’ve been waiting for.

Ingredients

This recipe focuses on simple, whole-food swaps to maximize nutrition while keeping the classic flavor profile intact.

• Banana: 1 large, very ripe (the spottier the better for natural sweetness).²
• Cottage Cheese: 1 cup, small curd. (Don’t worry, we’re going to blend it for a silky finish).
• Plain Greek Yogurt: ½ cup, for a pleasant tang and extra creaminess.
• Vanilla Protein Powder: 1 scoop (approx. 30g). A whey-casein blend works best for thickness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
• Milk of Choice: 2–3 tablespoons (almond, soy, or dairy), used only to help with blending.
• Cinnamon: A pinch for warmth.
• Vanilla Wafers or Graham Crackers: 2–3, crushed for that essential “pudding” texture.
• Optional: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup if your banana isn’t quite sweet enough.

Instructions

Blending the Base

The secret to the “pudding” consistency lies in your blender. Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon into a high-speed blender or food processor. If the mixture is too thick to move, add your milk one tablespoon at a time. Blend on high for 45–60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and no cottage cheese curds remain. It should look like a thick, glossy custard.

Preparing the Fruit

In a separate small bowl, take half of your banana and mash it thoroughly with a fork until it’s a smooth paste. Stir this mashed banana into your blended protein mixture. This ensures every single spoonful has that authentic banana flavor. Slice the remaining half of the banana into thin rounds to use for layering.

The Layering Process

In a glass jar or a small bowl, begin with a layer of the protein pudding. Add a few slices of banana and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers. Repeat the layers until you reach the top. Layering is important because it ensures you get a bit of fruit and “crunch” in every bite, rather than everything sinking to the bottom.

The Set

While you can eat this immediately, it is significantly better if allowed to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This short rest allows the protein powder to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld. The wafers will soften slightly, mimicking the texture of a traditional Southern banana pudding.

Flavor and Texture Notes

The primary flavor is, of course, banana, but it’s backed by a rich vanilla undertone that feels more sophisticated than a boxed mix. The Greek yogurt adds a subtle brightness that prevents the pudding from feeling too heavy or cloying.

In terms of texture, it is incredibly voluminous. The blended cottage cheese creates a structured, “whipped” feeling that holds its shape. When you hit a piece of softened wafer and a fresh slice of banana, it hits all the nostalgic notes of the original dessert, but with a much cleaner finish on the palate.

Tips and Variations

You can easily pivot this recipe depending on your dietary needs or what you have in the pantry.

• Nut Butter Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter for a “peanut butter banana” version that adds healthy fats and even more protein.³
• Chocolate Chip: Add a tablespoon of mini dark chocolate chips for a bit of cocoa contrast.
• Vegan Option: Swap the cottage cheese and yogurt for silken tofu and a plant-based protein powder. Silken tofu blends into an incredible pudding-like consistency.
• Warm Version: If you prefer a warm snack, you can sauté the banana slices in a pan with a little cinnamon before layering them into the cold pudding for a temperature contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This is an excellent meal-prep option for the work week. You can double or triple the batch and store the blended pudding in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pro Tip: If you are making this ahead of time, wait to add the wafers and the fresh banana slices until right before you eat. Bananas can turn brown and wafers can become overly soggy if they sit for more than a few hours in the moisture of the pudding. The base itself, however, stays perfectly creamy.

Serving Suggestions

For a more “dessert” feel, serve this in a small ramekin with a dollop of Greek yogurt whipped with a little vanilla on top. For a breakfast version, top with a handful of granola or hemp seeds for extra crunch and omega-3s.

It also makes a fantastic dip. Serve the pudding in a bowl surrounded by apple slices or strawberry halves for a high-protein fruit dip that feels like a treat.

FAQ

Does it taste like cottage cheese?

Once blended with the protein powder, vanilla, and mashed banana, the “cheesy” flavor completely disappears. It simply provides a neutral, creamy base that takes on the flavor of whatever you add to it.

What if I don’t have a blender?

If you don’t have a blender, you can use a whisk and some elbow grease, but the cottage cheese will stay lumpy. In that case, I would recommend swapping the cottage cheese for more Greek yogurt or even a bit of ricotta cheese, which has a finer grain.

Can I use a different fruit?

While it wouldn’t be “banana pudding,” this base works beautifully with strawberries, mango, or even pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.

My pudding is too thin, how do I fix it?

Protein powders vary in their thickening ability. If it’s too thin, stir in a teaspoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed and let it sit for 10 minutes. These will absorb the excess moisture and thicken the pudding naturally.

Is this a meal replacement?

With the protein from the cheese, yogurt, and powder, plus the carbohydrates from the banana, it is a very balanced snack. To make it a full meal, consider adding a healthy fat like crushed walnuts or a scoop of nut butter.

Conclusion

This Protein Banana Pudding is proof that you can honor your cravings while still prioritizing your health goals. It’s a fast, no-cook recipe that feels like a total indulgence but leaves you feeling fueled and steady. The next time you have a ripe banana sitting on the counter, skip the bread and try this instead—it might just become your new favorite daily habit.