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This High Protein Banana Pudding has 22 grams of protein per serving and tastes like the real thing. It’s no-bake, takes 15 minutes to prep (plus chilling time) and makes a healthy dessert, snack or even breakfast.
Table of Contents
Banana pudding is one of those desserts that’s hard to say no to and this version gives you every reason to say yes! I’ve been making this High Protein Banana Pudding on repeat lately and it’s become a go-to in my fridge that I love to meal prep along with my Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats.
It’s creamy, sweet, and loaded with that classic banana-vanilla flavour but made with simple wholesome ingredients like Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt (you choose which!) and bananas. This one goes viral on the Choosing Chia Instagram every time I share it.
If you love easy no-bake treats, you’ll also want to try my Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse or this Blueberry Chia Pudding for more fridge-friendly options.
Recipe Highlight
- No cooking required: Mix, layer, refrigerate, done!
- 6 Ingredients: Made with just 6 ingredients simple ingredients and your choice of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Great for meal prep: Make it the night before and it’s even better the next day. For another meal prep favourite also try my Banana Protein Balls.
- Easily customizable: Use protein powder, powdered peanut butter for a super high-protein version or skip the add-ins entirely.
Ingredient Notes
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt makes up the base of the pudding. I like to use plain 2-5% Greek yogurt for an extra creamy pudding but any kind you like works. You can also use blended cottage cheese instead if you prefer, I’ve made it both ways and both work. The cottage cheese version is a little milder which is great if you don’t like the tanginess of yogurt.
Protein powder: Optional, but it boosts the protein and thickens the base slightly. Vanilla works best here, I use the Just Ingredients Vanilla Protein. This is my favourite protein powder and also works great to make Protein Powder Pancakes. You can swap in powdered peanut butter if you want to make this into peanut butter banana pudding.
Banana: Use a banana at the ripeness you actually like eating. I go for yellow with a couple of spots which I also use to make Banana Chia Pudding. (not overripe. I save those to make Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins.) If you don’t love the flavour of very ripe bananas, don’t use them here.
Nilla wafers: You can find nilla wafers at most grocery stores. If you cant get your hands on them this recipe also works with lady fingers or Biscoff cookies.
How To Make High-Protein Banana Pudding
*This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements and instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
Step 1: Mix the yogurt, protein powder, maple syrup and vanilla together in a bowl.
Step 2: Add a layer of the yogurt mixture to a container or bowl.
Step 3: Layer with nilla wafers.
Step 4: Layer with bananas.
Step 5: Repeat the layers until the top then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
How To Store
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cookies will continue to soften over time. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
Jess’s Tips
- Chill it overnight: This pudding is good after 2 hours but noticeably better the next day. It’s much more flavourful after sitting in the fridge overnight like true banana pudding.
- Use the right bananas: Don’t feel like you have to use overripe bananas just because they’re sweet. Use whatever ripeness you like eating. I go yellow with a few spots.
- Blend your cottage cheese first: If you’re using cottage cheese, blend it until completely smooth before mixing with the other ingredients. Leftover cottage cheese can be used to make Cottage Cheese Queso Dip!
- Taste and adjust sweetness: If your protein powder is already sweetened, you may not need much maple syrup at all. Give the yogurt mixture a taste before layering.
- Make individual portions: Layer in small mason jars or glasses for easy grab-and-go servings throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes absolutely! Just leave it out from the recipe. You’ll still get a pudding with 10 grams of protein per serving.
Nilla wafers are the classic choice, but any vanilla or shortbread-style cookie will work. They all soften in the fridge and give you that traditional pudding texture. Lady fingers or Biscoff cookies are the next best options.
Try These Banana Recipes Next!
Tried these High Protein Banana Pudding? Leave a review below and tag me @choosingchia on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook I love seeing your recreations!
High Protein Banana Pudding
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes, plus chilling time
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy banana pudding tastes like the classic, but it’s packed with 22 grams of protein per serving!
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 banana, sliced
- 8–10 Nilla wafers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, protein powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a cup, bowl, or meal prep container, layer the yogurt mixture with sliced banana and Nilla wafers. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best taste
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
If using cottage cheese blend until completely smooth before using.
Protein powder is optional. Skip it or use powdered peanut butter instead.
If using protein powder, you might want to omit maple syrup if your protein powder is sweetened
Use a banana at the ripeness you enjoy eating.
Stores covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 the recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
