Protein Banana Pudding with Cottage Cheese (GF)
This protein banana pudding with cottage cheese delivers creamy, naturally sweetened banana flavor without artificial ingredients. Made with real banana, vanilla protein powder, and maple syrup for a healthy dessert that satisfies sweet cravings.
This protein banana pudding transforms simple cottage cheese into the creamiest, most satisfying healthy banana dessert. Made with real banana, vanilla protein powder, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this cottage cheese banana pudding delivers all the comfort of classic banana pudding without artificial flavoring or excess sugar. I created this recipe when my family wanted a sweet treat that wouldn’t leave us feeling sluggish, and now it’s our go-to after school protein snack.
What sets this high protein banana pudding apart is how the cottage cheese blends completely smooth, creating a rich base that actually tastes like banana – not the artificial yellow stuff from pudding mix. My kids can’t believe something this creamy and sweet is actually good for them, and I love that it provides lasting energy instead of a sugar crash. And they can be enjoyed gluten-free with my easy almond flour vanilla wafer cookie recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Protein Banana Pudding Recipe
- High protein satisfaction: Each serving packs protein from both cottage cheese and vanilla protein powder to keep you full and energized.
- Real banana flavor: Made with actual banana instead of artificial flavoring for clean, natural taste that beats any pudding mix.
- Simple weekday dessert: Blend all ingredients in minutes for an easy healthy dessert that satisfies sweet cravings without guilt.
- Naturally gluten-free: Perfect for gluten-sensitive families when paired with my homemade gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make protein banana pudding:
Cottage Cheese: This is what makes the pudding creamy and high in protein. Greek yogurt works too, but cottage cheese is less tart.
Banana: Use a ripe banana for the best sweetness and flavor.
Maple Syrup: Sweetens it naturally. You can swap with honey or any liquid sweetener you prefer.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Adds more protein and vanilla flavor. Any vanilla protein powder works great here. This is my favorite organic protein powder that tastes delicious in this recipe.
Vanilla Extract: Makes the banana flavor pop. You can skip this if your protein powder is really vanilla-heavy.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and makes everything taste better. Feel free to leave it out if you want.
Salt: Just a tiny pinch to balance the sweetness. Don’t skip it – it really helps!
Easily Adapt This Recipe for Any Diet
This recipe is naturally easy to tweak! Follow these simple swaps to make it dairy-free or vegan while keeping the same great texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written – just double-check your protein powder for hidden gluten.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cottage cheese or substitute with silken tofu blended with a splash of non-dairy milk for creaminess.
Vegan: Replace cottage cheese with silken tofu and use plant-based protein powder instead of whey-based varieties.
š” Pro Tip: If you try a substitution, let us know how it worked in the comments!
How to Make My Protein Banana Pudding Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions that are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Add Everything to Blender
Add 2 cups cottage cheese, 1 peeled banana, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 pinches salt to a blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend and Serve
Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth. Taste and add more maple syrup if you want it sweeter. Pour into bowls and chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
My Expert Recipe Tips
Use ripe banana: A banana with brown spots blends smoother and adds natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra maple syrup.
Don’t overblend: Once smooth, stop blending to prevent incorporating too much air, which can make the texture foamy instead of creamy.
Chill before serving: The pudding thickens and flavors meld beautifully when chilled, creating a more traditional pudding texture.
Scrape down sides: Stop halfway through blending to scrape cottage cheese from the sides for the smoothest possible texture.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Gluten-free vanilla wafers: I love serving this with my homemade almond flour vanilla wafers for the full banana pudding experience. You’ll love how they add that classic crunch without gluten.
- Fresh banana slices: Top with thin banana rounds for extra banana flavor and beautiful presentation. The contrast in textures makes each bite more interesting.
- Crushed graham crackers: Sprinkle my gluten-free oat flour graham crackers on top for traditional banana pudding vibes. It adds the perfect sweet crunch that everyone expects.
- Chopped nuts: I like to add chopped walnuts or pecans for healthy fats and crunch. You’ll love how they complement the creamy banana flavor.
Do you love banana treats? Check out more of my easy banana dessert recipes:
- Frozen Banana Snickers Healthy Candy Bars
- Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Protein Bowl with Banana
- Frozen Cottage Cheese Banana Bark with Peanuts
- Viral Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt Clusters
- Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Lighter Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Crepes
Easy Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Protein Banana Pudding with Cottage Cheese (GF)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 banana
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Add 2 cups cottage cheese, 1 peeled banana, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 pinches salt to a blender or food processor.
- Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth. Taste and add more maple syrup if you want it sweeter. Pour into bowls and chill for 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
Made some this morning and my daughter and I ate for lunch with some graham crackers. It was wonderful to taste real bananas! The texture is a little different than the box kind. Much creamier but we loved it!
Thank you for the review, Marie! I’m so glad your daughter enjoyed it, too š
Way healthier than the banana box pudding! Very nice recipe!
Awe…thank you, Alana!
I’m excited for you to make this all natural protein banana pudding with cottage cheese! Please let me know what you think in the comments below š