This high-protein banana pudding is not just a treat for your taste buds but a powerhouse of nutrition as well. The creamy base, made from Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and a scoop of protein powder, packs in over 20 grams of protein per serving, making it an ideal option for muscle recovery and satiety. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the light tanginess of Greek yogurt, while the addition of granola or protein cookies provides a delightful crunch. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, a healthy dessert, or a high-protein breakfast, this banana pudding delivers on all fronts, combining taste and nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Pudding:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Layers and Topping:
- 1 cup high-protein granola or crushed protein cookies
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a blender or food processor, combine the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein powder, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a thick, protein-packed pudding base with a natural sweetness from the bananas.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding Layers: In a medium-sized serving dish or individual cups, start by layering the bottom with a portion of the high-protein granola or crushed protein cookies. Next, spoon a layer of the banana pudding mixture over the granola. Add a layer of banana slices on top of the pudding. Repeat these layers until the serving dish or cups are filled, finishing with a layer of banana pudding on top.
- Chill the Pudding: Cover the dish or cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set, giving it a thick, creamy texture.
- Prepare the Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top layer of banana pudding. The nuts add a delightful crunch and extra protein, complementing the smooth texture of the pudding. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the high-protein banana pudding chilled. It makes for a perfect post-workout snack, a healthy dessert, or a satisfying breakfast option. Each spoonful offers a delicious blend of creamy banana flavor, crunchy granola, and a hint of sweetness, all while providing a substantial amount of protein to fuel your day.
