High Protein Banana Pudding (easy & healthy!)
Creamy, high protein pudding topped with caramelized bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla—quick, healthy, and irresistibly delicious!
Finding a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy can feel like a challenge. But what if I told you there’s a treat that ticks both boxes and comes together in just a few steps? Enter High Protein Banana Pudding—a creamy, protein-packed dessert with a sweet, caramelized banana topping. It’s so delicious, you won’t believe how simple it is to make!
This recipe combines the rich creaminess of cottage cheese and sour cream with the natural sweetness of bananas, and the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla. The result? A luxurious pudding that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your nutrition goals in check. Whether you need a quick weeknight dessert, a wholesome snack, or a unique potluck dish, this recipe will have you hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Pudding
- Nutrient-packed: Cottage cheese is loaded with protein and calcium, while bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium. Together, they create a dessert that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
- Quick and easy: With just six ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip this up in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy schedules!
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—like a sprinkle of granola, drizzle of honey, or chopped nuts—for extra flair. A drizzle of maple syrup will enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas without much added sugar.
- Crowd-pleaser: The combination of creamy pudding and caramelized bananas appeals to kids and adults alike.
A Breakdown of Ingredients in this Creamy Banana Pudding
- Cottage cheese: The base of this pudding, cottage cheese brings creaminess and a hefty dose of protein. Opt for full-fat or low-fat versions based on your preference.
- Banana: Half of the banana blends into the pudding for natural sweetness, while the other half caramelizes to form a luscious topping.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that elevates the creaminess of the pudding.
- Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the bananas perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.
- Butter: Essential for caramelizing the bananas to golden perfection.
– To incorporate more healthy fats, consider adding chia seeds, hemp seeds or peanut butter to your sweet treat.
– For a classic take on this healthy dessert, serve your cottage cheese banana pudding with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or graham cracker crumbs.
How to Make this Banana Protein Pudding
- Blend the pudding: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, half a banana, sour cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Caramelize the bananas: Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Slice the remaining half of the banana and place the fresh banana slices in the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bananas are golden and caramelized.
- Assemble: Spoon the banana pudding mixture into a bowl or serving dish, then top with the warm caramelized bananas.
- Enjoy: Dig in while the bananas are still warm, and savor the creamy, sweet-spiced goodness!
This healthy protein banana pudding is made with simple ingredients and serves as a delicious, healthy snack or healthier dessert without any added sugar. Scroll down for the recipe card with complete instructions.
How to Store the Recipe
This pudding is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers if needed:
- Refrigerator: Transfer the pudding and caramelized bananas to an airtight container. Store separately to maintain the texture of the caramelized bananas. Consume within 1–2 days.
- Freezer: The pudding can be frozen for up to a month in a freezer-safe container. However, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight before serving, and add fresh caramelized bananas on top.
Tips for Making Easy High Protein Banana Pudding
- Choose ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter your pudding will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
- Use a high-speed blender: To achieve a silky-smooth pudding, use a blender or food processor that can fully break down the cottage cheese.
- Don’t skip the butter: Butter is key to achieving beautifully caramelized bananas with a rich, golden crust. For a healthier twist, you could use plant-based butter that has a lower saturated fat content.
- Serve warm: The contrast of warm bananas with chilled pudding takes this dessert to the next level. For a cozy variation, gently warm the tasty pudding as well.
- Get creative with toppings: Try adding toasted coconut, crushed pecans, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra layer of flavor.
High Protein Banana Pudding (easy & healthy!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage cheese low-fat
- 1 Banana divide in two
- 2 Tbsp Sour cream
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp Butter
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, 1/2 banana, sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon together until smooth.
- Place butter and other half of sliced bananas in a pan. Cook for a few minutes over medium heat until bananas are caramelized.
- Serve caramelized bananas over pudding.