Easy Protein Banana Pudding

Introduction & Inspiration

When I first made this Easy Protein Banana Pudding, I was looking for a way to enjoy that nostalgic banana cream pie flavor without the sugar crash or heavy ingredients. I wanted something smooth, sweet, and creamy — but also nourishing, high in protein, and quick to prepare. This recipe hit every mark, and now it’s a staple in my fridge for breakfast, snacks, or a guilt-free dessert.

This pudding is rich in banana flavor, naturally sweetened, and layered with a little crunch — just like the classic dessert, but so much better for you.

Each spoonful is silky, subtly sweet, and full of comfort — perfect for meal prep or satisfying a banana craving.

Nostalgic Appeal

Banana pudding has always been one of those feel-good desserts for me. Whether it was layered with vanilla wafers or spooned out of a chilled bowl after dinner, it reminds me of childhood, potlucks, and warm-weather gatherings.

This healthier version brings all those memories back — only now, it supports my energy, fits my lifestyle, and comes together in minutes with everyday ingredients.

Even now, the scent of banana and vanilla together instantly makes me think of simpler times.

Homemade Focus

I love that this pudding is fully homemade with just a few real ingredients. No artificial thickeners, no boxed pudding mixes, and no refined sugars.

It’s made entirely from scratch using cottage cheese and ripe banana as the base — which gives it the perfect creamy consistency with a natural hint of sweetness.

I can customize the level of sweetness, the texture, and the toppings to fit my mood or my meal plan.

Flavor Goal

The goal here was to create a banana pudding that tastes like a classic dessert — creamy, sweet, and banana-forward — while sneaking in a good amount of protein and keeping things light.

Cottage cheese gives the pudding its luscious texture and high protein content.

A ripe banana provides natural sweetness, rich flavor, and body to the pudding.

Maple syrup adds just a touch of warmth and depth while keeping it refined sugar-free.

Vanilla extract enhances the banana flavor and gives it that nostalgic pudding aroma.

Crushed graham crackers and banana slices on top add texture and visual appeal.

Ingredient Insights

Cottage cheese is the creamy base that makes this pudding thick, smooth, and protein-rich. Once blended, it becomes completely velvety.

A ripe banana is essential for flavor and sweetness. The riper the banana, the more intense the banana flavor and natural sugars.

Maple syrup (or honey) lets you sweeten the pudding to your liking. You can start with a small amount and add more if needed.

Vanilla extract pulls everything together and mimics the flavor of classic banana cream desserts.

Graham crackers add crunch, contrast, and that pie-like quality to each bite.

Extra banana slices elevate the presentation and reinforce the banana flavor.

Essential Equipment

A high-speed blender or food processor is essential to blend the ingredients until completely smooth.

A rubber spatula helps scrape down the sides and layer the pudding neatly into jars or bowls.

Small mason jars, dessert cups, or meal-prep containers are ideal for portioning and storing.

Measuring spoons and a spoon or knife for slicing banana are all you’ll need beyond that.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

1 cup cottage cheese
1 ripe banana
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Assemble
Banana slices (for layering and garnish)
Crushed graham crackers (for crunch and flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

To Prepare the Pudding
Step 1: Place the cottage cheese, ripe banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into a blender
Step 2: Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed
Step 3: If the pudding is too thick, add a small splash of milk to thin it slightly
Step 4: Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired

To Layer and Assemble
Step 5: Spoon half of the pudding mixture into two jars or small containers
Step 6: Top with a few banana slices and a layer of crushed graham crackers
Step 7: Add the remaining pudding on top of each container, smoothing out the top layer
Step 8: Finish with more banana slices and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs

To Chill and Serve
Step 9: Cover each jar or container with a lid or plastic wrap
Step 10: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to chill and set
Step 11: Serve cold — enjoy with a spoon straight from the jar!

Troubleshooting

If your pudding isn’t blending smooth, check your blender strength — you may need to blend in intervals or add a bit of milk to help it move.

If it’s too tangy from the cottage cheese, use a very ripe banana and adjust with more syrup or vanilla.

If it’s too thick after chilling, stir in a small splash of milk to loosen it back up before serving.

For a firmer texture, chill the pudding overnight — it will continue to thicken as it rests.

Tips and Variations

Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring in cozy banana bread vibes.

Stir in chia seeds or ground flax for extra fiber and omega-3s.

Top with chopped nuts or coconut flakes for added crunch and flavor.

Swap the graham crackers for vanilla wafers, granola, or even a few chocolate chips for a twist.

Add a layer of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve for breakfast, dessert, or post-workout refuel — it’s perfect any time of day.

Pair with coffee, a smoothie, or a slice of whole-grain toast for a balanced snack.

Bring it to work or school in a mason jar — it’s meal-prep friendly and mess-free.

Dress it up with fancy toppings for brunch, or keep it simple for everyday cravings.

Nutritional Information

This banana pudding is high in protein, thanks to the cottage cheese, and naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup.

It’s free from refined sugar and artificial ingredients, yet tastes like a decadent treat.

You’ll get potassium, fiber, calcium, and slow-digesting carbs — all in one spoonable dish.

It’s a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Easy Protein Banana Pudding is smooth, sweet, naturally high in protein, and layered with banana slices and graham cracker crumbs — like banana cream pie in a jar, but better for you.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It’s great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely. Full-fat offers more creaminess, but low-fat blends just as well.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Try a plant-based cottage cheese and non-dairy milk alternative. Texture may vary slightly.

Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes — both work. A high-powered appliance gives the smoothest texture.

Can I freeze it?
Not recommended — freezing may change the texture. Best served fresh and chilled.

This pudding is creamy, clean, and completely crave-worthy. I hope you enjoy every banana-rich bite!