Satisfy your sweet tooth with this high protein Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding, a healthier twist on a classic dessert. This tasty pudding is so easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients- both kids and adults will love it!
Banana pudding has always been one of my favorite desserts. When I lived in NY City, I was obsessed with the famous banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery. This version is a healthier alternative that uses cottage cheese to keeps the pudding creamy and delicious while boosting the protein content. It's the perfect way to enjoy a nostalgic treat without compromising on nutrition.
Cottage cheese is definitely having a moment now and for good reason! It's low in calories and carbs, high in protein, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it's really versatile and can be used in so many dishes from savory dips and pasta sauces to sweet treats like this banana pudding.
When you blend cottage cheese with a ripe banana, maple syrup, and vanilla, it transforms into a deliciously creamy, fluffy pudding. Then, you can layer the pudding with crumbled vanilla cookies (or graham crackers) and banana slices, and top it all off with a dollop of whipped cream.
This cottage cheese banana pudding is a great snack to satisfy your sweet tooth when you're craving something sweet. It's also a perfect treat that you can feel good about serving to your kids. Read my post on the best healthy snacks for kids for more ideas for your little ones.
And if you're not a fan of cottage cheese, don't let that stop you from trying this dish. The cottage cheese is completely transformed- you won't even taste it in this delicious protein pudding.
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Why You'll Love This Dish
- High Protein: Packed with grams of 14 grams of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Delicious and Healthy Treat: A delicious sweet treat you can enjoy for dessert, a snack or even breakfast.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to make with ingredients you likely already have.
- Quick and Easy: An easy recipe that's ready in no time with minimal effort.
Doctor's Tips
- Cottage cheese has a mild flavor and creamy texture, which makes it an excellent substitute for higher-fat ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream.
- It's rich in protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
- Eating enough protein is essential for muscle repair, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and supporting overall health. Incorporating high-protein foods like cottage cheese into your diet is a great way to meet your daily protein needs.
- To read more about the importance of eating protein, read my post on healthy high protein lunches.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Cottage Cheese: I use full-fat cottage cheese in this recipe for a creamier texture however you can use low-fat or fat free cottage cheese.
- Bananas: Use the ripest bananas you have because they will be the sweetest.
- Maple Syrup: Can substitute honey, stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or any sweetener of your choice.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; almond extract can be used for a different twist.
- Vanilla cookies: I use NIlla wafers, which are classic in banana pudding; you can substitute other vanilla cookies or graham crackers.
How To Ripen Bananas Fast For Banana Bread:
If you don't have any ripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly in the oven or air fryer! Then they'll be perfect to use in this cottage cheese banana pudding. Read my post on How To Quickly Ripen Bananas in the Oven or Air Fryer.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding Step-By-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- Place cottage cheese, banana, maple syrup, and vanilla in a food processor or blender.
- Step 2- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3- Spoon the pudding into individual bowls or jars, alternating with layers of crumbled vanilla cookies and banana slices.
- Step 4- Top with whipped cream. Refrigerate for a few hours to let the pudding firm up, then serve.
Chef's Tips
- I like to use full-fat cottage cheese in this recipe because it gives the pudding a creamier texture. I like Good Culture brand.
- Use the ripest bananas you have because they will be the sweetest. Read my post on how to ripen bananas quickly.
- Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving to allow the pudding time to thicken up.
- Blend in some cocoa powder to create a chocolate version of this pudding.
- For even more protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the pudding.
Recipe FAQs
This cottage cheese banana pudding can be store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best results. The bananas will start to turn brown but it will still taste great!
Yes, an immersion blender or high-speed blender will work well too.
Yes, this cottage cheese banana pudding has 14 grams of protein per serving. For more protein, you can stir in some vanilla protein powder.
Yes, you can use stevia, monk fruit sweetener or another low-carb sweetener to make this recipe lower in carbs.
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Recipe
High Protein Banana Pudding With Cottage Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
Banana Pudding:
- 1 container (16 oz) 4% cottage cheese
- 1 large, ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
For Serving:
- 8 Nilla wafers, crumbled (can substitute other vanilla cookies or graham crackers)
- 1 banana, sliced
- ½ cup whipped cream
Instructions
- To make the pudding, blend cottage cheese, one ripe banana, vanilla, and maple syrup together in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- To assemble the dish, spoon some banana pudding into a bowl and top with some crumbled cookies, another layer of pudding, and a few banana slices. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the pudding to firm up, if desired. Devour!
Notes
-
- I like to use full-fat cottage cheese in this recipe because it gives the pudding a creamier texture. I like Good Culture brand.
- Use the ripest bananas you have because they will be the sweetest. Read my post on how to ripen bananas quickly.
- Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving to allow the pudding time to thicken up.
- Blend in some cocoa powder to create a chocolate version of this pudding.
- For even more protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the pudding.
- This cottage cheese banana pudding can be store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best results. The bananas will start to turn brown but it will still taste great!
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