Easy Protein Banana Pudding is the ultimate solution for dessert lovers who crave something sweet but also want to boost their daily protein. This pudding is luxuriously creamy with ripe bananas woven throughout, offering all the nostalgic flavor of the classic Southern treat, but with a healthy, energizing twist. It’s as quick to make as it is delicious, making it a go-to snack or dessert for busy days, gym sessions, or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Protein Banana Pudding is that you only need a handful of common ingredients, each one playing an important role in the finished dish. These simple staples work in harmony to create a pudding that’s both wholesome and decadent.
- Bananas: Use ripe, speckled bananas for the sweetest and most intense banana flavor.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: This adds a creamy, vanilla depth and gives each serving a hefty protein boost—choose your favorite brand for best results.
- Low-fat Greek Yogurt: Acts as the rich base of the pudding, bringing a lovely tang and ultra-smooth texture.
- Milk of Choice: Adjusts the thickness—dairy or non-dairy both work well here; use almond or oat milk for extra silkiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the banana flavor, making every bite taste like pure comfort.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): Helps sweeten things up just enough if your bananas aren’t super ripe.
- Vanilla Wafers or Graham Crackers (optional): For that classic Southern-style crunch layered between the creamy pudding.
How to Make Easy Protein Banana Pudding
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
Begin by peeling your bananas and placing them in a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash until you reach a mostly smooth consistency with a few small chunks remaining—these add great texture to every bite!
Step 2: Blend the Pudding Base
In a separate large bowl, whisk together your Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir briskly until the mixture is creamy and thick, with no lumps remaining from the protein powder. If your mixture feels too thick, splash in a bit more milk to loosen it up.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Gently fold the mashed bananas into the pudding base, being careful not to overmix. Taste and decide if you need to add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, especially if your bananas were less ripe.
Step 4: Layer with Crunch (Optional)
If you’re feeling nostalgic, layer vanilla wafers or graham crackers in the bottom of serving glasses or a trifle bowl. Spoon over a layer of banana pudding, repeating as desired until all the pudding is used up.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the pudding and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to get extra creamy. When you’re ready to serve, just grab a spoon and dig in!
How to Serve Easy Protein Banana Pudding
Garnishes
A beautiful bowl of Easy Protein Banana Pudding deserves a little flourish! Top with sliced fresh banana, a dusting of cinnamon, crushed nuts, or even a swirl of whipped cream for something extra special.
Side Dishes
This pudding can stand proudly on its own, but if you want to make it a more substantial snack, pair with a handful of fresh berries, a hot mug of coffee, or some crunchy granola sprinkled on top for serious texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, spoon Easy Protein Banana Pudding into individual mason jars or clear glasses so that guests can see all those pretty layers. Try portioning into mini tart shells for a fun, bite-sized twist, or serve in a big family-style trifle bowl topped with extra bananas and crunchy toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Protein Banana Pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. The wafers or crackers may soften over time, but this only adds to the classic pudding texture.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pudding (without wafers/crackers for best results) in tightly sealed containers for up to two months. Thaw slowly in the fridge before serving; keep in mind the pudding will be slightly thicker after freezing, but still delicious.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold, but if you’d like a warm treat, just scoop a serving into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 15 to 20 seconds. Warming it will loosen up the texture, perfect for cozy days.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Protein Banana Pudding dairy-free?
Absolutely! Choose a plant-based Greek-style yogurt and your favorite non-dairy protein powder and milk. The pudding will stay thick, rich, and just as comforting.
Which protein powder works best?
Vanilla whey or plant-based protein powders both work great. Just watch for added sugar or strong flavors—vanilla blends nicely without overpowering the bananas.
Can I prep this pudding in advance?
Yes! In fact, Easy Protein Banana Pudding tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to deepen, the pudding to firm up, and the wafers (if using) to soften just right.
How do I prevent bananas from turning brown?
Mixing bananas directly into the yogurt and protein base helps slow browning. You can also gently toss sliced bananas for garnish with a little lemon juice before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! Just make sure you use a protein powder appropriate for your family’s dietary preferences and ask your pediatrician if you have any concerns. Kids love the creamy texture and banana flavor!
Final Thoughts
If banana pudding brings back sweet memories for you, this high-protein version will become a new favorite. Easy Protein Banana Pudding is a tasty and nourishing twist that fits any occasion. I hope you give it a try soon and let it earn a spot in your regular treat rotation!
Print
Easy Protein Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending, Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Protein Banana Pudding is a delicious and nutritious dessert that packs a protein punch. Creamy and satisfying, this guilt-free treat is perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Pudding:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond milk
Toppings:
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped nuts
- Drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, protein powder, and almond milk. Blend until smooth.
- Layer: In serving glasses, alternate layers of the pudding mixture with sliced bananas.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Serve: Top with chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this pudding by adding your favorite toppings like granola or berries.
- For a thicker consistency, use frozen bananas.
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