High Protein Banana Pudding (made with cottage cheese)

Craving something sweet but want a treat that won’t derail your nutrition goals? This high protein banana pudding is just the right amount of sweet, creamy, satisfying and packed with protein to balance blood sugar, curb cravings and maintain steady energy. It’s the perfect snack for women navigating hormonal changes and seeking balance in perimenopause. Enjoy this protein pudding for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or a post-workout recovery snack and feel nourished and satisfied. 

Why you’ll love this high protein banana pudding

As a registered dietitian, this is one of my go-to snacks for sustained, balanced energy and happy hormones. Here’s why it works for women in their 40’s:

• High protein snack: One serving contains 19 grams of protein. You can increase the protein with toppings such as hemp seeds, walnuts or a nut butter. The protein helps with satiety and blood sugar balance.
• Contains calcium: This pudding is made with cottage cheese and provides about 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium, which supports bone health (extremely important during perimenopause). 
• Naturally sweetened: This recipe is sugar free and naturally sweetened with banana and a touch of maple syrup. 
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds extra blood sugar support. 
• The best reason of all: it is creamy, naturally sweet and satisfying without feeling heavy. 

What you’ll need to make this pudding

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese: I use Good Culture for extra gut health benefits. Any type will work, but I suggest the low-fat 2% version. 
• Ripe bananas: They don’t have to be extra spotty and banana bread ready, but definitely on the riper side works better in terms of texture. 
• Maple syrup: Use real maple syrup. Agave would work as well. 
• Flaxseed meal: Adds fiber to the pudding. 
• Peanut butter: Peanut butter powder- Provides extra protein without the fat. 
• Cinnamon

How to make high protein banana pudding

This high protein pudding couldn’t be easier to make. I use an immersion blender to make this recipe, but you could also use a regular blender.

To make, simply add all of the ingredients to a blender or immersion blender cup. Blend all of the ingredients until smooth and creamy! Serve immediately or make a bigger batch for meal prep.

Different ways to enjoy high protein banana pudding

This protein pudding is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack or for workout recovery. Pro-tip: double the recipe and store in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go option throughout the week.

You can further level up the nutrition by adding toppings like hemp seeds, cacao nibs, berries, walnuts, nut butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt. These toppings add fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. 

Storage options

Store pudding in a glass, airtight container for up to 4 days.