Name: Protein-Packed Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk); ½ cup vanilla protein powder; ½ cup unsweetened almond milk; 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 6 vanilla wafers, crushed; Extra banana slices and crushed wafers for topping (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a treat that tastes indulgent but works double-time to fuel your body, let me introduce you to my favorite Protein-Packed Banana Pudding. Creamy, dreamy, and satisfyingly sweet, this dessert transforms the classic banana pudding into a wholesome pick-me-up loaded with real protein power. The blend of ripe bananas, velvety Greek yogurt, and a touch of vanilla is nostalgic and fresh all at once, while the added boost from protein powder brings this dish firmly into the guilt-free, anytime-snack category. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or looking for a standout dessert that loves you back, you’ll fall head over heels for this Protein-Packed Banana Pudding!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Protein-Packed Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something truly special. Every item plays a crucial part: some add creaminess, others sweetness, and a few provide that all-important structure and flavor pop that takes the end result to a whole new level.

Bananas: Ripe bananas lend natural sweetness, flavor, and that classic pudding texture.
Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk): Rich and creamy, it’s the secret behind the pudding’s signature thickness and satisfying protein content.
Vanilla protein powder: This is how we turbocharge the protein—choose your favorite vanilla blend for the best flavor.
Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps things light and smooth, and stops the pudding from feeling too heavy.
Maple syrup or honey: A drizzle provides mellow, natural sweetness that enhances the bananas beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Adds a deep note of warmth and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens everything up and highlights the sweet notes even more.
Vanilla wafers, crushed: Classic crunch and buttery vanilla flavor—these are a textural must!
Extra banana slices and crushed wafers, for topping (optional): Optional, but highly recommended for pretty presentation and extra fun.

How to Make Protein-Packed Banana Pudding

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Base

In your favorite mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, almond milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and salt. Give this mixture a thorough whisk until it’s completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This forms the ultra-silky backbone of our Protein-Packed Banana Pudding and sets the stage for all the deliciousness that follows.

Step 2: Fold in the Bananas

Pour your sliced bananas into the creamy yogurt mixture and gently fold them together. The goal here is to combine everything without breaking up the banana slices too much—they should stay intact, providing bursts of sweet banana flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Layer with Vanilla Wafers

Spoon some of the pudding mixture into your serving jars or bowls. Add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers, then repeat until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of pudding. The wafers will begin to soften a bit as the pudding sits, adding that classic banana pudding texture we all crave!

Step 4: Top and Chill

If you’re feeling fancy, crown your puddings with extra slices of banana and a sprinkle of more crushed wafers. Then pop everything into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and the mixture to thicken up slightly—pure perfection in every spoonful.

How to Serve Protein-Packed Banana Pudding

Garnishes

To really make your Protein-Packed Banana Pudding look as irresistible as it tastes, pile on a few fresh banana slices and a final dusting of crushed vanilla wafers just before serving. If you like, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top adds extra gloss and sweetness, making each serving totally Instagram-worthy.

Side Dishes

While this pudding is perfectly satisfying on its own, pairing it with a handful of fresh berries or a hot mug of tea creates a truly memorable dessert moment. You could also serve it alongside a platter of almond biscotti or crispy apple chips for contrasting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try layering the pudding into clear glasses or mini mason jars to show off the beautiful stripes of pudding and wafers. If you’re entertaining, mini trifle dishes or even shot glasses make for fun, party-friendly single servings. For a summer barbecue, layer everything in a big trifle bowl and let everyone dig in family-style—Protein-Packed Banana Pudding is made for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just note that the bananas may brown a bit, although the flavor and texture will still be delightful.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze Protein-Packed Banana Pudding, the texture may change and become less creamy after thawing. If you do choose to freeze, place your portions in single-serve containers, and thaw gently in the refrigerator before enjoying. For best results, add fresh banana slices and crushed wafers just before serving, as these toppings won’t freeze as nicely.

Reheating

This is a chilled, no-bake treat, so no reheating is needed! Simply stir the pudding if it’s separated a bit, and you’re good to go. If you want to soften it after refrigeration, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Protein-Packed Banana Pudding dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) and use a vegan vanilla protein powder. The pudding will still be delicious, creamy, and full of flavor.

What’s the best protein powder to use for this recipe?

Any smooth, vanilla-flavored protein powder should work well—whether it’s whey, plant-based, or casein. Just aim for one that you really enjoy the flavor of, since it plays a big role in the final taste of the pudding.

Can I prepare Protein-Packed Banana Pudding in advance?

Definitely! You can make the entire pudding up to a day ahead and chill it in the fridge. In fact, this helps the flavors meld and the wafers soften perfectly. Just add fresh toppings right before serving for the best look and texture.

How can I make a thicker pudding?

For a thicker Protein-Packed Banana Pudding, simply use a little less almond milk or refrigerate the pudding for a longer period. If you’re after a super-smooth texture, blending the mixture before folding in the bananas works wonders!

Are there any healthy swaps I can make?

Absolutely. You can use low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt, swap the wafers for whole-grain cookies or nut-based granola, and choose a sugar-free syrup if you’d like to keep the sweetness lighter. The recipe is wonderfully flexible to fit your needs.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Protein-Packed Banana Pudding and see just how simple, delicious, and rewarding it can be to enjoy a treat that truly loves you back. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a powerhouse snack, don’t be surprised if it becomes the new favorite in your home—one spoonful and you’ll understand why I keep coming back again and again!

Protein-Packed Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: High-Protein, Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delicious Protein-Packed Banana Pudding that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creaminess of Greek yogurt and a protein boost from vanilla protein powder. A guilt-free dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
½ cup vanilla protein powder
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Additional for Topping

6 vanilla wafers, crushed
Extra banana slices and crushed wafers for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Combine with Bananas: Fold in the sliced bananas and gently mix to combine.
Layer and Chill: Layer the mixture into serving jars or bowls, alternating with crushed vanilla wafers. Top with additional banana slices and crushed wafers if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.