High-Protein Banana Pudding
Prep time: 10 minutes | Chilling time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 individual cups
Ingredients
The Protein Base:
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2 cups Plain non-fat Greek yogurt (this provides the bulk of the protein)
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1 scoop (approx. 30g) Vanilla protein powder (whey or casein works best for a pudding texture)
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2 tbsp Sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (dry powder, for flavor and thickening)
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ΒΌ cup Unsweetened almond milk (add more or less to reach your desired thickness)
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Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup if you prefer extra sweetness
The Layers:
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2 large Bananas, sliced into rounds
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8-10 Low-sugar vanilla wafers or crushed graham crackers
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Optional: A handful of mini dark chocolate chips for the top
Instructions
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Create the Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and dry pudding mix.
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Adjust Consistency: Slowly stir in the almond milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is smooth and has the consistency of a thick pudding.
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Start Layering: In small glass jars or clear cups (like those in your photo), place a layer of crushed wafers at the bottom.
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Add Fruit and Cream: Follow the wafers with a layer of banana slices, then top with a generous dollop of the protein pudding mixture.
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Repeat: Repeat the layers (wafers, bananas, pudding) until the cups are full.
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Garnish: Top each cup with a few remaining banana slices and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or leftover wafer crumbs.
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Chill: Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the wafers to soften slightly and the flavors to meld into a classic “pudding” experience.
Why This Recipe Works
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Satiety: The high protein content from the Greek yogurt and protein powder helps you feel full longer compared to standard desserts.
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Natural Energy: Bananas provide potassium and a natural energy boost without the “crash” associated with refined sugars.
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Meal Prep Friendly: These can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or healthy dessert.
Pro-Tip
If your protein powder is naturally very sweet, you may want to skip the extra honey or maple syrup. If you find the Greek yogurt too tangy, a drop of liquid stevia can help balance the flavor without adding calories.