If you have a soft spot for comforting desserts that also pack a nutritional punch, you’re going to fall head over heels for this High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe. It takes the classic, creamy banana pudding we all adore and boosts it with extra protein, making it not only satisfying but also a smart choice for those who want to indulge without the guilt. With layers of smooth, rich pudding, fresh bananas, and that irresistible crunch of Nilla Wafers, this pudding hits every note of texture and flavor while keeping your energy levels steady. Whether as a post-workout treat or a delightful ending to a family meal, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass jar holds a layered dessert with multiple visible layers: at the bottom, a smooth pale yellow pudding layer; above it, a layer of sliced banana pieces with broken light brown cookies scattered in between; next, another thick pudding layer tinted pale yellow; on top of that, a mix of banana slices and cookie pieces; the dessert is finished with a thick layer of white whipped cream, garnished with a whole round light brown cookie and a banana slice. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with more broken cookies around it, against a soft blue background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients might feel like a breeze, but trust me, each one plays a crucial role in the magic of this dish. From creamy dairy elements to the fresh fruit and delicate cookies, every component contributes to that perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal.

Vanilla protein powder: Adds a protein boost while complementing the vanilla flavor beautifully.
Vanilla instant pudding mix: Gives the pudding that classic smooth texture and sweet note.
Whole or nondairy milk, cold: Creates the perfect liquid base for the pudding, keeping it silky.
Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds a luscious richness and lightness to the pudding.
High-protein vanilla yogurt (like Siggi’s): Boosts protein content and adds a nice tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Ripe bananas: Thinly sliced for fresh flavor and natural sweetness.
Nilla Wafers: Lightly crumbled for texture and a signature cookie crunch, with a few whole wafers for garnish.

How to Make High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base

Start by whisking together the vanilla protein powder and the instant pudding mix in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in the cold milk while whisking constantly to ensure you don’t get any lumps. The mixture will be slightly looser than traditional pudding, but don’t worry—that’s just the protein powder doing its thing. Cover and chill it in the fridge for at least 40 minutes or overnight. This step is essential for that creamy texture we’re after.

Step 2: Whip the Cream and Yogurt

In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Then, add the high-protein vanilla yogurt and continue whipping until stiff peaks appear. This whipped mixture adds a dreamy fluffiness and extra protein to the pudding. Scoop out about half a cup and pop it back in the fridge for topping later. This will make your dessert feel extra special and light.

Step 3: Fold Whipped Mixture into the Pudding

Gently fold the remaining whipped cream and yogurt mixture into the chilled pudding base using a rubber spatula. The key here is to be tender so you keep those airy peaks intact—this is what gives the pudding its signature cloud-like texture. Keep folding until no streaks remain, and everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab some small glass jars or dessert cups to create visually appealing individual servings. Start with a layer of about 1/4 cup of pudding mixture, then add a handful of banana slices and sprinkle crumbled Nilla Wafers. Repeat this layering once more and finish with a final layer of pudding on top. Layering like this lets each spoonful hit the perfect combination of creamy pudding, fresh fruit, and cookie crunch.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Top each serving with a generous dollop of the reserved whipped cream, a whole Nilla Wafer, and a few extra banana slices. These garnishes not only elevate the presentation but also give a delightful fresh and crunchy contrast at first bite. Now your High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe is ready to impress!

How to Serve High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe

The dessert is in a clear glass jar with three main layers. The bottom layer is made of light brown cookie pieces, looking soft and crumbly. The middle layer is a thick light yellow cream that looks smooth and creamy, covering part of the cookie pieces. Above this is another layer of crumbled light brown cookies, slightly mixed with the cream. The top layer is a large dollop of white whipped cream, soft and fluffy, with some cookie crumbs on it. A silver spoon is pressing down into the whipped cream from the top right. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft blue backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like extra banana slices, whole Nilla Wafers, or even a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can make this pudding even more eye-catching and flavorful. Fresh herbs like mint leaves also add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweet pudding.

Side Dishes

This pudding makes a wonderful standalone dessert but also pairs perfectly with light, fresh fruit salads or a crunchy granola topping for those who want a little extra bite. For a more indulgent spread, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on the side works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting guests or want to make this pudding extra special, consider layering it in clear mini trifle bowls or mason jars. These show off the beautiful layers and can be made ahead, making them perfect for parties. You could also garnish with edible flowers for a stunning, elegant touch that’s sure to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pudding should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh bananas, it’s best to enjoy leftovers within 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor. The pudding may thicken a bit as it chills but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

This High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing due to the delicate texture and fresh fruit, which can become mushy. It’s best to stick to refrigeration to keep the pudding’s creamy, fresh qualities intact.

Reheating

Since this pudding is meant to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a gentle stir after it chills to refresh the texture if it feels too thick. Serve chilled and enjoy the cool, creamy goodness every time.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! Non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk works perfectly and keeps the pudding just as creamy. Just use a variety you enjoy drinking to complement the flavors.

What if I don’t have vanilla protein powder?

If you don’t have vanilla protein powder, you can use unflavored protein powder with a bit extra vanilla extract added, or simply omit it, though the protein boost will be lessened.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try using whipping cream with lower fat content, but the texture may be less rich. Full-fat heavy cream gives the pudding its classic lusciousness, but the yogurt also helps keep it creamy if you want to lighten it up a bit.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and sweetness, choose bananas that are ripe but not overly brown. They should be soft enough to slice easily but still firm enough to hold their shape in layers.

Is this pudding suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe is great for meal prep because it can be made ahead and stored in individual portions. Just keep in mind the fresh bananas will lose freshness after a couple of days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of comfort and nutrition that feels like a treat but fuels your body with much-needed protein. Whether you’re serving it family-style or in cute individual jars, this pudding always brings smiles. Give it a whirl soon—you might just find your new favorite dessert with a powerhouse twist!

High-Protein Banana Pudding Recipe

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This High-Protein Banana Pudding is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic dessert, featuring a creamy, protein-packed pudding layered with ripe bananas and crunchy Nilla Wafers. Perfect for a satisfying snack or a healthy dessert option, this recipe combines vanilla protein powder, instant pudding mix, and high-protein yogurt to boost the protein content without sacrificing taste.

Author: Martha
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Pudding Base

1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1 (3.4-oz.) package vanilla instant pudding mix
1 1/2 cups whole or nondairy milk, cold

Whipped Cream Mixture

1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup high-protein vanilla yogurt (such as Siggi’s)

Additional Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
27 Nilla Wafers, lightly crumbled, plus 4 whole wafers for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla protein powder and vanilla instant pudding mix. While whisking constantly, slowly stream in the cold milk until there are no lumps remaining. This process should take about one minute. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 40 minutes or up to overnight. Note that the consistency will be slightly looser than regular pudding at this stage.
Make the whipped cream mixture: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the high-protein vanilla yogurt and continue beating until stiff peaks form, which will take an additional 30 to 60 seconds. Scoop out 1/2 cup of this whipped cream mixture and refrigerate it until ready to use for topping.
Combine pudding and whipped cream: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the remaining whipped cream mixture into the chilled pudding base until no streaks remain, creating a light and creamy pudding mixture.
Assemble the pudding jars: In small jars or serving glasses, layer 1/4 cup of the pudding mixture, followed by 4 or 5 banana slices, and about 2 crumbled Nilla Wafers. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with a final 1/4 cup of pudding mixture on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining jars or glasses.
Add final toppings: Top each pudding jar with a spoonful of the reserved whipped cream mixture, garnish with a whole Nilla Wafer, and add additional banana slices for decoration and added flavor.

Notes

For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or use only high-protein yogurt without cream, but the texture may vary.
Using ripe bananas is key for natural sweetness and soft texture that complements the pudding.
Make sure to chill the pudding thoroughly to allow it to set properly.
This dessert can be prepared up to a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
If you prefer, substitute Nilla Wafers with graham crackers or gluten-free cookies for dietary needs.