This high protein banana pudding is made with simple ingredients and packs 14 grams of protein per serving! If you're looking for a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth AND your protein goal, this is the one for you.
Have you ever tried the traditional banana pudding? It's surprisingly delicious! Creamy, flavorful, with a little bit of crunch, the classic version is definitely what you would consider comfort food.
This version is made without Greek Yogurt or protein powder – all you'll need is a banana protein shake (we like Fairlife), some instant pudding mix, ripe bananas, a dollop of whipped cream, and a few vanilla wafer cookies.
It's the perfect sweet treat at the end of a long day (or makes for a fabulous high-protein snack).
Why You'll Love It:
- High Protein. This recipe makes 2 servings, with each serving having 14 grams of protein. The best part? You get all the delicious flavor of rich banana pudding!
- Healthier dessert option. Depending on your goals, this might be considered a great healthy dessert. It's high in protein and lower in calories.
- Easy recipe. With just 5 ingredients and no blender time, it's a great way to treat yourself – without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Protein shake: We recommend that you use a banana-flavored pre-mixed protein shake like Fairlife. We tested vanilla protein shakes with banana instant pudding mix, but testers preferred the banana flavor of a Fairlife shake.
- Instant pudding mix: If your protein shake is banana, use vanilla pudding mix. If you use a vanilla protein shake, use banana pudding mix.
- Banana: Adding fresh banana slices to the middle and the top of each banana pudding cup adds the perfect flavor and texture. It is banana pudding, after all!
- Vanilla cookies: Traditionally, vanilla wafers are used (also known as Nilla wafers). These can be used, or you can substitute them with your preferred brand of vanilla cookies (we used Made Good, which are gluten-free).
- Whipped cream: A good dollop of whipped cream on top of each pudding cup adds the perfect touch of creaminess.
Check the recipe card for the full recipe, complete list of ingredients, and quantities needed.
How to Make Protein Banana Pudding
This high-protein banana pudding recipe is so easy to make!
- Step one: Pour a cold protein shake into a medium bowl.
- Step two: Sprinkle the instant pudding mix into the bowl.
- Step three: Whisk the pudding mix into the liquid until no lumps remain.
- Step four: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 5-10 minutes, or until set.
Assembling the Pudding Cups
- Step five: Fill a parfait glass (or mason jar) about halfway with the banana pudding mixture, then add a layer of banana slices.
- Step six: Top the banana layers with the remaining pudding, then top with a few banana slices, crumbled vanilla cookies, a dollop of whipped cream, and 1-2 vanilla cookies (or wafers) per glass. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use INSTANT pudding mix. Both instant and regular pudding mixes are available. Instant pudding mix sets up (you guessed it) instantly, while the regular type (often used for pies) requires several hours of chilling first.
- Chill your protein shake in advance. The pudding mix calls for cold liquid, which helps it to set up very quickly. Place your protein shake in the fridge the night before for the best results.
- Banana or vanilla pudding mix? If your protein shake is banana-flavored, you can use vanilla pudding mix. If your protein shake is vanilla-flavored, make sure to use banana pudding mix.
Substitutions
- Sugar-free, fat-free pudding mix: If you prefer, you can use a pudding mix made without added sugar. It's hard to find in my area, but if it's available to you and you like the taste of it, go for it!
- Without Nilla wafers: This recipe can be made with traditional vanilla wafers, vanilla cookies, or graham crackers. We like to use Made Good vanilla cookies because they are tasty and gluten-free. Graham cracker crumbs are a good substitute, too.
- Protein shake: If you don't want to use a premixed protein shake, you can make your own using 1 ½ cups of milk and 1 scoop of banana or vanilla protein powder – just be sure to blend it really well. Use high-protein milk (like Fairlife milk) if desired.
- Pudding mix flavors: You can use either vanilla or banana pudding mix, as long as either the protein shake or the pudding mix is banana-flavored.
Make Ahead or Meal Prep
These banana pudding cups are perfect for high-protein meal prep! Just cover the jars tightly, or add the contents to an airtight container. For the best results, add the cookies and whipped cream just before serving.
Keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days if assembled, 3-5 days if you store the pudding only (and assemble before serving).
If you loved this recipe for protein banana pudding cups, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
High Protein Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (414ml) prepared Banana protein shake (or vanilla*) chilled (we recommend Fairlife)
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix or banana pudding mix if using a vanilla protein shake (3.5oz for regular or 1oz for sugar-free)
- 1 medium banana sliced
- 6 Nilla wafers or vanilla cookies
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the Banana (or vanilla) protein shake into a medium bowl.
- Sprinkle in the vanilla pudding mix and whisk well until no lumps remain.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes or until set.
- Layer ¼ of the mixture in the bottom of a small bowl or parfait cup, then add a layer of banana slices. Top with an additional ¼ of the pudding mixture. Repeat with a second bowl or cup.
- Top each banana pudding with several slices of banana, a dollop of whipped cream (optional), 1 whole Nilla wafer (or cookie), and 2 crumbled wafers (or cookies).
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.
Dorothy Bigelow
Our favorite protein dessert! It's so good and tastes very close to the original – only this version has way more protein. Good for breakfast too!