Easy Protein Banana Pudding (Single Serve Recipe)

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet treat cravings while also hitting your protein goals, then this single-serve Easy Protein Banana Pudding is for you! It's the perfect treat for a healthy breakfast, a quick easy protein snack, or a satisfying protein-packed dessert. Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, it's the perfect way to whip up a sweet treat fast!

Protein desserts have become a very necessary part of my daily routine. I absolutely love eating dessert, but I also have protein goals that are important to me. By incorporating wholesome gluten-free desserts made with healthy ingredients and are protein-packed, I am able to both satisfy my sweet tooth and easily stick to the plan because I'm not depriving myself of anything. If this sounds like you, then you've made it to the right place!

If you love easy protein dessert recipes then you might also enjoy this Chocolate Protein Mousse, these No Bake Lemon Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Cups, or this Protein Pudding Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms (GF).

Why You'll Love This Easy Pudding Recipe

• It is a high protein snack/dessert. Packed with protein from both the yogurt and the protein powder, this banana protein pudding is a great option to make to smash your protein goals for the day.
• It is a healthier option. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it is a better way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• It takes less than five minutes to make. So easy to make! You literally just toss the ingredients into a bowl, whisk them together, and you have a satisfying, filling protein snack ready to go in minutes.
• It is delicious! This creamy banana pudding is an incredibly delicious, nostalgic way to enjoy a classic southern comfort food flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Sift or Whisk Thoroughly: To avoid those pesky "protein powder clumps," I recommend adding your protein powder gradually to the yogurt rather than all at once. If you really want that light, airy, mousse-like texture, using a hand mixer for about 30 seconds makes a world of difference compared to just using a whisk or even a spoon! But that step is not necessary- I usually use the spoon or a fork because it is what I am using to eat it already!
• Let it "Set" for Five Minutes: While you can definitely dive in immediately (to be honest, I usually do!), letting the pudding sit in the fridge for about 5 minutes after mixing allows the protein powder to fully hydrate. This can result in a much silkier, thicker consistency that feels more like a decadent dessert and less like a quick mix.
• Customize Your Consistency: Different brands of Greek yogurt and protein powder vary in thickness. If your pudding feels a little too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of almond milk (one teaspoon at a time), until it reaches your preferred creamy consistency.
• Mind Your Toppings: If you are meal-prepping this ahead of time, keep your gluten-free vanilla wafers on the side in a small baggie. Topping the pudding right before you eat ensures you get that perfect, crunchy contrast against the creamy banana base! If you don't mind the wafer being a little soggy (like in a typical banana pudding), then you can add them in at the same time as the pudding and banana slices.

Protein Banana Pudding Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

Yogurt. I tested this recipe using plain greek yogurt, plain skyr, and dairy-free vanilla yogurt. Greek yogurt and skyr will boast a thicker texture, almost like a mousse, while some dairy-free yogurts might be a little thinner like traditional pudding. All options are delicious! For a dairy-free option, CocoJune makes a great vanilla protein yogurt, but you may use whatever plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt you prefer.

Protein Powder. Be sure to choose a protein powder you actually enjoy the taste of. There is nothing worse than having to struggle to eat that nasty, chalky protein powder... not worth it! A banana protein powder (Code: PRETTYDELISH) works wonderfully here to really amplify the flavor, but you can absolutely substitute vanilla! If you need a dairy-free option, I like Equip Foods best for vanilla protein powder.

Maple Syrup. If your protein powder is not sweetened, or not quite sweet enough, you can add a touch of real maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers. These vanilla wafers are essential for that classic banana pudding vibe! They are great to have on hand for crumbling on top or dipping.

Fresh Banana. You'll need about a half a banana, diced or thinly sliced to add that fresh fruit texture and sweet flavor.

Protein Banana Pudding Step by Step Instructions

1. Mix the pudding. In a large mixing bowl, add your yogurt, protein powder (Code: PRETTYDELISH), and maple syrup if using.

2. Whisk Together. Whisk the ingredients together with a whisk or a hand mixer until fully incorporated and no clumps of protein powder remain.

3. Layer. Pour half of the banana pudding into a bowl or ramekin. Put about half of your diced (or sliced) banana and 2-3 gluten-free vanilla wafers on top. Then put the other half of the pudding on top.

4. Add toppings. Sprinkle the rest of your crushed gluten-free vanilla wafers and add the other half of the diced banana for garnish, and enjoy!

Protein Banana Pudding FAQs

Can I make this high protein banana pudding dairy-free?

Oh, absolutely! Just swap the traditional yogurt for your favorite dairy-free alternative (I love CocoJune's vanilla coconut yogurt) and ensure your protein powder is dairy-free. Equip Foods makes a fantastic vanilla protein powder that blends beautifully.

What kind of protein powder works best for this recipe?

You can use really any kind of protein powder (just make sure you love whichever one you decide to make this protein pudding dessert with). You can make it with whey, plant-based, or beef isolate protein powder depending on your dietary needs. A banana-flavored protein powder really enhances that classic flavor, but a high-quality vanilla protein powder works perfectly, too.

Can I meal prep this pudding for the week?

You sure can! It is a fantastic option for grab-and-go protein snacks. You can make a larger batch and store individual servings in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be aware that the vanilla wafers will get soggy in the fridge so if you don't like the soggy cookie texture, put those on right before you enjoy the pudding.

Will the vanilla wafers get soggy in the fridge?

If you let them sit in the pudding overnight, they will soften up just like they do in a traditional southern banana pudding! If you prefer a crunchy texture, wait to sprinkle your crushed gluten-free vanilla wafers on top until right before you eat it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I made this recipe with it being gluten-free naturally. But always make sure you use certified gluten-free vanilla wafers and double-check that your chosen protein powder does not contain gluten ingredients.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Of course. If your protein powder needs a little sweet boost, you can easily swap the maple syrup for honey, agave, or a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit.

How can I make sure my pudding has the smoothest texture?

For the silkiest texture, use a hand mixer instead of a regular whisk. It incorporates the protein powder into the yogurt effortlessly and whips a little extra air into the mixture, giving it a wonderfully light, mousse-like consistency. It is not necessary though! I love this easy dessert even when I mix it by hand (you can even see in my step-by-step photos that I used a fork to mix)!

How to Store Protein Banana Pudding

If you don't finish the full serving or you'd like to meal prep your protein pudding, you may store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I do not recommend freezing and thawing the protein pudding.

If You Liked This Easy Dessert Recipe You Might Also Enjoy

• Viral Ina Garten Fudgy Brownie Pudding Gluten Free
• Protein Pudding Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms (GF)
• Easy High Protein Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse
• 3 Ingredient Chocolate Banana Mug Cake (Gluten Free)
• Chunky Monkey Protein Banana Bread Gluten Free