4 Ingredient Hot Chocolate Protein Pudding with Marshmallows

This 4 Ingredient Hot Chocolate Protein Pudding is the holiday treat for anyone who loves a mug of cocoa but wants something that actually keeps them full. We're talking thick, creamy chocolate pudding topped with mini marshmallows and candy cane pieces, with around 30g protein per serving. No stove and no waiting, just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes!

If you love my Protein Hot Chocolate and Hot Chocolate Protein Cookies, you know I had to make a pudding version too. It's a quick, healthy sweet treat (snack) to get you through the holiday season. Made with simple ingredients like yogurt, protein powder and cocoa powder you can satisfy your sweet cravings and meal prep at the same time!

For more healthy dessert recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a protein boost, try these Hot Chocolate Protein Cookies, this Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe, or this Chocolate Protein Mousse. Or try these Christmas Donuts that you can sneak a little protein powder in if you want!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It uses FOUR ingredients. Using just 4 ingredients for the base of this simple chocolate protein pudding recipe, Hot Chocolate Protein Pudding is incredibly simple to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand at home.

• It's perfect for a single serve treat or meal prep. No meal prep is complete without dessert-like snacks! Increase the quantities of this single serve treat so you can have it all week long.

• It's a great way to increase your protein intake. A super simple snack to make when you need to smash at least 30 grams of protein!

Hot Chocolate Protein Pudding Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Plain Greek Yogurt or Skyr. My personal preference is to use skyr as it gives the mousse a thick, creamy texture & also generally contains a higher protein content, but you may use your favorite plain greek yogurt instead. Opt for non-fat greek yogurt or skyr if you're looking to keep your fat intake lower. If you're dairy free, I like Forager plain yogurt or Siggi's coconut yogurt which has 10g of protein per serving.
• Chocolate Protein Powder. There is not a specific type of protein powder needed for this recipe to work, but my all time favorite is the Equip Foods Prime Protein (PRETTYDELISH saves you 15%). You can use your favorite whey protein powder, pea protein, or whatever type of protein powder you like best.
• Cocoa Powder. I find that unsweetened cocoa powder works best but you can also use cacao powder if you'd like.
• Maple Syrup or Honey. Either real maple syrup or honey will work if you're looking to add a touch of sweetness to the chocolate protein pudding. If your protein powder already contains a sweetener, you may omit this if you'd like to keep the recipe low carb.
• Toppings: Mini marshmallows and candy cane pieces. These are totally optional but make this protein pudding festive.

Protein Mousse Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Mix the chocolate pudding base. Add yogurt, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder and maple syrup to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until ingredients are fully incorporated and no clumps remain.

2. Garnish & serve. Transfer the mousse to a small bowl or ramekin. Garnish with mini marshmallows and candy cane pieces, and enjoy! 

Protein Pudding Tips & Tricks

• Whisk out the clumps. Cocoa and protein powder love to clump, so keep whisking until it's totally smooth.
• Taste before you sweeten. If your protein powder is already sweet, you may not need maple syrup at all. Taste before you add more sweetener.
• Make a big batch. The recipe card scales up to 3x, so it's easy to prep a few servings at once.
• Switch up the toppings. Chocolate chips are a fun swap for the candy canes especially if you still want a hot chocolate vibe but hate peppermint candy.

Protein Pudding FAQs

Can I make this dairy free? Yes! Use a dairy free yogurt like Forager plain coconut yogurt or Siggi's skyr. Just know the protein will be lower, since most dairy free yogurts have less protein than Greek yogurt.

What protein powder works best? There is not a specific type of protein powder needed for this recipe to work, but my all time favorite is the Equip Foods Prime Protein (PRETTYDELISH saves you 15%). You can use your favorite whey protein powder, pea protein, or whatever type of protein powder you like best. If you don't have a favorite protein powder and aren't sure where to start you can check out this helpful guide to easy to digest protein powders to find one that's right for you.

Can I make it without maple syrup? Yes. If your protein powder is sweetened, you can skip the maple syrup for a lower carb version. You can also use honey for an alternative for maple syrup.

Can I eat this for breakfast? Absolutely (and I actually do during the winter season)! With around 30g of protein, it makes a great quick breakfast or snack.

Can I meal prep this pudding? Yes! Portion it into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How much protein is in each serving? Around 30g per serving, depending on your yogurt and protein powder.

How to store Hot Chocolate Protein Pudding

If you'd like to increase the recipe for meal prep, add single servings of the chocolate pudding to airtight containers. They will last in the fridge up to 5 days. Note that the texture tends to thicken like a chocolate mousse, but if you don't love that you can add a bit of extra yogurt when you're just about to enjoy the meal prepped servings.

If You Liked This Recipe You Might Also Enjoy

• Hot Chocolate Protein Cookies
• Protein Hot Chocolate
• Protein Chocolate Mousse
• Paleo Gingerbread Cookies
• Paleo Christmas Cutout Cookies

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!