Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding is a creamy, protein-packed dessert combining ripe bananas and tangy cottage cheese with natural sweeteners and warming vanilla. This healthy twist on classic banana pudding offers a luscious texture and versatile flavor, perfect for any meal or snack, easy to prepare with simple ingredients, and customizable to suit dietary needs.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup small-curd, low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Optional Variations & Additions
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (for protein boost)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty crunch)
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate twist)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries (for berry mix)
- Plant-based ricotta or blended silken tofu (to replace cottage cheese for vegan version)
- Prepare the Bananas: Peel and slice 2 ripe bananas into thin rounds, reserving a few slices for garnish later. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier your pudding will be.
- Blend Cottage Cheese and Milk: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup small-curd, low-fat cottage cheese with 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency forming the pudding base.
- Add Sweetener and Flavor: Pour in 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional). Blend again until fully incorporated and aromatic.
- Combine Bananas and Cream: Gently fold the sliced bananas into the cottage cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix to maintain some banana texture. Reserve some banana slices for topping.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the pudding to serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows flavors to meld and the pudding to thicken to the perfect consistency.
Notes
- Choose small-curd cottage cheese for a smoother pudding texture.
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness without added sugar.
- Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust sweetness gradually to keep balance—start with less and add more if desired.
- For best texture and flavor, prepare the pudding the day before and chill overnight.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep garnishes separate.
- Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture and causes separation.
- Best served chilled; if preferred warm, serve at room temperature instead of reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cottage cheese banana pudding, healthy banana pudding, protein dessert, creamy banana pudding, gluten free dessert, no bake pudding