High Protein Banana Pudding

This High Protein Banana Pudding tastes just like a dessert! Yet it is a great way to consume 25 grams of protein plus fruit and healthy fats. Vanilla protein powder, ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and a few graham cracker crumbs create the delicious flavor of rich banana pudding without the sugar, artificial ingredients, or instant pudding mix.

Banana pudding is a popular dessert in the southern states. It has also been made popular by NYC bakery, Magnolia Bakery. It contains fresh banana slices, fluffy banana flavored pudding, and nilla wafers. This recipe is inspired by those flavors and textures.

Made in 15 minutes using kitchen staples, this easy protein snack is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without refined sugars that will leave you satiated and full. Enjoy as a delicious breakfast, post-workout snack, or healthy dessert.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Tastes like a sweet, creamy banana pudding.
• Keeps you full. Packed with over 25 g protein plus healthy fats and fiber per serving.
• Healthy yet tastes like a dessert! No sugar crash from this recipe.
• No added sugars.
• Pack in individual jars like little trifles! The perfect breakfast to take to work or school.
• Perfect for breakfast, post-workout, snack or dessert.
• It's easily gluten-free, nut-free, and vegetarian.
• Customizable to change up the flavors with different protein powders and fruits.

Want more breakfast ideas? You'll also like my cinnamon roll protein shake, blueberry pie protein bowl, vegetarian hashbrown casserole, breakfast tacos, and ricotta egg bites.

Ingredient Notes

Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make this high protein banana pudding:

• 0% greek yogurt: The healthy fat keeps you full and makes the bowl super creamy while adding 10g protein. Use higher fat Greek yogurt if you prefer.
• Vanilla protein powder: I like to use whey, but plant-based protein will work too. I like to use the premier protein vanilla milkshake whey protein powder.
• Vanilla extract: To intensify the vanilla flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds a delicious cookie-like flavor.
• Banana: Use a fresh ripe banana so it's slightly sweet and easy to mash.
• Graham cracker crumbs: You can crumble a whole graham cracker or use the pre-made crumbs. Use gluten free if you're required to be GF. If you can find Nilla wafers, those are classic in a banana pudding too!

Optional Ingredients

Amp up the nutrition of this yogurt bowl with any of your favourite add ins! Try some of these for health benefits:

• Collagen powder
• Cottage cheese: Add even more protein.
• Chia seeds: Stir them in. Start with 1 tablespoon and increase to 2 if desired.
• Flax Seeds: 1-2 tablespoons
• Oats: Try adding 2-4 tablespoon of hearty oats. Use rolled or quick oats.
• Nut butter: A tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter will make this even more filling.
• Maple syrup: If you want your bowl a little sweeter, add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the mix.
• More fruits like fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.

Substitutions

Want to change up the flavor? Here are some substitution suggestions:

• Use chocolate protein powder. For a chocolate banana flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder. Or simply a scoop of protein powder in chocolate flavor. Stir in some chocolate chips for a crunch.
• Dairy free or vegan. Use a plant based protein powder and swap the greek yogurt for plant based yogurt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full recipe and nutrition facts.

You can make this high protein banana pudding in any container you wish. Build it as one larger banana pudding, or 4 individual cups. I recommend 4x 6oz (175ml) jars, meal prep containers, or small cups.

(1) Peel and slice one banana into thin rounds. Set aside.

(2) Peel the other banana and place into a medium-size mixing bowl. Mash with a fork.

(3) Add the Greek yogurt, protein powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

(4) Fill each of the 4 jars halfway with the yogurt mixture. Layer 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs and a few banana slices in each jar. Top with the remaining yogurt mixture and another layer of graham crumbs and banana slices.

(5) Enjoy immediately or cover the jars and place in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What to Eat With Protein Banana Pudding

There are many ways to enjoy this healthy banana pudding. Here are some suggestions:

• Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack on the go.
• Mix as a post-workout snack to keep you full all morning.
• Have a serving after dinner when you're craving a sweet treat but trying to hit your protein goals. This will keep you full and satiated.
• Enjoy at brunch with some of these delicious recipes:

• Vegetarian hash brown casserole
• Ricotta egg bites
• 4 ingredient vegan pancakes
• Gluten-free cheese scones
• Gluten-free english muffins
• Gluten-free bagels

Check out more breakfast recipes and smoothie recipes!

Make Ahead & Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Prepare as directed and store in 4x 6oz (175ml) jars, meal prep containers, or small cups. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bananas may brown, but it will still taste delicious.

Expert Tips

Here are some of my tips and tricks for successful high protein banana pudding:

• Stir/mash the yogurt mixture thoroughly. This helps the banana, vanilla, and cinnamon flavors permeate throughout the whole pudding.
• Add extra fruits or flavors. Swap the vanilla protein for chocolate protein powder. Or add some fresh blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
• Add extra nutritional benefits with chia seeds, flax seeds, collagen powder, nut butter, etc.
• Top with whipped cream and a cherry for some fun!
• Build as one large banana pudding to scoop from, or 4 individual size jars for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions

This high protein banana pudding recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat while consuming 25g of protein. It's easily made in 15 minutes and is perfect for breakfast, post-workout, a snack, or healthy dessert. You will love it!

More High Protein Recipes

Have you made this high protein banana pudding? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!