You want more protein. You’re tired of chalky shakes and dry chicken breasts. Your dessert cravings are a constant battle between discipline and a pint of ice cream.
What if you could win that battle with a spoon?
This isn’t a complicated lab experiment. It’s a simple, creamy solution that feels like cheating. You can make it in five minutes with a blender and a dream.
Stop settling for boring nutrition. It’s time to make your goals taste delicious.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This protein pudding is a game-changer for one reason: it doesn’t suck. Seriously, how many “healthy” desserts have you tried that taste like sweetened cardboard?
This recipe actually delivers on texture and flavor.
It uses a brilliant combination of ingredients to create a rich, custard-like consistency without any cooking. The magic lies in the blending process, which whips air into the mixture, making it light and decadent. It’s the kind of thing you’ll meal prep on Sunday and look forward to all week.
Best of all, it’s infinitely customizable.
You’re not locked into one flavor profile. This is your culinary playground. Want chocolate peanut butter?
Go for it. Feeling a vanilla berry swirl? You’re the boss.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients.
Quality matters, especially with the protein powder, so choose one you actually enjoy the taste of on its own.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat for best creaminess)
- 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder (whey/casein blend works best for thickness)
- 1/4 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat)
- 1 tablespoon nut butter or 1/2 a mashed banana (for texture and flavor)
- Optional: Sweetener to taste (honey, maple syrup, stevia), cocoa powder, vanilla extract.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This is embarrassingly easy. If you can operate a blender, you’re already a pro.
- Combine the Base. Add the Greek yogurt, protein powder, and milk to your blender cup or a bowl if using an immersion blender.
- Add Your Flavor Boosters. Toss in your nut butter, banana, or any additional flavorings like cocoa powder.
- Blend Until Smooth. Blend on medium speed for 30-45 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.
You’re aiming for a completely uniform, thick consistency.
- Assess and Adjust. Is it too thick? Add a teaspoon of milk and blend again. Too thin?
A little more protein powder will thicken it up. IMO, thicker is better.
- Chill (The Hardest Step). Pour the pudding into a jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows it to set and the flavors to meld.
If you can wait, that is.
Storage Instructions
Your pudding won’t last long, but if you have restraint, here’s how to keep it fresh.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay perfect for up to 3 days. The texture might change slightly after that, but it’s still safe to eat.
Can you freeze it?
Technically, yes. But the thawed texture can be a bit grainy. FYI, it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
Benefits of This Recipe
Why should you bother?
Let us count the ways.
- Massive Protein Hit: You’re looking at 25-35 grams of high-quality protein in a single serving. This supports muscle repair and keeps you full for hours.
- Curb Cravings: It satisfies your sweet tooth without the sugar crash or guilt. It’s a strategic weapon against late-night pantry raids.
- Time Efficient: Five minutes of active prep for a healthy, ready-to-eat snack?
That’s a better return on investment than most things in your life.
- Gut-Friendly: Thanks to the Greek yogurt, you’re getting a dose of probiotics for digestive health. Your stomach will thank you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t be the person who messes this up. Avoid these pitfalls.
- Using a Bad Protein Powder: If your protein tastes like sand when mixed with water, it won’t magically taste better here.
Choose a quality flavor you love.
- Over-blending: You’re making pudding, not aerating concrete. Too much blending can sometimes make it thin out. Blend until just combined.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Patience is a virtue, especially for pudding.
The resting time in the fridge is non-negotiable for the right texture.
- Not Tasting Before Chilling: Always taste your creation before you put it away. This is your chance to adjust sweetness or flavor. You’re the chef!
Alternatives
Feel like mixing it up?
The base recipe is your canvas.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond) and milk. Vegan protein powder works well too.
- Flavor Explosions: Add a handful of frozen berries before blending for a “cheesecake” swirl. Mix in dark chocolate chips or crushed cookies after blending for texture.
- Lower Calorie: Use fat-free Greek yogurt and skip the nut butter.
It will be less rich but still high in protein.
- No Blender? No Problem. Add everything to a bowl and whisk vigorously by hand. It might take a bit more effort, but it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of protein powder?
You can, but some work better than others.
A whey and casein blend or just casein powder yields the thickest, pudding-like texture because casein absorbs more liquid. Pure whey can work but might result in a slightly thinner consistency.
Why did my pudding turn out watery?
This usually happens for one of three reasons: your yogurt was too runny (always use thick Greek yogurt), you added too much milk, or your protein powder isn’t the best for thickening. Fix it by stirring in a bit more protein powder or a teaspoon of chia seeds to absorb the excess liquid.
Is this recipe good for weight loss?
Absolutely.
It’s a high-protein, satiating snack that helps manage hunger. By controlling your ingredients, you can easily fit it into a calorie-controlled diet. It’s a far better choice than most processed snacks.
How can I make it sweeter without sugar?
Use a naturally sweet protein powder.
Alternatively, add a pinch of stevia or monk fruit extract, or use a mashed very ripe banana. These options add sweetness without spiking your blood sugar.
Can I make a bigger batch for the week?
Yes, you can double or triple the recipe. Just store it in individual containers for grab-and-go convenience.
The texture is best within the first three days, so plan your prep accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This protein pudding is more than a recipe; it’s a hack. It bridges the gap between fitness goals and the human need for something delicious. It proves that eating well doesn’t have to be a punishment.
You have no excuses now.
The ingredients are simple, the process is fast, and the payoff is huge. Stop thinking about it and make it. Your future self, enjoying a creamy bowl of pudding while hitting your protein target, will be very glad you did.
PrintProtein Pudding
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Protein Pudding is a creamy, high-protein dessert made with Greek yogurt, protein powder, and milk. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with different flavors, and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while supporting fitness goals.
Ingredients
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat for best creaminess)
1 scoop protein powder (whey/casein blend recommended)
1/4 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat)
1 tablespoon nut butter or 1/2 mashed banana
Optional: sweetener to taste (honey, maple syrup, stevia), cocoa powder, vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Add Greek yogurt, protein powder, and milk to a blender or bowl.
2. Add nut butter, banana, or flavorings like cocoa powder.
3. Blend on medium speed 30-45 seconds until smooth and thick.
4. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if too thick or protein powder if too thin.
5. Pour into a jar or bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Best enjoyed chilled for the right texture.
For dairy-free, use plant-based yogurt and vegan protein powder.
Add berries, chocolate chips, or crushed cookies for variations.
Avoid over-blending to keep pudding thick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg