Save Pin
This silky cottage cheese banana pudding turns ordinary ingredients into a protein-loaded treat that hits the sweet spot without any guilt. My family asks for this every week as our "nutritious ice cream substitute" that tastes decadent while packing a healthy punch.
I whipped up this dish during a midnight sugar craving when my kitchen was practically bare. What began as a desperate kitchen experiment has turned into our go-to quick dessert that even my cottage cheese-despising spouse gobbles up eagerly.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: delivers amazing protein while making the smooth base use full-fat for extra creaminess
- Ripe banana: gives natural sweetness and silky consistency pick ones with dark spots for sweetest taste
- Maple syrup: offers more than just sweetness real maple syrup really stands out here
- Vanilla extract: boosts all other flavors without extra sweetness go for real not artificial for best outcome
- Cinnamon: provides warmth and depth that ties everything together
- Optional toppings: such as vanilla cookies create textural interest and familiar taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add ingredients to blender:
- Put cottage cheese, banana, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon into your blender. Room temperature stuff blends better. Break your banana into pieces so it blends easier.
- Blend until perfectly smooth:
- Mix for 1-2 minutes until you can't see any lumps at all. Stop now and then to push down what sticks to the sides. It should end up super smooth throughout.
- Transfer to serving dishes:
- Scoop the pudding into individual cups, jars, or glasses. See-through containers really show off how creamy it is. Fill them about 3/4 if you want to add toppings.
- Add your favorite toppings:
- Top with smashed vanilla cookies, extra banana slices, or some whipped cream. The mix of smooth pudding and crunchy bits creates an amazing texture combo.
- Serve or chill:
- Eat right away for a softer dessert or stick it in the fridge for 30+ minutes if you want it firmer like regular pudding.
Save Pin
The consistency changes completely after blending. The first time my kids tried it, they couldn't tell it had cottage cheese at all. My daughter now wants it for breakfast before important school tests, claiming it helps her concentrate better.
Make It Your Own
This pudding adapts to whatever you've got in your kitchen. Try swapping banana for strawberries, pumpkin, or even avocado for totally different flavors. Each option creates its own special texture and taste but still keeps all that protein from the cottage cheese foundation.
Storage Tips
This pudding actually tastes better after hanging out in the fridge overnight as the flavors mix together nicely. Keep it in sealed containers for up to 5 days. It'll get slightly thicker over time, so you might need to stir it before eating leftovers. If it gets too thick, just add a little milk to loosen it up.
Beyond Dessert
While tasty as a sweet snack, this flexible pudding works great for breakfast or afternoon pick-me-ups. Stack it with granola for a fancy parfait, put it on toast, or freeze it in popsicle molds for a cool protein-rich treat when it's hot outside. My kids often bring it to school instead of store-bought pudding cups as a healthier option.
Save Pin
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different sweetener?
You can definitely swap in honey, agave, or any sweetener you prefer instead of maple syrup.
- → How long can I store it in the fridge?
You can keep any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 5 days.
- → Can I add toppings to this dish?
You sure can! Try some crunchy granola, chopped nuts, vanilla cookies, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh banana slices on top.
- → Can I make it thicker?
Letting it cool in your fridge for about 30 minutes will make it set up firmer before you dig in.
- → Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Kids really love this pudding and it's a wholesome, yummy option for snack time or after dinner.