Sometimes you just want banana pudding, that creamy, nostalgic comfort food, but without the sugar crash or heavy condensed milk. That’s where this Protein Banana Pudding comes in. It’s thick, creamy, layered with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers, and packed with nearly 20g of protein per serving. The best part? No baking, no sugar added, and ready in 5 minutes.
This dessert (or post-workout snack, depending on your vibe) is perfect for anyone trying to enjoy something sweet without feeling guilty afterward. If you’re a banana lover, a meal-prep enthusiast, or someone looking for healthier swaps, this recipe is definitely one to keep on repeat.
Ingredients for Protein Banana Pudding
- ⅔ cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt (150g) – creamy and high in protein
- ⅓ cup Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (30g) – adds sweetness + protein boost
- 4 tsp Banana Cream Flavor Instant Pudding Mix (sugar-free, fat-free, ~11g)
- 2 tsp Unsweetened Almond Milk (10ml) – or any milk of choice
- 3–4 Vanilla Wafers, crushed (about 14g, sugar-free recommended)
- ½ medium Banana, sliced (60g)
How to Make Protein Banana Pudding
- Mix the Protein Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, protein powder, pudding mix, and milk. Add the milk slowly until you reach a thick, pudding-like texture. - Prepare the Layers
Crush your vanilla wafers and slice the banana into even rounds. - Layer the Pudding Jars
- First: spoon some pudding into the bottom of your jar or glass.
- Second: add a sprinkle of crushed wafers.
- Third: top with banana slices.
Repeat once more (pudding → wafers → bananas) for that classic layered look.
- Chill & Serve
Cover and chill for at least 15–30 minutes. This allows the wafers to soften slightly while keeping the bananas fresh.
Tips & Tricks for the Creamiest Banana Protein Pudding
- Use cold yogurt and milk for the best texture.
- Add the milk a little at a time — too much can make it runny.
- Stir well to avoid a chalky protein powder feel.
- Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly spotted (sweet but firm).
- Taste-test the pudding — if you want it sweeter, a pinch of stevia works without altering texture.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegan: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and use a plant-based protein powder.
- Keto / Low-Carb: Use almond flour cookies instead of wafers, and a keto-friendly pudding mix.
- Family-Size Dessert: Instead of jars, layer everything in a glass trifle dish. Perfect for gatherings.
- Flavor Switch-Up: Try chocolate protein powder + chocolate pudding mix for a “choco-banana” vibe.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2–3 hours.
- Great for meal-prep jars: make 3–5 at once for grab-and-go snacks.
Protein Banana Pudding FAQs
Does this taste like real banana pudding?
Yes, surprisingly close! The banana cream pudding mix gives it that classic flavor, and the layers of wafers + fresh banana mimic the traditional dessert.
Can I skip the instant pudding mix?
You can, but it won’t taste as authentic. If skipping, add extra banana slices and a dash of vanilla extract.
Which protein powder works best?
A smooth whey isolate blends best (Isopure, Optimum Nutrition). Plant-based powders work too, but may be grittier.
How can I make it thicker?
Use less milk or let it chill longer. Adding a spoonful of cottage cheese blended smooth also works for extra creaminess.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 177 kcal
- Protein: 19.4g
- Carbohydrates: 20.9g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 7.9g
- Fat: 1.9g (1g saturated)
For context: Traditional banana pudding has 350–400+ calories, 30g sugar, and less than 4g protein per serving.
Final Thoughts
This Protein Banana Pudding proves you can enjoy comfort desserts without loading up on sugar or heavy cream. With layers of creamy yogurt-pudding, crunchy wafers, and fresh bananas, it feels indulgent while secretly being macro-friendly.
So the next time your sweet tooth hits (post-gym or late-night), whip this up in 5 minutes and see for yourself. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll forget about condensed milk banana pudding.
If you make this, drop a comment below and let me know how you layered yours. Did you go classic or add your own twist?
Protein Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt (150g) – creamy and high in protein
- ⅓ cup Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (30g) – adds sweetness + protein boost
- 4 tsp Banana Cream Flavor Instant Pudding Mix (sugar-free, fat-free, ~11g)
- 2 tsp Unsweetened Almond Milk (10ml) – or any milk of choice
- 4 Vanilla Wafers, crushed (about 14g, sugar-free recommended)
- ½ medium Banana, sliced (60g)
Instructions
- Mix the Protein Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, protein powder, pudding mix, and milk. Add the milk slowly until you reach a thick, pudding-like texture.
- Prepare the Layers: Crush your vanilla wafers and slice the banana into even rounds.
- Layer the Pudding Jars– First: spoon some pudding into the bottom of your jar or glass.– Second: add a sprinkle of crushed wafers.– Third: top with banana slices.– Repeat once more (pudding → wafers → bananas) for that classic layered look.
- Chill & Serve: Cover and chill for at least 15–30 minutes. This allows the wafers to soften slightly while keeping the bananas fresh.
Notes
- Use cold yogurt and milk for the smoothest pudding consistency.
- Add milk gradually — too much at once can make the custard runny.
- Choose ripe bananas (yellow with minimal spots) for natural sweetness.
- If you like extra sweetness, a touch of stevia or monk fruit works well.
- For a thicker pudding, reduce the milk slightly or let it chill longer.
- Best eaten within 2–3 days for freshest banana slices, but pudding layers last up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Works great as meal prep jars — just keep the wafers separate until serving if you prefer crunchier layers.