• 2 ripe bananas (the spottier, the sweeter)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (20-25g protein)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for texture and added nutrition)
• Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers (optional, for topping)
• Banana slices, for garnish

How to Make Easy Protein Banana Pudding

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas Peel the ripe bananas and break them into chunks. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and creamier your pudding will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.

Step 2: Blend the Base In a blender or food processor, combine the banana chunks, Greek yogurt, protein powder, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 60-90 seconds.

Step 3: Check Consistency The pudding should have a thick, creamy consistency similar to traditional pudding. If it’s too thick, add an extra tablespoon of almond milk. If it’s too thin, add more Greek yogurt or let it chill to thicken.

Step 4: Add Texture (Optional) If using chia seeds, fold them in after blending for added nutrition and a slight crunch. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chia seeds to begin absorbing moisture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish Divide the pudding between serving bowls or glasses. Top with fresh banana slices and crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers if desired. Serve immediately or chill for a firmer texture.

Helpful Tips

Choose the Right Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots provide the best sweetness and blend more easily. Avoid green bananas as they’ll make the pudding less sweet and harder to blend.

Protein Powder Selection: Vanilla protein powder works best, but unflavored or banana-flavored varieties also work well. Avoid chocolate protein powder as it will compete with the banana flavor.

Texture Preferences: For ultra-smooth pudding, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. For more texture, leave small banana pieces or add mix-ins like chopped nuts or coconut flakes.

Sweetness Adjustments: If your bananas aren’t sweet enough, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or a few dates while blending. Remember that the pudding will taste sweeter after chilling.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This Easy Protein Banana Pudding actually improves after chilling for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 5-35 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
Protein per serving: 22-25 grams

Dietary Information: Gluten-free (without graham cracker topping), vegetarian, can be made vegan with plant-based protein powder