Protein Pudding

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5 from 92 votes
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This protein pudding is a thick and creamy dessert recipe that takes seconds to prepare and needs just 2 ingredients! I love how it comes in vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter.

Keen on more high protein desserts? Try protein brownies, protein cookies, and a protein mug cake.

protein pudding.

There’s something satisfying about digging into a dessert packed with protein and feeling good about eating it. I have a few favorites, but my quick dessert fix is creamy protein pudding!

It’s so much easier to make than the packaged kind, and the ingredient list is so much better! 

Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients needed
  2. How to make protein pudding
  3. Recipe tips and variations
  4. Storage instructions
  5. More high protein recipes to try
  6. Protein Pudding (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

  • It needs just two main ingredients. Each protein pudding starts from a base that calls for protein powder and Greek yogurt.
  • There is no sugar. Protein powders are naturally sweetened, and to amp up the sweetness, we add some granulated sweeteners.
  • It has the perfect texture. Like cottage cheese pudding, the texture is thick, smooth, and incredibly creamy.
  • You can customize it. We love vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter, but you can jazz it up any way you like!  
recipe for protein pudding.

Ingredients needed

To make this recipe, you’ll start with a simple two ingredient base that you can change up the flavors with. Here is what you’ll need:

  • Protein powder. Either brown rice protein powder or casein protein powder. Avoid using whey-based powders as they will thin out the yogurt instead of thickening it up. 
  • Greek yogurt. Non-fat Greek yogurt or vegan high-protein yogurt. Regardless of what kind of yogurt you use, ensure it is on the thicker side and has no added sugar. 
  • Sugar or substitute. This is optional, but you can add either allulose or sugar to add sweetness. If your protein powder is already sweetened, you can leave it out.

Flavor variations

  • Chocolate. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder, use chocolate protein powder, and fold through some chocolate chips.
  • Vanilla. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and use vanilla Greek yogurt.
  • Peanut butter. Add two tablespoons of powdered or standard peanut butter.

How to make protein pudding

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Mix. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the protein powder with yogurt until thick. Add the sweetener and any mix-ins of choice.

Step 2- Set. Place the pudding into the refrigerator for an hour, to thicken. Once it has thickened, divide it into bowls and enjoy immediately.

how to make protein pudding.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Choose a high-quality protein powder. The quality of your protein powder can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your protein pudding. I prefer casein protein powder, pea protein powder, or brown rice protein powder, as these are naturally thicker and yield a creamier pudding. Avoid whey protein powder as it tends to thin out liquid ingredients.
  • Use a thick yogurt. Avoid using watery or thin kinds of yogurt, as you’ll find the pudding less thick or creamy. 
  • Make it dairy-free. Use a dairy free yogurt (like coconut yogurt or soy yogurt) and a vegan protein powder.
  • Change up the flavors. I keep things simple with my flavors, but other fun ideas include cookie dough, strawberry, and coffee.
  • Add mix-ins. Nothing beats some chocolate chips, berries, coconut flakes, healthy granola, or even some honey peanut butter.

Storage instructions

To store: The pudding should always be stored in the refrigerator, covered. If you find the pudding has thickened too much, you can add some unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice to thin it out. 

To freeze: Place portions of the pudding in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. For the ultimate treat, remove the frozen pudding and place it in the blender. Blend until thick and creamy. 

high protein pudding.

More high protein recipes to try

protein pudding recipe.

Protein Pudding

5 from 92 votes
This protein pudding recipe is a delicious and healthy dessert packed with protein. It's thick, creamy and satisfying and takes seconds to prep. Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
Servings: 2 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 2 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt with protein powder until no clumps remain and the mixture is thick. If you'd like a sweeter pudding, add the sweetener of choice.
  • Enjoy immediately or cover the bowl and refrigerate the pudding for an hour, to thicken.

Notes

* Brown rice vanilla protein powder or casein protein powder (pictured). I do not recommend using whey protein powder, as it thins out the pudding.
CHOCOLATE. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder, use chocolate protein powder, and fold through some chocolate chips.
VANILLA. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and use vanilla Greek yogurt.
PEANUT BUTTER. Add two tablespoons of powdered or standard peanut butter.
TO STORE: The pudding should always be stored in the refrigerator, covered. If you find the pudding has thickened too much, you can add some unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice to thin it out. 
TO FREEZE: Place portions of the pudding in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. For the ultimate treat, remove the frozen pudding and place it in the blender. Blend until thick and creamy.  

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 28gFat: 2gSodium: 105mgPotassium: 252mgVitamin A: 4IUCalcium: 249mgIron: 0.1mgNET CARBS: 9g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published July 2021, updated and republished March 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Any recommendations on brands of protein powder to use, I am not liking mine and would love to make the pudding

  2. Many recipes call for yogurt, which I don’t use..
    Can sour cream be used instead?..or can you recommend a substitute??

    Thx so much

  3. I’d never use/eat anything BUT full-fat and organic dairy products. They are sooooo much better for you.

    1. Sure 🙂 I agree with you, but for those who are watching their calories, non-fat/reduced fat works well.

  4. Hi, Arman! I adore your blog–filled with healthy, wholesome recipes.
    I recently did a bit of an “experiment” in the kitchen, so to speak. In an effort to add necessary calories to plain greek yogurt, my mother added a scoop of plant-based protein to a cup of 2% Fage. The result was a smooth, creamy, thick (oh my was it thick!) bowl of nourishing goodness! It’s an excellent base for cereals, diced nutrient bars, etcetera. And all of this was done prior to stumbling upon your recipe!
    I’m going to try to add a little bit of coconut flour, which would help add nutrient-rich calories and even more thickness. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

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