Protein Pudding
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This 2-ingredient protein pudding recipe is thick and creamy and takes seconds to prepare! 54 grams of protein per serving.
I love a good vanilla or chocolate pudding, but if I can make it healthier and add some protein, even better.
I used to buy store-bought protein puddings, but honestly, they have questionable ingredients and cost a few dollars for just one mini tub. My high-protein pudding recipe, though, is quite the opposite. It needs just two ingredients, packs in over 50 grams of protein, and takes seconds to make. It makes the best post-workout snack or healthy dessert.
I tested this recipe multiple times with different protein powders. Casein and brown rice protein absorb liquid differently than whey, which is why they give the pudding that thick, custard-like consistency instead of thinning it out.
Table of Contents
Why I love this protein pudding recipe
- There is so much protein. The Greek yogurt and protein powder together provide at least 54 grams of protein.
- It has the perfect texture. It’s thick, smooth, and custard-like.
- You can customize it. My base recipe is vanilla, but I’ve included tested flavor options, such as chocolate and peanut butter, below.
- It’s better than the grocery stores. I’m sorry, but I cannot justify spending $3 for a tub when my homemade version costs less than 30 cents each.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “This is my favorite protein pudding recipe. It’s so thick and creamy 🙂 I love it!” – Marissa
★★★★★ – “This is my new go-to post-workout snack. It hits my macros perfectly.” – Luke
Ingredients needed
- Vanilla protein powder. This recipe works best with either casein protein powder or brown rice protein powder, as they are both naturally thicker than other blends. I have tested this with whey protein and found it never really thickened up. Also, please make sure you like the taste of your protein powder, as that makes all the difference.
- Greek yogurt. I typically use non-fat yogurt, but when I want something a little richer, I opt for full-fat Greek yogurt. If you prefer really sweet puddings, vanilla Greek yogurt is a great option. Can’t have dairy? Coconut yogurt and vegan yogurt will also work.
Flavor variations
The above two ingredients form the base for my vanilla protein pudding. With just a few ingredient additions, you can enjoy a chocolate protein pudding, a peanut butter protein pudding, and more:
- Chocolate. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder, use chocolate protein powder, and fold through some chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter. Add two tablespoons of powdered or standard peanut butter.
- Strawberry. Fold through 1/4 cup finely chopped strawberries and/or use strawberry protein powder.
- Coconut. Use coconut yogurt and stir through 1-2 teaspoons of shredded coconut or coconut flakes.
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. Enjoy immediately or place the pudding into the refrigerator for an hour to thicken.
Arman’s recipe tips
- For a sweeter pudding, I recommend adding a little maple syrup, agave, honey, or some sugar-free granulated sweetener. My protein powder is naturally sweetened, so I don’t typically do this.
- Chill for at least an hour for a thicker pudding.
- Use thick yogurt. I suggest Greek yogurt because it’s so much thicker than plain yogurt. Of course, any yogurt is fine, but you may need to chill it overnight to thicken up.
- Add mix-ins. Nothing beats some chocolate chips, berries, coconut flakes, healthy granola, or even some honey peanut butter.
- Add toppings, like fresh raspberries, blackberries, nut butter, chia seeds, or chocolate syrup.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers should always be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Casein protein powder or brown rice protein powder (vegan protein powder) are the best options to use because they are naturally thicker and yield a creamier pudding. Whey protein powder actually thins out liquid, so you’ll find the pudding made with it to be thinner and less creamy.
Yes! Omit the protein powder and add 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup (or preferred sweetener), 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla, and one tablespoon of cocoa powder (for a chocolate protein pudding).
Depending on the protein powder you use, your pudding might be a little too thick. To compensate, add a little milk until you achieve your preferred consistency.
Yes, you can! I’ve had success with whipped cottage cheese (the same I use in my cottage cheese pudding), light ricotta cheese, and quark.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Since this pudding recipe has been developed to be high in protein and this post includes macro calculations, the nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Protein Pudding Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt non-fat or plant based
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder * See notes
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
- Serving size note: This makes one large serving. Feel free to divide into two smaller portions.
- Best protein powder: Brown rice vanilla protein powder or casein protein powder (pictured). I do not recommend using whey protein powder, as it thins out the pudding.
- Sweetness: For a sweeter pudding, add some maple syrup, honey, agave, or granulated sweetener.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to one week. You can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
More high protein desserts
- Protein ice cream
- Protein banana bread
- Protein granola
- Protein cinnamon rolls
- Protein brownies
- Protein cookies
- Protein milkshake
- Protein mug cake
- Or any of these recipes with protein powder
Originally published July 2021
I don’t think we have that type of protein powder here in Australia. So can I use any sort of powder and how much would be in your scoop…in tablespoons etc.
Hi Pauline- I’ve tried a few Australian brands of protein powder and they don’t tend to work well in these recipes- If you do try it with it, it’s 32 grams 🙂
my favorite topping is granola!
granola! especially chocolate peanut butter granola
Our favorite yogurt topping is – granola! We also LOVE your blog. From your writing style, to your recipes, to your photos; you’re awesome!
I have Fage Greek yogurt a few days a week for breakfast and I always mix it with chia seeds, flax seeds, fresh berries, and sometimes muesli or granola.
I just started trying different protein powders. This sounds like a great recipe! I look forward to trying it out.
Banana and granola!
I love ground flax seeds and blueberries on top of my yogurt.
I love fresh fruit!
Blueberries and granola!
Strawberries and blueberries 🙂
I love me some granola and blueberries!
I love topping yogurt/pudding with something a little crunchy, like sliced almonds or cacao nibs or granola! Recipe looks awesome, coconut flour is a great thickener.
I love putting peanut butter in my yogurt and also chopped peanuts!