Protein Pudding

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5 from 105 votes
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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.

Keen on more high protein desserts? Try my protein brownies, protein cookies, protein milkshake, and protein mug cake next.

protein pudding with raspberries and whipped cream on top.

I love a good vanilla or chocolate pudding, but if I can make it healthier and add some protein to it, even better.

I used to buy store-bought protein puddings, but honestly, they have questionable ingredients and also cost a few dollars for 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.

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make protein pudding
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More high protein treats
  8. Protein Pudding Recipe (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

  • There is so much protein. The Greek yogurt and the protein powder boost protein, totaling at least 54 grams.
  • It has the perfect texture. It’s thick, smooth, and incredibly creamy.
  • You can customize it. My base recipe is vanilla, but I’ve included tested flavor options like 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.

★★★★★ REVIEW 

“This is my favorite protein pudding recipe. It’s so thick and creamy 🙂 I love it!” –Marissa

protein pudding.

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 because 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 too.

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, 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.

protein powder ingredients.

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.

protein pudding mixed.

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.

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 30 minutes if you want 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. 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. 

protein powder pudding.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best protein powder to use?

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.

Can I make this without protein powder?

Yes! Simply omit the protein powder and add 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup (or preferred sweetener), 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla, and one tablespoon of cocoa powder (for a chocolate protein pudding).

How to fix a thick protein powder pudding

Depending on the protein powder you use, your pudding might be a little too thick. To compensate, add a little milk until your preferred consistency is achieved.

More high protein treats

protein pudding recipe.

Protein Pudding Recipe

5 from 105 votes
This protein pudding recipe is thick, creamy and satisfying and takes seconds to prep. 54 grams of protein per serving. Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
Servings: 1 serving
Prep: 2 minutes
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.
For a sweeter pudding, add some maple syrup, honey, agave, or granulated sweetener. 
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: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 54gFat: 2gSodium: 210mgPotassium: 504mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 499mgIron: 0.1mgNET CARBS: 8g
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

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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5 from 105 votes (90 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I didn’t think my husband would eat this so I didn’t tell him it was good for him. He liked it and wants me to make it again soon

  2. 5 stars
    Any recommendations on brands of protein powder to use, I am not liking mine and would love to make the pudding

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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! 🙂