This Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding is smooth, creamy, and packed with protein—making it the perfect sweet snack or dessert that fits your healthy lifestyle. Made with wholesome ingredients like banana, maple syrup, and cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract for that warm, classic flavor, it delivers all the nostalgic flavor of traditional banana recipes but with a high protein snack twist. It’s gluten-free, low sugar, and kid-friendly, and you don’t need any fancy tools—just blend and chill.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding – A Cozy Take on a Classic Favorite
A Nostalgic Treat, Reinvented with Cottage Cheese and Banana
Every Sunday in our house meant banana pudding. Creamy, sweet, and stacked with whipped topping and vanilla cookies—it was the kind of dessert that brought the whole family to the table. As an adult, I still crave that same comforting flavor, but I wanted something healthier. That’s when I created this cottage cheese banana pudding—a fresh, protein-packed version of the dessert I loved as a kid.
The first time I made cottage cheese banana pudding, I was in a rush to whip up a snack for my son. I had a ripe banana, a bit of cottage cheese, and a handful of vanilla wafers sitting in the cupboard. A quick blend later, and we were digging into a creamy, sweet meal that felt just like the treat I grew up on—but it doubled as a high protein snack.
Now I find myself making cottage cheese banana pudding at least once a week—and it’s a family favorite with a five-star rating in our book.. It’s creamy, full of banana flavor, and incredibly easy to tweak to your liking. Whether you top it with extra banana slices, cookies, or whipped cream, it tastes like a classic—but fuels you like a smart snack. If you love our cottage cheese chocolate mousse or cottage cheese chocolate pudding, this version will quickly become your favorite.
Why cottage cheese banana pudding is perfect for busy days
This cottage cheese banana pudding is more than just a healthy dessert—it’s a go-to recipe when time is tight and nutrition matters. With ingredients like banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract and protein-rich cottage cheese, it takes just 5 min to make. You don’t need a lot of tools—just a blender or food processor, and you’re set.
Since it’s naturally gluten free, low sugar, and completely grain-free, this recipe works for a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. It’s also kid-friendly, making it a perfect after-school treat or lunchbox addition. Whether served solo or with your favorite toppings, cottage cheese banana pudding always satisfies.
And if you’re on the lookout for more fast, nutritious treats, try our 3 ingredient cottage cheese cheesecake or cottage cheese pudding—they’re just as easy, comforting, and delicious.
Printcottage cheese banana pudding
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding is a quick, creamy, and high protein snack made with banana, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Naturally low sugar and gluten-free.
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1 ripe banana
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or more for sweeter)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Optional: vanilla cookies, whipped topping, banana slices for serving
Instructions
1. Add cottage cheese, banana, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
4. Scoop into bowls or jars and chill if preferred.
5. Top with vanilla cookies, whipped cream, or banana slices if serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for a thicker pudding.
Ripe bananas add more natural sweetness.
Blend thoroughly for the smoothest texture.
Top just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding Step-by-Step
Blend up cottage cheese banana pudding in min
What makes this cottage cheese banana pudding truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. With just 5 wholesome ingredients and under 5 min of prep, you’ll have a protein-rich dessert ready to chill. Start by adding 2 cups of cottage cheese, 1 ripe banana, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon to your blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. A ripe banana naturally sweetens the pudding while the cottage cheese and a touch of vanilla extract give it a rich, velvety texture. If you like a sweeter flavor, feel free to add a touch more maple syrup, but remember—this is meant to be a low sugar dessert you can enjoy guilt-free. The combination creates a pudding that’s not only rich in flavor but also works beautifully as a high protein snack.
If you’ve enjoyed the texture of our cottage cheese mousse or the smoothness of cottage cheese chocolate cake, you’ll love the thick and creamy consistency here too.
Customize your pudding or serve it straight
Once your cottage cheese banana pudding is blended, it’s ready to enjoy right away. For the classic banana pudding experience, layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas, then top with whipped cream. You can also keep it simple and serve it plain, warm or chilled—it’s delicious either way.
Want to make it more of a dessert? Chill it for 30 min – 60 min to let the flavors deepen and the texture thicken. For added crunch or presentation, top it with granola, crushed cookies, or roasted nuts. You can even portion it into jars for meal-prepped gluten-free snacks throughout the week.
Try serving it with our cottage cheese muffins for a balanced and satisfying pairing that’s perfect for breakfast or snack time.
Why Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding Is a Smart Snack
A protein-packed snack that satisfies
Not all puddings are the same—and this cottage cheese banana pudding proves it with every protein-packed, wholesome bite. It offers that creamy, sweet satisfaction we all crave, but it’s secretly packed with protein and nutrients. Thanks to the cottage cheese base, each serving delivers a solid dose of protein, making it an ideal high protein snack for both kids and adults.
This vanilla-infused pudding is naturally gluten-free and made without any refined sugar. The sweetness comes from a ripe banana and just a bit of maple syrup, so it satisfies without the sugar crash. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just trying to add more whole foods to your day, cottage cheese banana pudding fits effortlessly.
The best part? It’s versatile. Serve it in the morning for a protein-rich start, after school as a kid-friendly treat, or after dinner when you want something indulgent but smart. It’s a healthy way to feel like you’re indulging—even when you’re not, and still supporting your daily protein needs.
You can enjoy it solo or pair it with other protein-forward recipes like our cottage cheese brownies to build out a balanced treat tray.
A gluten-free and grain-free dessert everyone will love
This cottage cheese banana pudding is a dessert you can feel good about serving. It checks all the boxes: grain-free, low sugar, and quick to prepare. It’s especially helpful for anyone with food sensitivities or who’s trying to limit processed snacks.
Because the flavor is naturally sweet and familiar, it’s also perfect for introducing healthier ingredients to picky eaters. Most people don’t even realize it’s made from cottage cheese—it’s that smooth and flavorful. Plus, vanilla extract and cinnamon give it a comforting, homemade taste that makes it feel extra special.
Need a grab-and-go option for busy mornings or lunchbox-friendly ideas? Portion your pudding into individual jars alongside our cottage cheese cookies for a snack combo that’s delicious, nutritious, and totally prep-friendly.
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding Storage, Variations & Troubleshooting
How to store your cottage cheese banana pudding
After making your cottage cheese banana pudding, be sure to store it the right way to preserve its smooth, creamy consistency. Place any extra servings in airtight containers or jars and keep them refrigerated for up to four days. As it chills, the texture may become a bit thicker, giving it an even more classic pudding feel by the next day.
For easy meal prep, portion the cottage cheese banana pudding into individual servings ahead of time. This makes it an easy grab-and-go high protein snack for busy mornings, post-gym refuels, or kid-friendly lunches. If you’re using cookies or toppings, add them just before serving to preserve their crunch.
Want to save a batch for later? You can freeze the pudding if needed, but note that the texture might become a bit different after thawing. Stir well after thawing and consider blending it again to restore creaminess. For the best flavor, enjoy the pudding within one month of freezing.
Flavor swaps and common mistakes to avoid
This cottage cheese banana pudding is super adaptable. Want more sweetness? Add half a ripe banana more, another tablespoon of maple syrup, or a dash of vanilla to naturally boost the flavor. Prefer a thicker texture? Reduce the maple syrup slightly, add a tablespoon of chia seeds, and finish with a hint of vanilla. Craving bold flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to give it a warm, spiced twist.
One common mistake: not blending enough. If the pudding isn’t completely smooth, it may still have small curds from the cottage cheese. Always blend until fully creamy for that classic pudding texture.
Another tip? Use ripe bananas and a splash of vanilla extract for maximum sweetness and a smoother blend. Unripe bananas won’t bring out the full flavor or natural sweetness this low sugar dessert is known for.
Want a fruitier variation? Add in a few berries or blend half a peach for a twist—just like you might with our strawberry cottage cheese ice cream recipe. It opens up endless ways to enjoy this base while sticking to your health goals.
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Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding – Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cottage cheese banana pudding stay good for?
Cottage cheese banana pudding stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture, consume within two to three days. If freezing, thaw overnight and blend again before serving.
Is cottage cheese banana pudding a healthy snack for kids?
Yes! This pudding is naturally low sugar, made from whole ingredients, and free from processed additives. It’s a high protein snack that’s perfect for after-school treats, and most kids love the banana-forward flavor.
What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
You likely won’t even taste it. Once blended well, the cottage cheese banana pudding becomes smooth and velvety, while the banana and maple syrup gently hide the cottage cheese flavor. If you’re still unsure, try adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a stronger dessert-like taste.
Is this banana pudding sweet enough?
If your banana is ripe, it adds plenty of natural sweetness. However, you can adjust the maple syrup to suit your taste. Start with 2 tablespoons, then taste and add more if needed—this keeps it a naturally low sugar treat.
How do you store cottage cheese banana pudding?
Store in jars or containers with lids and refrigerate for up to four days. You can also prep it in individual servings for easy, gluten-free, grab-and-go snacks. Add toppings like cookies or fruit just before serving for the best texture.
Can I make cottage cheese banana pudding without a food processor?
Yes. A high-speed blender works just as well. If you only have a standard blender, blend in two phases—banana and liquid first, then cottage cheese for a smoother consistency.
Is cottage cheese and banana good for you?
Absolutely. This combo delivers protein, potassium, calcium, and natural energy. It’s an excellent base for a high protein snack or light meal, especially when paired with healthy fats or fiber-rich toppings.
What fruit can I mix with cottage cheese?
Besides banana, try blending in strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or even mango for a tropical twist. You can swap the fruit or add variety to the base cottage cheese banana pudding without changing the process.
Can I rate this recipe online?
If you enjoyed this cottage cheese banana pudding, don’t forget to leave a rating or comment—it helps others discover healthy, high protein desserts like this one!
A Sweet Conclusion with Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
This cottage cheese banana pudding is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting, delicious, and nourishing. With a smooth, creamy texture, a solid dose of protein, and the sweet flavor of ripe bananas, it satisfies like a traditional dessert—but works like a high protein snack your body will thank you for.
Whether you’re feeding a family, packing school lunches, or just looking for an easy, gluten-free dessert that fits your routine, this pudding checks every box. It’s grain-free, customizable, and sweetened naturally with no refined sugar—perfect for kids and adults alike.
Best of all? You can whip up a batch in minutes and enjoy it all week long. For more easy wins in the kitchen, explore our cottage cheese mousse or Cottage Cheese Tiramisu—each one created with comfort, balance, and simplicity in mind.
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a cottage cheese creation that nourishes both your body and your memories with food that feels like home.