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This cottage cheese banana pudding is ultra-smooth and creamy with a higher-protein twist on the classic dessert. The pudding is blended until silky and layered with bananas and vanilla wafers to create as simple no-bake treat that feels just like traditional banana pudding.
This is one of those recipes where the magic happens in the blender. The cottage cheese blends into a completely smooth, creamy base that feels just like classic pudding. You won’t taste the curds at all, just a rich satisfying texture with a boost of protein.
If you don’t like cottage cheese, you can try my other High Protein Banana Pudding which uses Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder for that protein boost.
Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
If you love banana pudding, but are looking for something a little more balanced, this banana pudding with cottage cheese is the perfect choice. The cottage cheese is blended into the pudding to create a healthy banana pudding you’ll want to make on repeat.
It’s made with just a handful of pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here is why you’ll love it:
- Smooth, creamy texture. Once blended, the cottage cheese becomes completely smooth and pudding-like.
- High protein with no protein powder. The cottage cheese adds extra protein to create a more balance option that still tastes like dessert.
- Easy, no bake recipe (just 5 minutes of prep). Everything comes together quickly in a blender.
- Just like classic banana pudding. With bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding, it has that nostalgic familiar flavor.
- Perfect for single servings or sharing. Serve in individual jars or containers for an easy dessert.
- Great to make ahead. Chill for at least an hour and enjoy when you’re ready. It gets better as it sits!
Ingredients Notes
The best thing about this banana pudding recipe is that it’s made with a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Cottage cheese: This makes the pudding higher-protein. Full-fat cottage cheese or 2% creates the richest texture, but low-fat works okay too.
- Milk: Helps loosen the pudding mixture to create a smooth creamy consistency. Any milk works, including dairy-free options.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds classic banana pudding flavor while helping thicken the mixture. Regular or sugar-free pudding mix both work.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and gives the pudding a more homemade taste.
- Maple syrup: Adds a little extra sweetness. You can adjust the amount to taste.
- Banana: Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and strongest banana flavor.
- Vanilla wafer cookies: Classic vanilla wafers give this recipe that traditional banana pudding feel. Graham crackers or shortbread cookies also work well.
- Whipped cream: Optional, but highly recommend for that classic banana pudding finish.
If you’re looking for more ways to use cottage cheese, see my full collection of Cottage Cheese Recipes.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
- Using a food processor, immersion blender or blender cup, combine the cottage cheese, milk, pudding mix, vanilla, and maple syrup.
- Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth and slightly thickened.
- In two single serving containers layer the pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafer cookies. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and additional cookies, if desired.
Jamie’S Tips
Expert Recipe Tips
- Blend longer than you think you need to. The key to a smooth pudding texture if fully blending the cottage cheese until completely creamy with no visible curds.
- Use 2% or full fat (4%) cottage cheese. For the creamiest texture, I recommend at least 2%. Fat free and 1% cottage cheese will work, but won’t be as creamy.
- Use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas add the best flavor and natural sweetness, which gives the pudding that classic banana pudding flavor.
- Chill before serving. Let the pudding rest in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to come together.
- Serve cold. The pudding tastes thickest and creamiest once fully chilled.
FAQs
Yes! Once blended the cottage cheese is smooth and creamy with a mild flavor that works well in desserts like banana pudding.
With 16 grams of protein per serving, this recipe is significantly higher in protein than classic banana pudding thanks to the addition of the cottage cheese.
Yes, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Greek yogurt creates a tangier pudding with a lighter texture.
Vanilla wafer cookies are the classic choice, but graham crackers or shortbread cookies also work well.
Storage Instructions
Keep a jar in the fridge for an easy higher-protein treat whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Store this sweet treat covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep the pudding chilled until ready to serve.
The pudding actually gets thicker and creamier after chilling for at least an hour, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.
Banana tip: Fresh banana slices can brown slightly after a day or two. For the freshest presentation, add extra banana slices right before serving if desired.
Freezing is not recommended.
More Desserts With Cottage Cheese
If you’ve made and loved this Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix , sugar-free or regular
- 2-3 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, sliced (more to taste)
- vanilla wafer cookies for layering
- Whipped cream, sliced banana, and additional cookies for topping
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender cup, combine the cottage cheese, milk, pudding mix, maple syrup, and vanilla. (You can also use an immersion blender.)
- Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and slightly thickened.
- In two single serving containers layer the pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafer cookies. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and additional cookies if desired.
Notes
- Blend until completely smooth. This is key to the creamy, pudding-like texture.
- Blend cottage cheese first if needed. If your blender isn’t very powerful, blending the cottage cheese separately first can help create a smoother pudding.
- Chill before serving. This no-bake banana pudding thickens as it chills.
- Use 2% or full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest result.
- Other flavor mix-ins: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of peanut butter for extra flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
