Description

This High-Protein Banana Pudding is a delicious and nutritious dessert that combines the creamy sweetness of vanilla pudding with the natural flavor of ripe bananas and a protein boost from vanilla protein powder and high-protein yogurt. It’s layered with crunchy Nilla Wafers and light whipped cream, making it a perfect treat for those looking for a satisfying, high-protein snack or dessert option.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein Pudding Mixture

1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (25 g protein)
1 (3.4-oz.) package vanilla instant Jell-O pudding
1 1/2 cups cold whole or plant-based milk

Whipped Cream Mixture

1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup high-protein sweetened vanilla yogurt (such as Siggi’s)

Additional Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
27 Nilla Wafers, lightly crumbled, plus 4 whole Wafers for topping

Instructions

Make the protein pudding mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla protein powder and vanilla instant Jell-O pudding until combined. While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the cold milk to avoid lumps, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 40 minutes and up to overnight, allowing the pudding to thicken. At this stage, the consistency will be slightly looser than traditional pudding.
Prepare the whipped cream mixture: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the high-protein sweetened vanilla yogurt and continue beating until stiff peaks form, which will take an additional 30 to 60 seconds. Reserve 1/2 cup of this whipped cream mixture by transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to garnish.
Combine the mixtures: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the remaining whipped cream mixture into the chilled pudding mixture until no streaks remain, ensuring it is fully blended yet still light and airy.
Assemble the pudding layers: In small jars or serving glasses, layer 1/4 cup of the combined yogurt-pudding mixture, followed by 4 to 5 slices of banana, and about 2 crumbled Nilla Wafers. Repeat this layering once more and finish with a final 1/4 cup of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat these steps with the remaining ingredients to fill all jars or glasses.
Garnish and serve: Top each assembled pudding cup with a spoonful of reserved whipped cream, a whole Nilla Wafer, and additional banana slices for decoration and added texture. Serve chilled.

Notes

For a lighter version, use plant-based milk and low-fat yogurt to reduce calories and fat.
The pudding mixture can be prepared the day before to save time and allow flavors to meld for better texture.
Ensure bananas are ripe yet firm to maintain their shape and prevent browning.
Substitute Nilla Wafers with gluten-free cookies if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Use chilled mixing bowls and cream to help achieve better whipped cream volume.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: high-protein banana pudding, healthy banana dessert, protein-packed pudding, easy no-bake dessert, banana layered pudding