As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This homemade Protein Pudding is the best high protein snack. Made with 2 ingredients and no sugar, this healthy pudding packs 57 grams of protein in a bowl. Have fun experimenting with flavors!
My favorite macro-friendly desserts are protein ice cream, cottage cheese cookie dough, protein muffins, and, of course, protein pudding. The king. From vanilla to chocolate, I need one almost everyday or I’m not happy. And when I say it, I mean it. For example, the day before moving out of my previous apartment, I decided to “celebrate” with a huge pint of vanilla protein pudding. It was 1.5 lb (or 680 grams) in total, and I had it all.
But things have now changed. If up until some months ago I used to buy it from the store, I now make my own at home. I came up with this easy protein pudding recipe out of necessity. One day I was craving it so badly, but unfortunately I ate the last one the night before. So I took out some Greek yogurt, protein powder and mix it all up until smooth. Oh dear friend, it tasted just like the original, but made at home. Cheaper and healthier!
Why you should make protein pudding
- Budget-friendly. My protein pudding recipe is so simple. You only need Greek yogurt, protein powder and optionally cocoa powder, which is not required. When you crunch the numbers, you’ll see just how many batches you can make for the cost of a single store-bought pudding.
- Better macros. With over 57 g of protein, this pudding recipes makes the perfect snack or dessert for your fitness diet. Additionally, it is also low carb, gluten-free and vegan friendly.
- Better ingredients. If you’ve ever checked the package of store-bought puddings, you may have come across a long, endless list of ingredients. Sugar, gums and thickeners. But things are different here, you’ll only need Greek yogurt and protein powder.
- Quick and easy. Making protein pudding at home is so quick and easy. Just mix all ingredients until smooth and serve with your favorite toppings. It comes together in less than 2 minutes, cleaning included.
- Tasty and customizable. Last but not least, this protein pudding tastes as delicious as the original. It is smooth, creamy and so versatile that you can make it in thousands of flavors.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Greek yogurt. This recipe can be prepared with either nonfat, low fat or full fat Greek yogurt. I like 2% Greek yogurt because it has more taste than 0% fat yogurt and few calories. For vegan pudding, replace with dairy-free yogurt. As it also high in protein, I recommend soy Greek yogurt and regular soy yogurt.
- Protein powder. You can make pudding with whey, casein or vegan protein powder. They are all suitable, but the choice may slightly influence the pudding consistency. Plant based proteins and casein are more absorbent, so you’ll probably need some milk. My favorite options are chocolate and vanilla whey.
This easy protein pudding recipe leaves room for endless variations. Whether with cocoa powder or peanut butter, you can have a different flavor each day. Here I am making chocolate protein powder pudding, with extra cocoa powder.
If you use unflavored protein powder or if you have the sweet tooth, be sure to include some maple syrup or honey. Chocolate, vanilla and all other flavored protein powders are usually already sweetened (without sugar), so no need for changes.
How to make protein pudding
- Step 1 – Mix. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with protein powder and any optional mix-in (such as cocoa powder). Using a whisk or spoon, stir until the mixture reaches a pudding texture. Based on protein powder, you may need to thin it out with little milk if too thick.
- Step 2 – Taste. Taste and adjust the sweetness with maple syrup or honey, if necessary.
- Step 3 – Serve or store. Serve immediately, or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Which is the best protein powder?
This recipe can be made with any type of protein powder, but I personally prefer whey. As it mixes very well, it will give you a smoother and creamier pudding without lumps or grains. On the other hand, vegan protein powder and casein are highly absorbent, which can leave the texture a bit grainy. Luckily overcoming this problem is very simple. Stir in one to two tablespoons of milk until it reaches a smooth and velvety consistency.
I opted for chocolate protein powder, but feel free to use the flavor you like the most. Vanilla is also delicious, especially when not adding cocoa powder. Other great flavors are brownie, strawberry, coconut and peanut butter.
Flavor variations
- Chocolate. Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and serve with chocolate chips on top, if you wish. You may also want to use chocolate flavored protein powder, as I did in these pictures.
- Vanilla. Choose vanilla protein powder, or mix the yogurt with half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and some maple syrup.
- Cinnamon crunch. Use vanilla flavored protein powder, and add 1/3 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to all other ingredients. For extra texture, serve with crunchy cereal on top.
- Strawberry. Add Greek yogurt, (strawberry or vanilla flavored) protein powder and a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries to a blender. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
- Cookie dough. Stir in one to two tablespoons of peanut butter and serve with chocolate chips on top. Or try my Greek yogurt cookie dough recipe.
- Cookies and cream. Mix Greek yogurt with vanilla protein powder and serve with crushed Oreo cookies on top. You can swap them out for sugar-free cookies, if desired.
Storage directions
This protein powder pudding is perfect for meal prep. To store it, transfer the mixture to a mason jar with sealable lid or to an airtight container and refrigerate. In the fridge, it will last for up to 3 days.
For a longer storage, transfer the dessert to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, either allow the pudding to thaw overnight in the fridge or enjoy frozen. Take it out of the freezer, let it sit in the counter for 5 minutes and it will taste similar to a high protein frozen yogurt.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
If you don’t have protein powder, leave it out of the recipe. Adjust taste with 1 – 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey and mix-ins such as cocoa powder. You’ll still get plenty of protein from the Greek yogurt.
Replace dairy Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan protein powder. I recommend unsweetened soy yogurt – or even better soy Greek yogurt – because it has lots of protein.
If your pudding is still thick after mixing, it may be because of the protein powder. Especially vegan protein and casein tend to absorb plenty of moisture. To fix it, stir in one to two tablespoons of your favorite milk until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
This recipe has about 317 calories, 57 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbohydrates and 4.6 grams of fats. The perfect macro-friendly snack.
Please note that the precise macronutrient composition will slightly change based on ingredients used and mix-ins added.
More high protein snacks
- Cottage cheese cookies
- Protein muffins
- Chocolate protein balls
- Moist protein banana bread
- Cottage cheese brownies
- Chocolate protein donuts
- Protein cheesecake
- Cottage cheese cheesecake
Protein Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 g) Greek yogurt, low fat or full fat
- ½ cup (40 g) protein powder, I recommend chocolate or vanilla flavor
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 to 2 tbsp maple syrup, if necessary, to taste
- milk of choice, if necessary, see notes*
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with protein powder and any optional mix-in (such as cocoa powder). Using a whisk or spoon, stir until the mixture reaches a pudding texture. Based on protein powder, you may need to thin it out with little milk if too thick.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness with maple syrup or honey, if necessary.
- Serve immediately, or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- If using unflavored protein powder, adjust the taste with 1 – 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and optional mix-ins (such as 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tbsp cocoa powder).
- I recommend making pudding with whey protein powder because it mixes better and produces a smoother consistency.
- Vegan protein powder and casein may make the pudding thick. Adjust with a splash of milk, if it is necessary.
I used 3/4 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt and two scoops of my plant protein (which is one serving), a tiny bit of sugar free syrup and a heavy splash of milk! Turned out great! I will definitely use this recipe again! What a great idea to get that extra protein in! Thank you for the great recipe:)
Hey Stephanie,
thanks a lot for your kind feedback! It truly makes me happy hearing that you like this protein pudding recipe. As you said, it is definitely a great way to get more protein in a delicious way 😉
Have a great day,
Matteo
Great I loved it I will try it today and it is also rich in protein
Hey Mosab,
thanks a lot for your feedback! I’m so glad you try and liked my recipe.
Have a great day,
Matteo
Great breakfast to start the day.
Congratulation mattsfitchef!
Hey dear Constantino,
thank you sooo much for your kind feedback!! I am so glad that you like this recipe.
Have a great day,
Matteo
Looks delicious, is a perfect idea! Yummy yummy??
Hey dear Liza,
thank you very very much for your feedback!! I am incredibly happy to hear this.
Have a great day,
Matteo