This Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding is a delicious, health-conscious version of the comforting Southern dessert. Instead of using instant pudding or heavy cream alone, this recipe blends cottage cheese and ripe bananas to create a rich, smooth texture that layers perfectly with banana slices and vanilla wafers. Each spoonful delivers the cozy flavor you love but with added protein and less sugar.
Whether you’re preparing a quick treat or a make-ahead snack, this version balances taste and nutrition without sacrificing indulgence.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This version of banana pudding puts a smart spin on the classic. It features wholesome, protein-packed ingredients while keeping that familiar creamy texture and banana-forward flavor.
The cottage cheese blends into a smooth base, giving it the thickness of traditional pudding. Ripe bananas act as a natural sweetener, reducing the need for added sugar. The soft vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices deliver the classic layered structure we all love, while a whipped topping brings a light, fluffy finish.
It’s ideal as a feel-good dessert, a nourishing snack, or even a sweet, protein-rich breakfast option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s explore each ingredient and how it contributes to this nutritious, no-bake dessert.
Cottage Cheese (16 oz, 4% fat): A high-protein base that, when blended, becomes velvety smooth and pudding-like. Choose full-fat for the creamiest results.
Light Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just enough sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor that complements the banana.
Bananas (3 ripe, medium): One banana is blended into the pudding, while the others are sliced for layering. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and soft texture.
Vanilla Bean Paste (2 teaspoons): Gives the pudding a rich, aromatic vanilla flavor. If not available, pure vanilla extract works as a substitute.
Heavy Cream (3/4 cup): Whips into a light topping that balances the creamy base with a soft finish.
Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon): A touch of maple in the whipped cream enhances flavor complexity and adds mild sweetness.
Vanilla Wafers (28): These cookies create soft, cake-like layers that absorb moisture and bring texture contrast to the pudding.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
There’s no cooking required for this easy recipe. The pudding comes together in a blender, the whipped topping is mixed separately, and then everything is layered with bananas and cookies. After a few hours in the fridge, the dessert sets into a creamy, flavorful treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture
Place 1 3/4 cups of cottage cheese, one ripe banana, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Topping
In a clean blender or mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, and the second teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. Blend until soft peaks form. This creates a rich yet airy topping.
Step 3: Slice the Remaining Bananas
Cut the other 2 bananas into 1/4-inch thick slices. These will go between the pudding layers.
Step 4: Start Assembling the Layers
Take six 6-ounce glasses or small jars. Break 2 vanilla wafers per serving into chunks and place them at the bottom of each container.
Step 5: Add the Blended Pudding
Spoon the banana-cottage cheese pudding mixture evenly into each glass. Smooth the top lightly with a spoon.
Step 6: Layer with Banana Slices
Add 4 to 5 banana slices over the pudding in each container to create a fruity middle layer.
Step 7: Add More Wafers
Break 2 additional wafers per glass and add them over the banana layer.
Step 8: Top with Whipped Cream
Spoon the whipped topping into each container and gently spread to cover the layers.
Step 9: Finish with Crushed Wafers
Crush the remaining vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top for crunch and flavor.
Step 10: Refrigerate to Set
Cover each container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For best texture and flavor, chill overnight.
Helpful Tips for Success
Use bananas that are very ripe, with spots on the peel. They’ll blend better and add more sweetness.
A high-powered blender gives the smoothest pudding texture. If you notice any lumps, blend a little longer.
Letting the pudding chill for several hours allows the layers to settle, the cookies to soften, and the flavors to develop.
Serve in clear glasses or jars so the beautiful layers are visible.
Make ahead the night before for parties, meal prep, or weekday desserts.
Details
Flavor: Sweet banana, soft vanilla, creamy whipped topping
Texture: Silky, layered, and spoonable with tender cookie bits
Occasions: Dessert, breakfast, post-workout snack
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Notes and Variations
To boost the protein even more, blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
For a dairy-light version, swap the cream with a plant-based whipped topping.
You can use graham crackers or digestive biscuits instead of vanilla wafers.
A dash of cinnamon or cardamom adds warmth and depth.
Want to serve a crowd? Layer everything in a trifle dish instead of individual glasses.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cottage cheese be used instead of pudding mix?
Yes, once blended, cottage cheese becomes smooth and creamy, offering a nutritious alternative to processed pudding mixes.
Is blending cottage cheese necessary?
Yes. Blending creates the velvety texture that mimics pudding. Without it, the texture will be lumpy and less enjoyable.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Each serving provides about 10 grams of protein, making it a satisfying snack or breakfast.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days. The bananas may darken slightly over time, but the taste remains delicious.
Storage Instructions
Keep the pudding covered and chilled. It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended as the texture will change due to the dairy and banana content.
Print
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding | High-Protein Comfort with a Twist
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This high-protein twist on banana pudding blends cottage cheese and ripe bananas for a creamy, naturally sweet treat layered with vanilla wafers.
Ingredients
16 oz full-fat cottage cheese (4%)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 ripe bananas (divided)
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon maple syrup
28 vanilla wafers
Instructions
1. Add 1 3/4 cups cottage cheese, 1 banana, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. In a separate blender, mix the remaining cottage cheese, cream, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until whipped.
3. Slice the other 2 bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.
4. Break 2 vanilla wafers into the bottom of each of six 6-oz glasses.
5. Divide the banana-cottage cheese mixture into each glass.
6. Top with banana slices, then more broken wafers.
7. Spoon whipped topping over each glass.
8. Sprinkle crushed wafers on top.
9. Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness.
You can add vanilla protein powder to increase the protein content.
For a plant-based twist, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding proves that dessert can be both satisfying and smart. By blending simple ingredients into a creamy base and layering them with fresh bananas and wafers, you get all the comfort of a traditional pudding with added nutrition. Whether you serve it after dinner, as a midday snack, or to fuel your morning, this feel-good recipe brings balance, flavor, and joy to every spoonful.