If you’re searching for a rich, satisfying treat that supports your healthy habits, this high protein chocolate pudding is exactly what you need. It’s smooth, indulgent, and takes only minutes to prepare. Made with just four simple ingredients, this dessert is naturally dairy-free, vegan, and packed with over 20 grams of protein. Whether you’re refueling after a workout or craving a better-for-you dessert, this pudding is creamy, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pudding is fast, flexible, and fits right into your lifestyle. First, it’s ready in less than five minutes, with no cooking or special tools needed. Second, it uses wholesome ingredients like plant-based protein and nut butter, making it a nourishing option for nearly any diet. And finally, the rich chocolate flavor and thick texture make it feel like a treat, even though it’s packed with nutritional benefits. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone who wants to enjoy dessert while staying on track.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at the four main ingredients and how each contributes to the taste and consistency of this protein-packed pudding.
Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder
This ingredient provides both structure and nutrition. A plant-based blend made from pea, hemp, or rice protein will mix smoothly and give the pudding a bold chocolate base. Choose one that’s naturally sweetened or unsweetened depending on your preference.
Cacao Powder or Cocoa Powder
For extra richness, cacao powder adds depth and a slight bitterness that enhances the chocolate flavor. Cocoa powder works well too and brings a familiar taste. Either one boosts both flavor and antioxidants.
Plant-Based Milk
Use almond, oat, or soy milk, depending on your dietary needs. Start with ¾ cup and adjust as needed. Soy milk adds more protein, oat milk adds creaminess, and almond milk keeps the flavor neutral.
Almond Butter or Coconut Butter
This gives the pudding its smooth, thick texture. Almond butter is nutty and neutral, while coconut butter adds a hint of sweetness. If you have allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute.
How to Make High Protein Chocolate Pudding
Creating this pudding is as easy as combining and stirring. Everything comes together in a single bowl, and within minutes, you’ll have a rich, creamy dessert ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, add the protein powder and cacao powder. Stir them together thoroughly so they’re well blended.
Step 2: Add the Milk
Pour in ¾ cup of milk and start stirring slowly. The powders will begin to dissolve and form a smooth mixture. Use a spoon or whisk for best results.
Step 3: Adjust Texture
If it’s too thick or hard to stir, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture softens to a pudding consistency.
Step 4: Stir in Nut Butter
Add the almond or coconut butter and mix until fully combined. The pudding should now be creamy, thick, and silky smooth.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
You can enjoy it right away or refrigerate it for 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker, set texture.
Helpful Tips for Success
Different protein powders absorb liquid differently. If you’re using whey or collagen powder, reduce the initial amount of milk to ⅓ cup and add more as needed. Nut butter helps with both thickness and richness, so don’t skip it. If your mixture turns out too runny, let it sit in the fridge to firm up or stir in another spoonful of protein powder. Want to sweeten it naturally? Add a few drops of maple syrup or a touch of stevia, especially if your protein powder is unsweetened.
Details
Flavor: Bold chocolate with a creamy, nutty background
Texture: Thick and spoonable, like traditional pudding
Best Use: Post-workout snack, healthy dessert, meal-prepped treat
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time (Optional): 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Notes and Variations
Mocha Twist: Add a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor with a coffee kick.
Berry Option: Top with sliced strawberries or mix in a spoonful of raspberry preserves.
Nut-Free Alternative: Swap nut butter for tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Without Protein Powder: Use ½ cup Greek yogurt mixed with cacao, a touch of sweetener, and a splash of milk for a creamy variation.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 239 |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 21g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you boost protein in chocolate pudding?
Using a high-protein powder is the easiest method. You can also use Greek yogurt or silken tofu if you want a whole-food-based alternative.
Which protein powders work best in pudding?
Look for powders that blend smoothly and don’t clump. Plant-based options work well for thicker results, while whey mixes in faster but may need less liquid.
Does adding protein powder change the texture?
Yes, protein powders thicken the pudding and may create different consistencies depending on the brand. Always stir well and adjust the milk to balance it.
Can I make this without sugar?
Absolutely. Use an unsweetened milk and a clean protein powder with no added sugar. You can always add a natural sweetener later if desired.
Storage Instructions
Store your pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It will naturally thicken as it chills. If it becomes too firm, just stir in a splash of milk before serving. Freezing isn’t recommended as it can change the smooth consistency.
Print
High Protein Chocolate Pudding | Quick, Creamy, and Guilt-Free Treat
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This high protein chocolate pudding recipe comes together in 5 minutes using just 4 simple ingredients. It’s creamy, rich in chocolate flavor, and naturally dairy free and low in sugar. With over 20g of protein per serving, it makes a perfect quick dessert or healthy snack that supports your fitness goals.
Ingredients
1 scoop vegan chocolate protein powder
2 tablespoons cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 to 1 cup cold plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy)
1 tablespoon almond butter or coconut butter
Instructions
1. In a bowl, stir together protein powder and cacao powder until combined.
2. Pour in 3/4 cup milk and mix until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add additional milk a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired thickness.
4. Stir in nut butter and mix until a thick, creamy pudding forms.
5. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate to firm up further.
Notes
Use whey or collagen protein? Start with 1/3 cup milk and add more slowly.
Nut butter improves texture and richness.
If the pudding is too thin, add more protein powder or chill it.
No protein powder? Use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp cacao powder, sweetener, and milk to blend.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 239
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
This high protein chocolate pudding is a deliciously simple way to fuel your day while keeping your nutrition goals in check. It’s fast, flexible, and totally satisfying. Whether you need a snack, dessert, or post-workout reward, this recipe delivers rich flavor and creamy texture without the need for sugar or dairy. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite guilt-free indulgence.