Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding is a creamy, protein-packed dessert that combines the smooth texture of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This quick and easy treat offers a balanced sweetness, a comforting flavor profile, and is customizable to fit various dietary preferences, making it a nourishing yet indulgent option for any occasion.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 fresh ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Crushed graham crackers or granola
- Additional ground cinnamon for sprinkling
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
- Fresh banana slices for garnish
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Prepare the Bananas: Peel and slice two to three ripe bananas into thin rounds, reserving a few slices for garnish if desired.
- Blend the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Bananas and Creamy Base: Gently fold the sliced bananas into the cottage cheese mixture to preserve texture, avoiding fully pureeing the bananas.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the pudding for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly.
- Serve with Toppings: Spoon the pudding into bowls or glasses, then sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, granola, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon before serving.
Notes
- Use small curd cottage cheese for a smoother, more luxurious pudding texture.
- Do not overblend the cottage cheese mixture; keep some texture for interest.
- Choose ripe bananas to enhance natural sweetness and soften texture.
- Taste and adjust sweetness carefully; bananas may provide enough sweetness on their own.
- Best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to maintain freshness and avoid banana browning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated, covering the surface with plastic wrap.
- Freezing is not recommended as texture changes and bananas become mushy.
- Serve chilled; if preferred, let pudding sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cottage cheese pudding, banana pudding, healthy dessert, high protein dessert, quick dessert, creamy pudding, no bake dessert