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This dreamy banana cottage cheese pudding turns a handful of everyday stuff into a smooth, protein-loaded treat that calms any sweet tooth without the guilt trip. My family asks for it every week as a fun healthy swap for regular ice cream. It feels like a splurge, but it's secretly good for you.
This all started during a late night snack attack when almost no ingredients were left in my kitchen. What began as a random throw together is now our go-to speedy dessert. Even my husband—who's not a cottage cheese fan—can't get enough of it.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Cinnamon: Gives a cozy hint of spice and makes all the flavors pop
- Optional toppings: Toss on some vanilla cookies for a yummy crunch and a bit of nostalgia
- Ripe banana: Brings natural sweetness and a creamy finish — use brown-spotted bananas for better taste
- Cottage cheese: Packs in the protein and makes everything super creamy — go full fat if you want a silkier texture
- Maple syrup: Adds real-deal flavor, not just sweetness — pure maple is worth it
- Vanilla extract: Ties it all together, letting the flavors shine (stick with pure, not the fake stuff)
Super Easy Steps
- Serve or chill:
- If you want a soft, just-made pudding dig in now. For a thicker, old-school vibe, let it sit in the fridge for half an hour or longer.
- Add your favorite toppings:
- Spoon on crushed vanilla cookies, some banana slices, or maybe a dollop of whipped cream. You'll love the combo of creamy smooth with crunchy bits.
- Transfer to serving dishes:
- Pour into bowls, jars, or glasses — clear containers show off that dreamy texture. If you're adding toppings, only fill them about three-quarters to leave space.
- Blend until perfectly smooth:
- Let the blender run for a minute or two til it's silky and all blended together. Give it a scrape down if bits stick on the side — you want it all smooth as can be.
- Add ingredients to blender:
- Toss your cottage cheese, banana, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon into the blender. If the banana's in pieces it mixes up easier. Room temp stuff blends smoother, too.
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Stuff You Should Know
- Big on protein, about 12 grams in every dish
- Awesome to make ahead so you've got snacks on hand all week long
- Great for a quick breakfast, after workouts, or meal prepping
Blending everything changes the texture completely. The first time my kids tried it, they had no clue cottage cheese was hiding in there. Now my daughter requests it for breakfast before exams because she says it helps her do better at school.
Switch It Up
This pudding loves a remix. Try swapping banana for berries, pumpkin, or even avocado to change up the flavor. Every fruit or veggie brings its own twist — and you still get that protein kick from the cottage cheese.
Keep It Fresh
It gets even better after a night in the fridge since the flavors really come together. Just pop it into a sealed container and it'll last up to five days. Gets thicker as it sits, so give it a stir when you grab leftovers. Too thick? Add a splash of milk and it's good as new.
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So Much More Than Dessert
Not just a treat—this creamy pudding works for breakfast or whenever you need a snack. Make it into a parfait with granola, spread some on toast, or even freeze in molds for ice pops full of protein. My kids take it to school—way better than store-bought pudding cups.
Common Questions
- → Can I use a different sweetener?
Definitely! Try agave, honey, or whatever sweet stuff you like best if maple’s not your thing.
- → How long does it last in the fridge?
Just put whatever’s left in a container with a lid and keep it chilled. You’re good for up to five days.
- → Got topping suggestions?
Yep! Go wild with nuts, granola chunks, broken cookies, whipped cream, or banana slices on top. Mix it up however you want.
- → What makes it thicker?
If you want it firmer, chill your pudding in the fridge for half an hour and it’ll firm right up.
- → Do kids enjoy this?
They sure do—it’s tasty and actually pretty good for them. Bet they’ll want seconds.