This looks like classic banana pudding—but it’s been upgraded for protein. You still get the fluffy, vanilla-banana flavor and soft layers, just with way more protein and less sugar. Perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or a guilt-free dessert craving.
💪 Why This Version Is High-Protein
- Greek yogurt + cottage cheese base
- Protein pudding (or protein powder) instead of regular custard
- Optional whey boost
- Balanced carbs from bananas, not refined sugar overload
⏱ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8 bowls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–4 hours (best overnight)
- Total Time: ~25 minutes active
🛒 Ingredients
🍮 High-Protein Vanilla Cream
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (high-protein)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blend smooth)
- 1 box (3.4 oz) sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
- ¾ cup cold milk (skim or high-protein milk)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍌 Banana Layer
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
🍪 Crunch Layer (Choose One)
-
½–¾ cup vanilla wafers (light or protein version)
or - ½ cup crushed high-protein biscuits / oats
☁️ Light Whipped Topping (Optional)
-
1 cup light whipped topping
or - ¾ cup whipped Greek yogurt
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Blend the Cream
- Add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, pudding mix, milk, protein powder, and vanilla to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, thick, and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (stevia or monk fruit works great).
👉 Texture should resemble classic pudding—rich but spoonable.
2️⃣ Prep the Layers
- Slice bananas evenly.
- Lightly crush wafers or biscuits if using.
- Set everything within reach for easy layering.
3️⃣ Assemble the Trifle
In a glass dish or bowl:
- Spread a thin layer of cream on the bottom.
- Add banana slices.
- Sprinkle wafers/biscuits.
- Repeat layers until dish is full.
- Finish with a thick cream layer on top.
- Decorate with banana slices and wafers (just like the photo).
4️⃣ Chill
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours
- Overnight is even better for flavor and texture
🧮 Approximate Nutrition (per serving – 1/8 dish)
- Calories: ~260–310
- Protein: 22–30g
- Carbs: ~25–30g
- Fat: ~4–6g
👉 Want more protein?
- Add another scoop of protein powder
- Use ultra-filtered milk
- Reduce wafers, increase cream
🔄 Variations
🍓 Berry Protein Pudding
Add strawberries or blueberries between layers.
🍫 Chocolate-Banana
Mix 1 tbsp cocoa powder into the cream.
🥥 Tropical
Add shredded coconut + pineapple chunks.
🧁 Individual Meal-Prep Cups
Layer into jars for grab-and-go desserts.
🧊 Storage
- Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated
- Best texture within first 48 hours
- Not freezer-friendly (bananas soften)
