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This velvety cottage cheese banana pudding turns basic ingredients into a protein-rich delight that feels decadent but stays surprisingly healthy. Great for a fast morning meal, midday pick-me-up, or smarter sweet fix when sugar cravings come knocking.
I first whipped up this pudding during a hectic finals week when I needed fast, energizing bites. It's now my favorite after-workout snack that handles my sweet cravings without messing up my health goals.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: Delivers serious protein while forming the silky pudding foundation. Go for small curd type to get the creamiest result
- Ripe banana: Brings natural sweetness and soft consistency. Pick one with dark spots for best taste
- Maple syrup: Boosts sweetness with rich flavor notes. Stick with real maple syrup instead of breakfast syrup
- Vanilla extract: Ties all flavors together perfectly. Real extract makes a big difference
- Cinnamon: Brings cozy depth to the mix. Try Ceylon cinnamon for softer flavor
- Optional toppings: Things like vanilla cookies, whipped cream or sliced bananas add crunch contrast and eye-catching finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Round up your stuff:
- Get everything together and check that your banana has some dark spots for the right sweetness. Careful measuring matters since the flavor balance in this simple recipe counts.
- Mix until silky smooth:
- Throw cottage cheese, banana, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon in your blender. Begin at low speed for about 10 seconds to mix everything, then crank it to high for 30 to 60 seconds until totally smooth without any cottage cheese lumps left.
- Dish it out:
- Scoop the smooth mixture into separate bowls or small jars for nice presentation. If making a parfait, pick clear glasses to show off the pudding and topping layers.
- Finish with toppings:
- Top your pudding with your favorites. Crushed vanilla wafers add great crunch, while fresh banana slices boost the flavor. For a special touch, add a spoonful of whipped cream or a light dusting of extra cinnamon.
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The real trick to this recipe comes down to blending time. My first attempt with a basic blender seemed okay, but I found that extra minutes of blending changes everything from slightly gritty to silky smooth. Now everyone in my house asks for it weekly, including my fussy nephews who don't even realize how healthy it actually is.
Perfect Your Texture
Your pudding's thickness mostly comes from what cottage cheese you use and how you like it. If you want thicker pudding, pick a drier cottage cheese brand or strain extra liquid before mixing. For super smoothness, try using a powerful blender instead of a food processor, since blenders usually make dairy mixtures much silkier.
Make It Your Own
This simple starter recipe can go many ways. Try mixing in a spoon of plain cocoa powder for chocolate flavor, or toss in some frozen berries for a fruity version. For cozy autumn taste, add more cinnamon with a tiny bit of nutmeg and ginger. You can also make it more or less sweet by tweaking the maple syrup based on how ripe your banana is and what you prefer.
Nutrition Boost
This pudding gives you amazing health perks while tasting great. The cottage cheese has calcium and casein protein, which takes longer to digest so you stay full. Bananas add potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. To make it even healthier, mix in a spoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds after blending for omega 3s and extra fiber without changing the taste much.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is there a sweetener I can swap for maple syrup?
Sure, you can swap it with agave or honey. Feel free to tweak how much you use for the sweetness you want.
- → How long does this stay fresh in the fridge?
It'll last about 5 days in a sealed container, so it's handy for making ahead.
- → Will low-fat cottage cheese work?
Absolutely! Low-fat works fine, but it might be a little less rich. Use whichever suits your diet.
- → How do I add texture to the mix?
Sprinkle in granola or nuts, break up some cookies, or toss in fruit slices. Peanut butter's a fantastic option too.
- → How do I get it to be thicker?
Chill it for 30 minutes or more after blending, and it thickens up nicely. The longer it sits, the firmer it'll get.
- → Does this pack a lot of protein?
It sure does! Thanks to the cottage cheese, it's a filling option for workouts or morning meals.