Description

This Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding is a creamy, protein-packed dessert that combines the smoothness of blended cottage cheese with the sweetness of bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla pudding mix. Layered with vanilla wafer cookies and topped with whipped cream and fresh banana slices, this pudding is a delicious and healthier twist on a classic treat. It requires no baking and can be prepared quickly in a blender, making it perfect for a satisfying snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix (sugar-free or regular)
2-3 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, sliced (more to taste)

For Layering and Topping

Vanilla wafer cookies for layering
Whipped cream, for topping
Sliced banana, for topping
Additional vanilla wafer cookies, for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding base: In a food processor or blender cup, combine the cottage cheese, milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract. You may also use an immersion blender for this step for convenience.
Blend until smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed for 1-2 minutes until it is completely smooth and thickened slightly, ensuring no lumps remain and the pudding has a creamy consistency.
Assemble the layers: In two single-serving containers, start layering the pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies alternately. Distribute evenly to create visually appealing and flavorful layers.
Chill to set: Place the assembled puddings in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This allows the pudding to firm up and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Add toppings before serving: Just before enjoying, top each pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, additional slices of fresh banana, and extra vanilla wafer cookies for added texture and sweetness.

Notes

You can adjust the maple syrup amount to taste depending on your sweetness preference.
For a thicker pudding, use full-fat cottage cheese and whole milk.
Instant pudding mix can be sugar-free to reduce added sugars.
The pudding can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
This recipe serves 2 but can be easily scaled up.
Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
For a vegan adaptation, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt and choose a vegan pudding mix.