Greek Yogurt Protein Pudding

This chocolate protein pudding has become my secret weapon for satisfying sweet cravings while still supporting my fitness goals. The creamy texture combined with rich chocolate flavor makes it hard to believe something so delicious can be protein-packed.

I first created this pudding after a particularly grueling workout when I was craving something sweet but didn't want to undo all my hard work at the gym. Now it's become a regular in my meal prep rotation, and even my dessert-loving friends request it when they visit.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt full fat plain or vanilla: Provides the creamy base and significant protein boost. Choose a high quality brand with live cultures for digestive benefits.
• Chocolate protein powder: Adds substantial protein and chocolate flavor. Look for a brand with minimal additives and a flavor you enjoy on its own.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding sugar. Dutch processed gives a smoother less bitter taste.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds depth. Pure extract rather than imitation makes a noticeable difference.
• Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that blends beautifully with chocolate. Choose real maple syrup not pancake syrup for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine ingredients:

Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. The order doesn't matter much but I find starting with yogurt makes incorporation easier. Make sure your protein powder doesn't have lumps before adding.

Whisk thoroughly:

Use a wire whisk to combine everything completely. This takes about 2-3 minutes of consistent whisking. Pay special attention to the bottom of the bowl where protein powder tends to hide. The mixture should be completely smooth with no dry pockets of powder.

Refrigerate:

Allow the pudding to chill for at least one hour. This resting time is crucial as it allows the protein powder to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld together. The pudding will also thicken considerably during refrigeration.

Serve:

Scoop into individual serving dishes and top as desired. The contrast of cold pudding with fresh berries is particularly delightful.

The real game changer in this recipe is using full fat Greek yogurt. I once tried to make it with non fat yogurt thinking I would save calories, but the texture was nowhere near as luxurious and satisfying. The small amount of fat makes a huge difference in mouthfeel and helps keep you full much longer.

Customization Options

This pudding is incredibly versatile as a base recipe. Try vanilla protein powder with a tablespoon of cinnamon for a horchata inspired flavor, or peanut butter powder instead of cocoa for a nutty variation. You can even layer it parfait style with granola and fruit for a more substantial breakfast option. My personal favorite variation is adding a tablespoon of instant coffee powder for a mocha pudding that satisfies both my chocolate and caffeine cravings.

Perfect Toppings

The clean chocolate flavor of this pudding pairs beautifully with fresh berries, particularly raspberries and strawberries whose acidity cuts through the richness. For special occasions, I like to add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate. Chopped nuts add a wonderful textural contrast, with toasted almonds or hazelnuts being particularly complementary to the chocolate flavor.

Nutrition Benefits

Beyond just being high in protein, this pudding delivers multiple nutritional benefits. The Greek yogurt provides calcium and probiotics for gut health, while cocoa powder contains antioxidants and magnesium. Unlike many commercial protein desserts, this homemade version allows you to control the sweetness and avoid artificial ingredients. I often serve this to my nieces and nephews as an after school snack, knowing they're getting good nutrition in a form they actually get excited about eating.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate protein powder with your preferred flavor, such as vanilla or peanut butter protein powder, to customize the taste.

→ How can I make this pudding thicker?

Refrigerating the pudding for at least an hour allows it to thicken. Additionally, you can adjust the cocoa powder or protein powder to achieve your preferred consistency.

→ Can I use non-dairy yogurt?

Absolutely! Non-dairy options like almond or coconut yogurt work well as substitutes for Greek yogurt in this pudding.

→ Can I add sweetener other than maple syrup?

Yes, you can use honey, agave syrup, or any sweetener of your choice to replace maple syrup for added sweetness.

→ What are some serving suggestions for this pudding?

Serve the pudding with fresh fruit, nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added flavor and texture.