Indulge in a creamy, chocolatey protein pudding that’s secretly healthy! This easy recipe packs 19 grams of protein per serving, is low-carb, keto-friendly, and ready in just 3 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Protein Pudding
I’m a big fan of incorporating more protein into my diet, including protein-rich desserts. After creating a delicious protein banana bread and a yummy peanut butter protein fluff, I knew I had to make a chocolate version. Here’s why this protein pudding is a winner:
- Delicious: It tastes like a decadent chocolate mousse – creamy, airy, and intensely chocolatey.
- Quick and Easy: Just a blender and 3 minutes are all you need.
- Sugar-Free and Low-Carb: Perfect for those watching their blood sugar levels.
- Light and Guilt-Free: Only 149 calories and 5.7g of fat per serving.
- Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese and whey protein powder provide a powerful protein boost.
Key Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: Any type works – low-fat, full-fat, large curd, or small curd. Blended cottage cheese becomes incredibly creamy. Use it straight from the fridge for a firm, cool pudding.
- Protein Powder: Unflavored whey protein powder is ideal for its creaminess.
- Cocoa Powder: Use 100% unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Sweetener: Allulose is recommended for its zero-carb nature and ability to melt like sugar. Powdered erythritol monk fruit blends or xylitol are also good options (adjust amounts as needed). Coconut sugar or honey can be used if carbs are not a concern.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and masks any tanginess from the cottage cheese.
Making Your Protein Pudding
This recipe is incredibly simple:
- Combine: Place all ingredients in a food processor.
- Blend: Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Variations
- No Cottage Cheese? Ricotta or Greek yogurt can be substituted, but they are lower in protein.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: Use chocolate-flavored protein powder (4 tablespoons) and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste. You may not need additional sweetener.
- Vanilla Protein Pudding: Use vanilla protein powder and consider adding a tablespoon of peanut butter for extra protein.
- Dairy-Free Protein Pudding: Soy yogurt (high in protein) or almond/coconut yogurt can be used. Use pea protein or hemp protein instead of whey.
Serving Suggestions
Top your protein pudding with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries or a homemade berry coulis.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why not just buy protein pudding? Homemade protein pudding is more affordable and healthier. Store-bought versions often contain gums, artificial sweeteners, and thickeners. This recipe uses only natural ingredients.
- Can I make protein chocolate ice cream? Yes! Freeze the pudding for 90 minutes or until half-frozen. Then, blend it briefly in a food processor or high-speed blender for a soft-serve consistency.
- Is sweetener necessary? Sweetener masks any tanginess from the cottage cheese. While not essential for texture, it greatly improves the flavor.
STORAGE
Store the protein pudding in the fridge for up to 4 days. I cover it with clingfilm or store it in an airtight container so it stays fresh.
I do not recommend freezing cottage cheese pudding. Cottage cheese changes texture after defrosting
Chocolate Protein Pudding
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (220g) cottage cheese
- 3 tablespoons (16g) cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons (12g) whey protein powder
- 3 tablespoons (30g) allulose (or 2 tablespoons of another sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth (about 1 minute). Scrape the sides as needed.
- Divide the pudding into two serving cups. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.
- Optionally, top with cocoa powder, whipped cream, or berries.
Notes:
- Net Carbs: 5.4g per serving
- Protein: 19.1g per serving
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Not suitable for freezing.
NUTRITION
Serving: 0.5cup Calories: 149kcal Total Carbohydrates: 8.4g Protein: 19.1g Fat: 5.7g Saturated Fat: 2.5g Sodium: 396mg Potassium: 233mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 3.1g