This Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding is a tasty twist on a classic dessert! It’s creamy, blended, and packed with yummy banana flavor. Plus, cottage cheese gives it a nice protein boost!
Every time I make this pudding, it disappears faster than I can serve it! I love how easy it is—just mix everything together. Perfect for a sweet treat that feels a bit fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! It adds a creamy texture and a protein boost. If you’re not a fan, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar texture and taste.
Vanilla Pudding: Using instant vanilla pudding is super quick, but homemade is always a tasty option! If you want a dairy-free version, try using coconut or almond pudding.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are important for natural sweetness. If you’re out of bananas, other fruits like strawberries or peaches work great, too, but they change the flavor profile.
Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, try using whipped coconut cream. It gives a nice flavor and is dairy-free! If you want to skip it, you can leave it out, though it adds a lovely creaminess.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies: These add crunch but can be swapped with crushed graham crackers or even gluten-free cookies if needed.
How Do I Make Sure My Layers Come Out Perfect?
Layering this dessert is a key step, and here’s how to achieve beautiful layers. Start with a solid base and don’t rush! Here’s a quick guide:
- Start with Bananas: Place banana slices at the bottom of your glass to create a sweet foundation.
- Add Pudding Mixture: Spread the blended cottage cheese and pudding mixture evenly on top of the bananas, being careful not to disturb them.
- Sprinkle Wafer Crumbs: Generously spread crushed vanilla wafers to add that crunch. This also helps separate the layers visually.
- Repeat Carefully: Continue layering until your glass is full, making sure to finish with the pudding mixture. This helps keep the top smooth.
- Don’t Forget to Chill: Chilling for an hour allows the flavors to blend and sets everything perfectly. Plus, it makes it refreshingly cool when served.
Enjoy your creamy dessert with perfect layers every time!
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup vanilla pudding (prepared, instant or homemade)
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Ground cinnamon, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just 15 minutes of mixing and layering, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Base:
Start by placing the cottage cheese and prepared vanilla pudding in a blender or food processor. Blend them together until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This will serve as your pudding base!
2. Add Flavor:
If you want to enhance the flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the blended mixture. Give it a quick blend again to combine.
3. Set the Foundation:
Now, grab your favorite serving glasses or bowls. Begin by placing a few banana slices at the bottom of each glass. This will create a sweet layer that complements the pudding beautifully.
4. Layer the Pudding:
Next, spoon a layer of the cottage cheese-pudding mixture over the banana slices. Spread it evenly to cover the bananas completely.
5. Add the Crunch:
Time for some texture! Sprinkle a layer of crushed vanilla wafer cookies over the pudding mixture. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite!
6. Repeat the Layers:
Continue the layering process by adding another layer of banana slices, followed by the pudding mixture, and then more crushed wafers. Repeat until your glass is filled, ensuring you end with the pudding mixture on top for a nice finish.
7. Top It Off:
Now for the best part! Spoon a generous layer of whipped cream on the top of each serving. This adds an extra creamy touch that you’ll love!
8. Garnish and Chill:
For a beautiful finish, garnish with a few fresh banana slices and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon. This not only looks lovely but adds a little extra flavor!
9. Refrigerate:
Finally, cover your servings and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften slightly, making every spoonful a dream!
Enjoy this creamy, healthy twist on classic banana pudding—perfect for a dessert or a sweet snack!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese will work just fine in this recipe. It will still give you a creamy texture while reducing calories, making it a lighter option for your pudding.
What Can I Substitute for Whipped Cream?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, whipped coconut cream is a great option. You can also use whipped topping made from almond or soy milk if you prefer a lighter, non-dairy substitute.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Your Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Can I Freeze This Pudding?
It’s not ideal to freeze this pudding because the texture of the bananas and creamy layers can change after thawing. However, if you must, it’s best to freeze just the pudding mixture and then layer it with fresh bananas and wafers once thawed.