Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this rich and creamy protein pudding! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while fueling your body with high-quality protein. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout treat or a healthy snack, this protein-packed pudding is your go-to for a guilt-free indulgence. Easy to make, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients, it’s a dessert that does it all!
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: At least 30 minutes (preferably 1-2 hours)
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop (approximately 25-30g) of chocolate protein powder (whey, casein, or a blend will work)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for a thicker texture)
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for richer chocolate flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Sweetener to taste (optional, such as stevia, erythritol, or a drizzle of honey/maple syrup)
- Optional toppings: berries, nuts, seeds, sugar-free chocolate chips
Equipment:
- Small mixing bowl or jar
- Whisk or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients (Optional)
- In your small bowl or jar, add the chocolate protein powder, chia seeds (if using), and cocoa powder (if using). Whisk or stir them together to break up any clumps in the protein powder and evenly distribute the chia seeds and cocoa. This helps prevent lumps later.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Pour the almond milk (or your choice of milk) into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the vanilla extract (if using).
Step 4: Mix Well
- Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Stir until the protein powder is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. The mixture will likely be quite thin at this stage.
Step 5: Sweeten to Taste (Optional)
- Taste the pudding mixture and add your preferred sweetener if desired. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking. Stir well to ensure the sweetener is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Chill
- Cover the bowl or jar with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a thicker consistency, chill for 1-2 hours or even overnight. The chia seeds (if used) will absorb liquid and help thicken the pudding. The protein powder itself will also thicken slightly as it chills.
Step 7: Enjoy!
- Once the pudding has chilled to your desired consistency, give it a final stir. Transfer it to a serving dish if needed. Add any optional toppings you like, such as fresh berries, chopped nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of sugar-free chocolate chips. Enjoy your delicious and healthy protein pudding!
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Liquid: If you prefer a thinner pudding, add a little more milk. For a thicker pudding, use less milk or add more chia seeds.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors of protein powder (vanilla, strawberry, etc.) and adjust the optional ingredients accordingly. For example, use freeze-dried strawberries instead of cocoa powder with vanilla protein.
- Make it Vegan: Ensure you are using a vegan protein powder and plant-based milk.
- Blend for Extra Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth texture, you can blend all the ingredients in a blender or with an immersion blender before chilling.
- Layered Dessert: Create a layered protein pudding parfait by alternating with granola, yogurt, or fruit.
- Overnight Oats Style: Combine all ingredients in a jar, stir well, and refrigerate overnight for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Enjoy your homemade protein pudding!
