This high-protein banana pudding is a fun twist on the classic Southern dessert, rich, creamy, sweet, and made with a protein-packed banana yogurt base instead of traditional custard. It comes together in minutes, requires zero cooking, and layers beautifully with whipped cream, Chessmen cookies, and fresh bananas.

It’s light, fluffy, and still gives you that nostalgic banana pudding moment… just with a little extra staying power thanks to the protein powder and yogurt.

Perfect for snacks, after-school treats, easy desserts, or a make-ahead dish for gatherings.

What You Need

For the Protein Banana Pudding

• Ripe bananas
• Honey
• Plain yogurt
• Vanilla protein powder

For Layering

• Chessmen butter cookies
• Whipped cream
• Sliced bananas

How to Make High-Protein Banana Pudding

1. Make the Protein Pudding

Mash your ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in the honey, yogurt, and vanilla protein powder. Stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and well combined.

2. Build the First Layer

Add a single layer of Chessmen cookies to the bottom of your dish.
Spoon a generous layer of the banana protein pudding over the top.

3. Add Whipped Cream + Bananas

Spread a thin layer of whipped cream, then add sliced bananas on top for extra texture and banana flavor.

4. Repeat the Layers

Continue layering cookies, pudding, whipped cream, and bananas until you have three full layers.

5. Finish It Off

Crush a handful of Chessmen cookies and sprinkle them across the top for the perfect buttery crunch.

Cover and refrigerate to let the cookies soften — or enjoy right away if you love the extra crunch.

Tips for the Best Protein Banana Pudding

• Use very ripe bananas. The sweeter and softer they are, the creamier your pudding will be.
• Choose a thick yogurt. Greek or Icelandic yogurt makes the pudding richer.
• Let it chill. The cookies soften into a cake-like texture after a few hours.
• Customize the protein. Vanilla bean works beautifully, but banana cream or even cinnamon roll protein would be delicious too.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — banana pudding is even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just add the final banana layer right before serving to prevent browning.

Can I use different cookies?

Absolutely. Nilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even graham crackers all work well.

Is this thick enough to use as a standalone pudding?

Yes! The yogurt and protein powder make it creamy and spoonable on its own.

Can I use flavored yogurt?

You can. Just reduce the honey if your yogurt is already sweetened.

High-Protein Banana Pudding

This no-cook high-protein banana pudding is made with creamy yogurt, ripe bananas, and vanilla protein powder, then layered with Chessmen cookies, whipped cream, and fresh bananas. A lighter, protein-packed twist on classic Southern banana pudding that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for make-ahead desserts.

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Ingredients

  

• 3 ripe bananas smashed
• 2 heaping tablespoons honey
• 12 ounces plain yogurt
• 1 scoop vanilla bean protein powder
• Pepperidge Farm Chessmen butter cookies
• Whipped cream
• 1 –2 bananas sliced

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, combine smashed bananas, honey, yogurt, and protein powder. Stir until smooth to form your banana protein pudding.
2. Add a single layer of Chessmen cookies to the bottom of your serving dish.
3. Spoon a layer of pudding over the cookies.
4. Add a thin layer of whipped cream, then a layer of sliced bananas.
5. Repeat layers — cookies, pudding, whipped cream, bananas — until you have three layers total.
6. Finish with crushed Chessmen cookies on top.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.