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About This Recipe
Okay, who doesn’t love a healthy dessert recipe that taste just like the real thing but is lightened up?! These Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding Parfaits are the ultimate high-protein twist on famous banana pudding! Blending the cottage cheese creates a thick, creamy base that tastes just like banana pudding— and no one will believe each one is packed with over 7 grams of protein.
Then layer it with crushed vanilla wafers and cool whip to really make it taste like the real thing! And not only are these parfaits delicious but they’re so easy to make, perfect for a healthy snack or quick dessert! I know these will be on repeat all summer long at our house!
And if you’re nervous about the cottage cheese, don’t worry! I promise you can’t taste it at all. It’s why I love adding it to so many kinds of recipes (both sweet and savory) including my Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, High Protein Scrambled Eggs, Strawberry Cheesecake Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream, Cottage Cheese Queso, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese, Cottage Cheese Lasagna and so many more!
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding Parfaits
- Healthy dessert: Thanks to the high protein cottage cheese and natural sweetness of the banana and maple syrup, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth with this healthy treat!
- Great to prep ahead: A great snack or dessert recipe that you can prep in advance!
- Easy no-bake treat: Just blend, layer, and chill—no oven or stove required.
- Simple ingredients: Made with minimal ingredients, this cottage cheese pudding recipe is one the whole family will love!
- Ripe bananas: This sweet treat is the perfect way to to use up ripe bananas if you don’t want make a loaf of banana bread!
- Cottage cheese: My favorite brand of cottage cheese is Good Culture but any cottage cheese will work. If your cottage cheese is liquidy, I like to stir it really well or drain it before adding it to the banana.
- Ripe banana: The riper the banana, the stronger the banana flavor and the sweeter it will taste.
- Nilla wafers: Nilla wafers are classic for banana pudding! Use gluten-free Nilla wafers if needed.
- Cool whip: Make sure let cool whip thaw before assembling. I like to put my cool whip in the fridge the night before if I can remember or you can let it sit on the counter for a few hours (I don’t recommend microwaving). Use dairy-free cool whip if needed.
- Other ingredients: Pure maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Toppings: Top your parfaits with more banana slices, strawberries, chocolate chips, etc.
- Cookies: You can sub the vanilla wafers for graham crackers or butter cookies if you prefer!
- Greek yogurt: If you really hate cottage cheese (I promise you can’t taste it) you can sub for greek yogurt.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Blend cottage in a food processor or blender until smooth (strain excess liquid first if needed).
2. Add the banana, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Blend until combined.
3. Layer the parfaits! For each, start with 1/3 cup (42g) pudding on the bottom. Top with 1.5 tablespoon (7g) crushed wafers, 1/4 cup (18g) cool whip, another 1/3 cup (42g) pudding, then end with remaining crushed wafers. Makes 4.
4. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2-3 hours to thicken and allow flavors to come together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
These pudding parfaits are best enjoyed a few hours after assembling. You can store parfaits in the refrigerator for 2-3 days but just note the Nilla wafers will start to soften.
Can you taste the cottage cheese?
No, you can’t taste the cottage cheese at all I promise! Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth, creamy base that tastes just like tasty pudding once everything is combined.
Can I prep this pudding recipe ahead of time?
Yes! I recommend prepping these parfaits 2-3 hours in advance. You can prep them a few days in advance and keep stored in the fridge just note that the cookies will start to soften after a day or so, so if you like your cookies crunchy you will want to eat within a day or so.
Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?
Technically no, you don’t have to blend the cottage cheese but blending it gives it that creamy, pudding-like consistency that really make it’s taste like traditional banana pudding.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding Parfaits
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cottage cheese
- 1 small ripe banana (100g)
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup (30g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch of cinnamon optional
Parfaits:
- 3/4 cup Nilla wafers (60g) crushed into tiny pieces
- 1 cup cool whip (72g) softened
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Instructions
- Blend cottage in a food processor or blender until smooth (strain excess liquid first if needed).
- Add the banana, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Blend until combined.
- Layer the parfaits! For each, start with 1/3 cup (42g) pudding on the bottom. Top with 1.5 tablespoon (7g) crushed wafers, 1/4 cup (18g) cool whip, another 1/3 cup (42g) pudding, then end with remaining crushed wafers. Makes 4.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2-3 hours to thicken and allow flavors to come together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
