
I’ve found a way to satisfy my sweet tooth and boost my protein intake all at once with this rich, chocolatey Protein Pudding. It’s thick, creamy, and comes together in minutes—no cooking required—then chills into the perfect snack or dessert.
Short Description
I whisk together Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla, then let it chill until it sets into a velvety pudding. With over 40 grams of protein per serving, it’s my go-to for a quick post-workout treat or an easy make-ahead dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore how minimal the ingredient list is—only five staples stand between me and this indulgent snack. It requires zero heat, one bowl, and a few minutes of mixing. After an hour in the fridge, it transforms into a luscious, satisfying pudding that feels like dessert but fuels my muscles. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit whatever flavor or texture I’m craving.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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5 cups Greek yogurt, full-fat, plain or vanilla
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4 scoops chocolate protein powder (about 2–3 tablespoons per scoop)
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3 to 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, I combine the Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, and cocoa powder.
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I add the vanilla extract and maple syrup, then whisk everything until completely smooth.
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I cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, allowing it to thicken into pudding.
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When I’m ready to enjoy it, I spoon the pudding into serving glasses and top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries if I’m feeling fancy.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Chill Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Vanilla Protein Pudding: I swap the chocolate protein powder and cocoa for vanilla protein powder and skip the cocoa powder.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: I stir in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter before chilling for a nutty twist.
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Berry Bliss: I fold in ½ cup pureed strawberries or raspberries for a fruity version.
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Mocha Flavor: I add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the mix for a coffee-chocolate mash-up.
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Chia Boost: I stir in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds before chilling to thicken further and add fiber.
storage/reheating
I store my pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since it’s best served cold, I don’t reheat it—just grab a spoon straight from the fridge whenever I need a protein-packed snack.
FAQs
What if I don’t have chocolate protein powder?
I’ve made it with vanilla protein powder instead—just skip the cocoa powder and add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a handful of fresh berries for flavor.
Can I use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt?
Yes, but I prefer full-fat for maximum creaminess. Low-fat versions work, though the pudding will be slightly less rich.
How can I make this dairy-free?
I substitute dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) and use a plant-based protein powder. The texture is just as smooth!
Is it possible to speed up the chilling process?
If I’m short on time, I freeze the covered bowl for 20–30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to encourage even thickening.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely. I simply adjust the ingredient quantities in the same ratios. If I halve it, I use a smaller bowl so the pudding layer isn’t too thin.
Conclusion
I reach for this Protein Pudding whenever I need a fast, filling snack that feels like dessert but packs a serious protein punch. It’s flexible, fuss-free, and ready in an hour—proof that healthy eating can be both effortless and delicious.
Print
Protein Pudding
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chill time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, chocolatey no-cook pudding made with Greek yogurt and protein powder, chilled into a velvety, high-protein snack or dessert.
Ingredients
5 cups full-fat plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
4 scoops chocolate protein powder (approx. 2–3 Tbsp per scoop)
3–4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and maple syrup, then whisk again until completely homogeneous.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to thicken into pudding.
- When ready to serve, spoon into individual glasses or bowls and top as desired with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble and cover pudding; refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut or almond-based yogurt and use plant-based protein powder.
Speed Chill: Freeze for 20–30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to thicken faster.
Texture Variation: Fold in 2 Tbsp chia seeds before chilling for extra body and fiber.
Flavor Swaps: Try vanilla protein powder (omit cocoa) or add 1 tsp instant espresso for mocha pudding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-cook)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook / Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 225 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg