2024 seems to be the year of protein. With new studies showing the importance of increasing protein intake, we all need ways to sneak a little more into our days. If you haven’t hopped on the cottage cheese trend yet, this High Protein Pudding Recipe is a great place to start! Made with just 2 ingredients and a blender, it has the creamiest consistency and is a great way to enjoy dessert without the sugar or carbs. Customize this keto dessert with flavor additions! Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, and this pudding is the perfect healthy snack to tame your sweet tooth - in a blood sugar balanced way!
This pudding is delicious enough to be dessert but healthy enough for breakfast. It’s a great way to enjoy something sweet without the guilt. Cottage cheese pudding is a simple and nutritious dessert that can be made in just a few minutes. Combining the wholesome goodness of cottage cheese and the power-packed benefits of protein powder, this recipe offers a quick and easy way to fuel your body with essential nutrients with 32 grams of protein and 8g net carbs.
Is Cottage Cheese Keto-Friendly?
If you’re wondering Is Cottage Cheese Keto?, it is! Most brands contain less than 4 grams of carbs. It is mostly protein. Whole milk versions contain fats as well. Cottage cheese can be a suitable option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, as it provides a good amount of protein and healthy fats while being relatively low in carbohydrates.
Adding cultured dairy products, like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, add variety to a low carb diet. Dress them up or use them in high protein desserts to add a creamy texture!
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a versatile and nutritious dairy product:
Read also: Cottage Cheese Keto Guide
- High protein content: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health. Protein is essential for promoting satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer.
- Rich in calcium: Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth, and cottage cheese provides a significant amount of this essential mineral.
- Low in calories: Cottage cheese is relatively low in calories compared to other dairy products, making it a suitable choice for weight-conscious individuals.
- Source of vitamins and minerals: Cottage cheese contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, and riboflavin.
- Cottage cheese contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
Basic Keto Cottage Cheese Pudding Recipe
This recipe uses protein powder to thicken it without the need for a starch. This pudding is the ultimate easy dessert! Simple ingredients are processed for a minute or so, then the sky is the limit with fun toppings.
Ingredients:
- Cottage Cheese (Is cottage cheese keto?)
- Vanilla Protein Powder (I recommend a low-carb option, like whey isolate. Experiment with different flavors of protein powder.). OR Unsweetened/Unflavored Whey Protein Powder (or sub a vegan protein powder. Beware of plant based protein powders that have carbohydrates)
- Powdered or Liquid Sweetener (allulose, monk fruit sweetener, or keto maple syrup recommended)
- Vanilla Extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Add cottage cheese, protein powder, and sweetener or flavor additions to a food processor bowl or high speed blender.
- Process mixture for 1-2 minutes, until a very smooth and creamy texture is formed. A high speed blender also works for this, but using a mixing bowl and a hand mixer will not yield the right texture.
- Allow pudding to chill for about 2 hours or overnight to fully thicken.
- Top as desired. Fresh berries and keto granola are recommended!
Flavor Variations
This pudding is like a blank canvas and can be customized with tons of flavors. This 2 ingredient protein pudding can be a great recipe base to add variations. The different flavors for this high protein dessert are endless!
- Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe: Use a chocolate protein powder + 1 tablespoon of cacao powder (or natural cocoa powder), or plain protein powder + 1 1/2 tablespoons of cacao powder. Just 2 ingredients make this creamy chocolate cottage cheese pudding recipe. You can add variations to this which we have suggested further down.
- Matcha Protein Pudding: Add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder, to taste.
- Lemon Protein Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice plus the zest of 1 lemon. Lemon Cottage Cheese Pudding dessert is creamy and decadent, made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and lemon, and won’t sabotage your diet. All you need is 5 simple ingredients and a food processor or blender to create a light and lemony mousse dessert that’s bursting with happy flavor.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Pudding: Add 2 tablespoons of freeze dried strawberries to your mixture. Using dried strawberries adds a great flavor without watering down the thick texture.
- Chocolate Raspberry Protein Pudding: Add 2 tablespoons of freeze dried raspberries and use chocolate protein powder + 1 tablespoon of cacao powder.
- Brownie batter.
- Cookies and cream.
- Chocolate peanut butter.
- Chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Chocolate Mint Mousse: Make this a Chocolate Mint Mousse by using peppermint extract.
- Extra Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to pack even more protein into this recipe. You can use whey protein powder or plant based. Milk may need to be added to the mixture if you add protein powder.
Keto-Friendly Additions:
- Keto-Friendly Sweeteners: Use keto-approved sweeteners such as allulose, stevia or monk fruit sweetener to add sweetness to the pudding without spiking your blood sugar levels.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder into the pudding mixture to create a rich chocolate flavor without adding extra carbs or sugars.
- Coconut Cream: Mix in coconut cream to enhance the creaminess of the pudding while keeping it keto-friendly.
- Sugar-Free Flavor Extracts: Experiment with sugar-free flavor extracts such as vanilla, almond or coconut to add depth and complexity to the pudding without adding extra carbs.
- MCT Oil or Powder: Add MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil or powder to the pudding for an extra dose of healthy fats and a boost of energy.
- Low-Carb Nut Butters: Incorporate low-carb nut butters such as almond butter or macadamia nut butter into the pudding for added flavor and richness.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor of the pudding with keto-friendly spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
How to Top Protein Pudding Parfaits
Choose your protein pudding flavor, then layer it up with your favorite toppings! I suggest:
- Berries (raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are lowest in carbs)
- Keto Granola
- Nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Nut Butter (I love almond butter and SunButter)
- Coconut
- Sugar Free Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate
How to Store
Add pudding to individual airtight containers, and refrigerate overnight to thicken. Having the pudding in individual jars makes it convenient to take out and top as desired! You can also mix different flavor additions into individual jars.
This lemon pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also portion the pudding out into individual servings and cover the bowls with plastic wrap.
Read also: Delicious Cottage Cheese Dishes
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pudding
- If you are not a fan of lumpy cottage cheese (I raise my hand) you will be surprised at how great it becomes once is has been blended in the food processor!
- I love the Good Culture Cottage Cheese brand. Purchasing high quality meats and dairy is a priority for me.
- Make sure the cottage cheese isn’t thin and watery. If it is, place it in a strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a bowl and refrigerate overnight to drain off excess whey.
- When zesting the lemon, grate only the outer yellow layer of the peel, as the white pith underneath is bitter. And, zest the lemon before squeezing it for juice to make it easier to zest it.
- After blending it all together, give it a taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar, and adjust the lemony-ness by adding more lemon zest or lemon juice.
- Blend thoroughly.
- Adjust the sweetness. Depending on how sweet you prefer desserts, you may need to add a little more sweetener than suggested.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy Free: Swap the cottage cheese for dairy-free cottage cheese.
- Chia Seeds:
- Peanut Butter: For a delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter, add peanut butter into the mixture.
- Vanilla Pudding: If you prefer vanilla pudding, don’t use the cocoa powder and add vanilla protein powder for another high protein option. You can also add vanilla extract.
- If you don’t want to use cottage cheese, replace it with full-fat Greek or coconut yogurt.
- You can use either full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe, depending on your preference. Full-fat cottage cheese will provide a creamier texture, while low-fat cottage cheese will result in a lighter pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is cottage cheese chocolate pudding suitable for people with lactose intolerance?
- A1: Cottage cheese contains less lactose than other dairy products, making it more tolerable for some individuals with lactose intolerance. However, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns.
Q2: Can I make the pudding ahead of time?
- A2: Yes, you can prepare the pudding in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Q3: How long will the pudding stay fresh?
- A3: The cottage cheese chocolate pudding will typically stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. However, it's best to consume it within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Q4: Can I freeze the pudding?
- A4: While it's possible to freeze the pudding, the texture may change upon thawing. It is recommended to consume it fresh for the best results.
Read also: Protein on Carnivore: Cottage Cheese