This dark chocolate cheesecake protein pudding is a simple, delicious high protein treat – healthy enough to eat as a snack and decadent enough to eat as a dessert. It’s rich and creamy, with so many options for fun toppings!
I am not a huge fan of protein shakes, and find that protein powder can sometimes leave that gritty taste in my mouth. This recipe is high in protein with the combination of Greek yogurt and only one scoop of protein powder – so you can barely taste it.
One serving is 36 grams, or divide into two little mini cups with 18 grams of protein each!
Reasons to Make This Protein Pudding
- Healthy, high protein snack or dessert: This recipe contains 36 grams of protein in one serving (and only 200 calories). It could easily be split into 2 servings, with 18 grams of protein each. It’s a great source of calcium, too.
- Delicious, creamy and decadent – but healthy for you: The protein powder taste is masked by the cocoa powder and cheesecake mix – especially with toppings like whipped cream, berries, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Gut Health: The Greek yogurt contains live, active cultures which can improve our gut health.
- High protein meal prep: This recipe is SO simple and easy to make in a large batch for high protein snack prep. It stores in the fridge for up to 5 days, and can even be frozen for up to 3 months.
INGREDIENTS
- Hershey’s Special Dark 100% Cacao Powder (1 Tbsp.): Can sub with cocoa powder of your choice.
- Non-fat, Plain Greek Yogurt or Whipped Cottage Cheese (1/2 cup): I used plain Greek yogurt, but vanilla flavor (or any flavor of your choice) would work. A 1/2 cup is about one small container of yogurt. Greek yogurt is high in protein, calcium and contains probiotics – adding to the nutritional value of this recipe.
- 1 scoop protein powder: Because this recipe uses Greek yogurt, only one scoop of protein powder is needed. I find that too much protein powder gives an off-putting taste – but you can barely taste it in this pudding. Vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored would work best in this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon instant pudding cheesecake mix: Gives the pudding a mild cheesecake flavor, and helps to thicken it into a pudding consistency. Make sure you use instant pudding mix!
- Water (1 cup): For even more calcium and protein, sub with your preferred milk.
Topping Ideas:
- Hemp hearts
- Sliced strawberries
- Whipped cream
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed oreos
- Chopped nuts
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Why High Protein Snacks Are Beneficial
Consuming a diet higher in protein can help to preserve lean muscle mass- especially when in a calorie deficit. Maintaining lean muscle mass can improve our basal metabolic rate, or the number of calories we burn at rest.
Several clinical studies have found that consuming more than the recommended daily allowance of protein can help to reduce body weight and decrease fat mass. It can even help prevent weight regain after weight loss.
Protein is also important for satiety and satisfaction because it takes longer to digest, and therefore, keeps us fuller for a longer period of time.
However, because this pudding is a purée consistency, it might not be as filling as solids foods because the ingredients are already broken down.
Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Protein Pudding: Step-By-Step Instructions
- Measure out ingredients into a bowl.
- Whisk together until smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Top with desired toppings and serve right away, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. This recipe can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Recipe Tips:
- Incorporate chia seeds to make this recipe high in fiber – for weight management, gut health, and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
- Add more water if you feel like the pudding mixture is too thick.
- To sweeten up the pudding, drizzle a little bit of honey or agave syrup on top. Personally, I prefer 1-2 tablespoons of whipped cream!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Protein Powder to Buy?
Protein powders are not regulated – which means that what is stated on the label may not be accurate.
Therefore, it is best to choose one that is third-party tested to make sure there are no unlisted ingredients or potentially harmful levels of impurities or heavy metals. The label might say “NSF” or USP.
When it comes to protein powders, the less ingredients the better!
Can I Make This Without Protein Powder?
This recipe would still contain at least 15 grams of protein without protein powder, while still maintaining that thickened consistency. So if you don’t have any protein powder, just omit it!
How Can I Make This Allergy-Friendly?
The cocoa powder is gluten-free, however, the cheesecake pudding mix is not. Other Jell-O pudding flavors are – so you could substitute with vanilla.
For dairy-free substitutes, select a dairy-free yogurt.
Also Try:
—High Protein Banana Pudding with Chessmen Cookies
Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Protein Pudding
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup non-fat, plain Greek yogurt (or yogurt of choice)
- 1 serving protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored)
- 1 tablespoon instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder (or cocoa powder of choice)
- 1 cup water
Optional Toppings
- Sliced fruit (strawberries, cherries, raspberries – the sky is the limit!)
- Crushed Oreos
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Whipped cream
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Measure out all ingredients, and combine into a bowl.
- Use a whisk to combine the ingredients, until the pudding is creamy and smooth.
- The pudding may thicken the longer it sits. Serve with desired toppings, or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- This recipe could make 2 servings, each with 18 grams of protein.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 203 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0.5g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium 234mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13.8g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.5g | 9% |
| Total Sugars 6g | |
| Protein 36g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 450mg | 35% |
| Iron 1mg | 4% |
| Potassium 95mg | 2% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
I added whipped cream and a couple of chocolate chips. So good without it tasing too much like protein powder!! I’ll be making this a lot of a high protein snack.