Low-Carb Sugar-Free Banana Cream Protein Pudding Recipe
Thick, creamy banana-flavored protein pudding made without banana fruit, added sugar, starch or cooking.
Contains: Milk · Tree Nuts
Casein contains milk and almond milk contains tree nuts. Protein powders and flavor extracts vary by manufacturer; check labels for other allergens, gluten when required and added sugars so the finished pudding matches the sugar-free brief.
WHY IT WORKS
Why This Recipe Works
01
Casein Makes It Thick
Casein protein absorbs liquid and thickens as it rests, giving the pudding a creamy spoonable texture without starch or instant pudding mix.
02
Banana Flavor Without Banana
Sugar-free banana extract gives the pudding its banana flavor without adding the natural sugars and carbohydrate that come with banana fruit.
03
No Cooking Needed
The ingredients whisk together in minutes, then a short chill gives the protein and xanthan gum time to finish thickening the pudding.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
THE RECIPE
Ingredients & Method
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My Notes
Ingredients
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Method
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Pour the chilled almond milk into a medium mixing bowl.
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Add the casein protein powder in two or three additions, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth.
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Whisk in the banana extract, xanthan gum and salt for about 30 seconds, until evenly combined and beginning to thicken.
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Divide the pudding between 2 dessert cups or small bowls, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes so it can fully thicken.
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Stir each serving briefly before eating. Serve cold.
COOKING GUIDANCE
Practical Cooking Notes
Make Ahead
Prepare the pudding up to 24 hours ahead, divide it between serving cups, cover and refrigerate. Stir briefly before serving if it has thickened further overnight.
Recipe tools
Adapt This Recipe
Change the quantities, measurements, pan, cooking method or ingredients, then turn what you need into a shopping list.
Dietary options
Make This Recipe Work for You
Only straightforward swaps are offered automatically. If changing a defining ingredient would effectively create a different dish, that conversion is left out.
Make It Vegan
Change the following ingredient:
Replace60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
With60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla pea-and-rice protein blend
Replace60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
With60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla pea-and-rice protein blend
Use a zero-sugar vanilla pea-and-rice protein blend with similar thickening power. Plant-based powders vary, so the finished texture may be slightly different.
Make It Dairy-Free
Change the following ingredient:
Replace60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
With60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla pea-and-rice protein blend
Replace60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
With60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla pea-and-rice protein blend
Replacing the casein protein is the only dairy change needed. Choose a zero-sugar dairy-free protein blend and check its allergen label.
Make It Gluten-Free
Change the following ingredients:
Replace60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
With60 grams (g) gluten-free zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
Replace60 grams (g) zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
With60 grams (g) gluten-free zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder
Replace1 teaspoon (tsp) sugar-free banana extract
With1 teaspoon (tsp) sugar-free gluten-free banana extract
Replace1 teaspoon (tsp) sugar-free banana extract
With1 teaspoon (tsp) sugar-free gluten-free banana extract
Use protein powder and banana extract that are labelled gluten-free if gluten avoidance is required; formulations and processing vary by brand.
For allergies, intolerances or strict dietary requirements, check the labels of the specific products you use. These swaps do not certify a recipe or ingredient as allergen-free.
Recipe Notes
Ingredient Notes
Use a zero-sugar vanilla casein protein powder rather than a whey-only powder. Casein is important to the thick pudding texture. Choose unsweetened almond milk and a sugar-free banana extract rather than banana syrup so the finished recipe keeps its low-carb, sugar-free positioning.
Useful Substitutions
A zero-sugar vanilla whey-casein blend can replace pure casein, although the pudding may set a little more softly. If using another banana flavoring, choose a concentrated sugar-free extract rather than banana syrup.
INGREDIENT QUALITY
Quality Note
Casein is doing both protein and thickening work in this pudding. A whey-only powder usually produces a much looser result, so use casein or a whey-casein blend when texture matters.
SPEND LESS
Cost-Saving Tip
Casein protein powder is the main cost driver. Compare the cost per serving rather than the package price, and buy a larger tub only if you will use it while it is still fresh.
COOKING TIPS
Tips
Add the Protein Gradually
Whisk the casein into the milk in two or three additions. Adding it all at once makes small dry pockets more likely.
Measure Xanthan Carefully
Use only the stated 1/8 teaspoon (tsp). Extra xanthan gum can turn a smooth pudding gummy or stretchy.
Let It Chill
The pudding thickens noticeably as it rests. Give it the full 30 minutes before deciding whether the texture is too loose.
Keep the Banana Extract Controlled
Banana extract is concentrated. Start with the stated amount so the flavor stays creamy and natural rather than overpowering.
MAKE IT LAST
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Storing
Cover the pudding and refrigerate it promptly. For best texture, use it within 3 days and stir briefly before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended. The thawed pudding can separate and the protein-and-xanthan texture may become uneven.
ESTIMATED PER SERVING
Nutrition
1 of 2 servings
Nutrition information is an estimate. Where shown, % Daily Value uses standard US Daily Values for adults and children aged 4+; actual values vary with ingredient brands, exact quantities and portion size.
QUESTIONS
Low-Carb Sugar-Free Banana Cream Protein Pudding FAQs
Does this banana protein pudding contain real banana?
No. It uses sugar-free banana extract for banana flavor so the recipe can stay low in carbohydrate and avoid the natural sugars in banana fruit.
Can I use whey protein powder instead of casein?
A whey-only powder is much less reliable for this texture and can leave the pudding thin. A whey-casein blend is a better substitute, although it may still set more softly.
Why is my protein pudding gummy?
Too much xanthan gum is the most likely cause. Measure 1/8 teaspoon (tsp) carefully and whisk only until the mixture is smooth and evenly thickened.
Can I make banana cream protein pudding ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate it, then stir briefly before serving.
How do I keep this recipe sugar-free?
Use unsweetened almond milk, a protein powder labelled zero sugar and a sugar-free banana extract. Check the actual product labels because flavored protein powders and extracts vary by brand.
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