The Best Post-Workout Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe
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If you’re looking for an indulgent and high protein snack then my chocolate protein pudding recipe is the one for you!
It’s a silky chocolate pudding that will not only hit that sweet tooth but also keep you on track with your health goals.
I always try to get protein in with every meal and desserts are no different! By including high-protein foods at every meal I know I’ll be hitting those protein goals.
It’s also a way to stop my family bugging me for desserts – this way we can all get what we want.
I’ve developed a creamy chocolate protein pudding that really makes me feel like I’m getting a treat (and the added bonus of losing a few pounds along the way is always a nice surprise).
The extra protein can also be used for toning up or building muscle too, of course.
Here’s a free 7-day plan for weight-loss if you’re looking for more inspiration.
Whenever I can add protein to my diet I take the opportunity, and protein desserts made with simple ingredients are a great way to do this.
For more ideas, take a look at these top 10 high protein foods!
So let’s dig in!
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at what makes this pudding so delicious.
I gave this pudding its extra protein power using protein powder. Now the choice of flavor here is up to you.
You can use any you like, perhaps you fancy vanilla, or chocolate protein powder. The main problem is there are too many protein powder flavors to choose from.
I chose cookies and cream, but be aware that depending on which you choose the overall flavor of the dish will change, but go for whichever tickles your tastebuds at the time!
Cacao Powder
To boost the chocolatey goodness in this chocolate protein pudding recipe I added some unsweetened cocoa powder.
The lovely bitterness cuts through the sweetness of the protein powder to really balance out this homemade pudding.
Sugar and salt
I’m adding a bit of sugar to aid that sweetness, but only 1.5 tbsp to keep the calorie count, and your glucose levels, on track.
The salt on the other hand we’ll be using a lot less of! It may seem odd to add salt to a dessert but every flavor needs to be balanced out.
Vanilla Extract
There’s something about this ingredient isn’t there that just adds that extra bit of oomph to every recipe.
It’s mild, yet sweet, aromatic, yet delicate and it works perfectly in protein pudding recipes.
Cornstarch
The cornstarch acts to give the pudding a nice thick consistency. It’s important to get his right before it sets.
Dairy
It wouldn’t be a good pudding without these classic dairy items. Eggs, milk, and butter all work together to create a custard base for this dish.
How many calories are in chocolate protein pudding?
Although this is a bit of a sweet treat it’s safe to eat even when you’re calorie counting!
It has a sensible 184 calories.
And the genius bit is the 16 grams of protein which will do wonders to keep you full up.
Overall this is what the other nutritional values look like:
kcal 184kcal
Carbs 15g
Fat 7g
Protein 16g
Health benefits
The key to this high protein pudding recipe, in terms of health, is that it allows you to enjoy a delicious treat that also works for you.
It helps you if you’re watching the calories as it’s less than 200 calories which is a perfect amount for a healthy snack.
If you’re wondering, what is protein? It helps to keep you full between meals and will also work to help you gain muscle if that’s a goal you’re working towards.
This is where the protein powder works wonders for you as it has a lot of great benefits that you won’t find in an instant pudding mix!
If you would like more meal ideas that have a high protein content follow the easy steps to download a Free 7-Day High Protein Meal Plan.
And if that gets you excited you can sign up for new meals every week with the weekly plan.
The cacao powder has lots of useful nutrients too which aid in reducing blot clots and lowering blood pressure among other things.
How to make the best chocolate protein pudding?
Time needed: 12 minutes.
There are a couple of steps to this process but it’s super simple.
- Prep the dry ingredients:
Take a pan and add the protein powder, cacao powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Mix together with a whisk.
- Prep the wet ingredients:
Add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine everything until there are no strands of egg left.
- Cook time:
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. As it reaches a boil, reduce the temperature and whisk for a couple of minutes until the consistency of the pudding is nice and thick.
Don’t be tempted to stop whisking yet though or it’ll burn! Remove from the heat and add the butter, stir until it is melted and mixed in.
- Pudding time:
Split the mixture between 4 containers, you could use bowls or even tea cups. Pop them in the fridge to set them until completely chilled.
Pro tip! To make the pudding extra smooth blend with an electric hand mixer before setting.
For full details see the recipe card below.
Protein pudding FAQs
Take a look at the top questions about this delicious recipe:
How to store?
You can store this pudding in the dishes you wish to serve them in to save having to decant it at a later date.
What to serve with chocolate protein pudding?
You could serve this protein pudding with fresh berries, or half a cup of Greek yogurt but be aware that adding extras will increase the overall calorie amount.
Can I make protein pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make protein pudding ahead of time, it needs time to set and chill so you can always make it the night before and it will be ready for you the next day no problem.
Are protein puddings healthy?
Yes! Protein puddings like this one are really healthy as they’re made with natural healthy ingredients with minimal added sugar and it’s also packed with protein to keep you fuller for longer.
Is high-protein pudding good for weight loss?
Absolutely! A high-protein pudding is good for weight loss compared with store-bought puddings as it has a controlled amount of calories and less sugar.
The protein will also help you to reduce snacking and curb cravings.
Recipe variations
There are a couple of changes you could try with this recipe:
- Different dairy: If you wanted to make the recipe vegan friendly you could make swaps to non-dairy milk like unsweetened almond milk, or coconut butter, and use an egg substitute but I’m not sure how this would affect the consistency.
- Protein powder: You can choose which protein powder you prefer, either whey or vegan protein powder.
More Recipes Like This
If you’re looking for more high-protein snacks like this check these out:
Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe
A delicious protein-packed chocolate dessert that tastes as good as it looks and helps you hit those protein goals too!
- In a medium sized pot add protein powder, cacao powder, cornstarch, sugar and salt. Mix until incorporated with a whisk.
3 tbsp protein powder, 2 ½ tbsp cacao powder, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 ½ tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt
- Add eggs, milk and vanilla. Mix until the solids are completely dissolved in the liquid and there are no strands of egg.
2 eggs, 2 cup milk, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. When the liquid starts to boil, turn the temperature down and continue cooking while whisking for 2-3 minutes, until you have a thick homogeneous pudding texture. Keep whisking and don’t let it burn at the bottom.
- Take off the heat and add the butter. Mix until it’s melted and incorporated into the pudding.
1 ½ tsp butter
- Plate into 4 small bowls or cups.
- Put on the fridge to finish setting, until it’s completely chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This has got to be one of my favorite recipes for protein pudding and it makes an awesome post-workout snack! In fact, the thought of eating this pudding is what often gets me through them.
If this is the first time you’ve made a pudding with protein powder let me know below what you think! I enjoy finding new ways to try things but I have too many favorite flavors of protein powder I can’t decide which to try next!
If you want to try my other healthy dessert recipes then take a look at 26 High-Protein Desserts (easy and guilt-free!).
