These Banana Pudding Protein Popsicles are packed with creamy banana flavor and crunch from the nilla wafers, but low in sugar, and really high in protein! They make the perfect post-workout snack or guilt-free dessert.
Unlike traditional banana pudding popsicles, which can be loaded with sugar and calories, this recipe is made with a blend of protein powder, almond milk, and sugar-free banana pudding mix. So you've got that creamy, nostalgic flavor but a protein and healthy-focused twist!
To be honest - whether it's summer or not, these popsicles are a must-try. Especially if you're as much a fan of banana based desserts like my husband is.
Ingredients for the Banana Pudding Protein Popsicles:
These base for these banana pudding protein popsicles actually need just 3 simple ingredients - protein powder, pudding mix and milk! You've also got the nilla wafers and bananas for that proper vibe. Here's what you need:
- Vanilla Protein Powder - I recommend whey-casein since it makes the ice cream pudding mix more thick and creamy (and not icy - you know what I mean)
I use the one from Quest Nutrition, and also a tiny bit of the protein powder from Flex (this is not as sweet, so if you use all Flex, you will need to add extra sweetener and bit of vanilla extract). - Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Banana flavored Instant Pudding Mix: I used this sugar free and fat free one from Jello. This gives the pudding its signature banana taste.
For the Banana Pudding Vibe:
- Vanilla Wafers; I used these gluten free vanilla wafers from Kinnikinnick Foods; Or use High Key for a Keto one
- Sliced Banana
See recipe card at the bottom of the page for the measurements!
Alternate Ingredients for Banana Pudding Popsicles Recipe
Here are easy ingredient swaps if you're looking to customize this banana pudding popsicles recipe to meet your dietary needs:
- Milk: You can use oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk for a creamier or nut-free alternative.
- Whey-Casein Protein Powder: Use a plant-based protein powder instead of whey-casein. I recommend KOS, Truvani or Birdman Vanilla. Be sure to add a bit of vanilla extract and sweetener to avoid the earthy taste.
- Banana Pudding Mix: If you prefer a more natural option, substitute the sugar-free banana pudding mix with mashed banana and a bit of cornstarch for thickness.
- Vanilla Wafers: Replace the nilla wafers with crushed graham crackers, gluten-free cookies. You can also skip them entirely for a lower-carb option.
How to Make Banana Pudding Protein Popsicles
These banana pudding protein popsicles are very easy to bring to life:
- Whisk the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, vanilla protein powder, and banana pudding mix. Slowly add the milk until you get a thick, pudding-like consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pudding mixture; If you prefer a bit more sweetness, you can add a natural sweetener like a drop of stevia or monk fruit.
- Layer the Goodies: Place half of the banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers into the bottom of four popsicle molds.
- Add the Pudding Mixture: Pour the pudding mixture evenly into each mold, filling almost to the top.
- Top It Off: Add the remaining banana slices and wafers on top for a fun texture and flavor burst.
- Insert Sticks & Freeze: Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until fully solid.
- Unmold and Enjoy: To remove, gently pop the popsicles out, thaw for a few minutes and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Banana Pudding Popsicles
To make your healthy banana pudding popsicles the best they can be, follow these pro tips:
- Choose a protein powder that includes casein for a rich, creamy texture - whey-only or isolate powders may turn out too icy.
Use a High-Quality Protein Powder since the flavor and texture of the popsicles largely depend on your protein powder. - A properly sweet protein powder will give you the proper sweetness (since there's no added sugar), and a bad one might give the popsicles a chalky vibe.
- Taste the pudding mix and adjust Sweetness to Taste: Since the sweetness comes from the protein powder, you might need to add a bit of stevia, monk fruit, or even a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (though this will slightly increase the sugar content) if your protein powder is not sweet enough.
- Don't rush the milk - add it slowly until the pudding mix thickens properly.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Finely crush the vanilla wafers to help them distribute more evenly in each bite.
- Freeze the pops upright and give them at least 2-3 hours to fully solidify.
- Thaw the homemade banana pudding pops a bit before eating.
Equipment
Here's the silicon popsicle mold I used for this recipe!
And if you want a beautiful hand mixer, I love this cordless one from KitchenAid, but you can use the regular one too.
Storage Instructions for Banana Pudding Protein Popsicles
These banana pudding protein popsicles keep beautifully in the freezer, and of course need to be frozen.
For best texture and flavor, enjoy within 2 weeks.
Store them directly in the molds or transfer to an airtight container after freezing or zip-top freezer bag.
FAQs
I recommend a whey-casein blend for this recipe since it gives the popsicles a thicker, creamier texture and prevents the popsicles from becoming too icy. If you use a plant-based protein, be sure to add a bit of vanilla extract and sweetener to lessen the earthy flavor.
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened almond milk with oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk if you prefer.
If you want to avoid the pudding mix, use mashed banana and a small amount of cornstarch to achieve a similar thickness and natural banana flavor.
Any standard popsicle molds will work for this recipe. Just make sure they are freezer-safe and big enough to hold the mixture.
More High Protein Ice Cream Pop Recipes:
If you were interested in this one, here's some more recipes you might like:
Did you try this recipe? I'd LOVE to know!
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Banana Pudding Protein Popsicles
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk, 180ml
- ⅔ cup Vanilla Protein Powder, Whey-Casein, 60g
- 1½ tablespoon Banana Instant Pudding Mix, 10g, Sugar free
- 1 small Sliced Banana, 60g
- 3 crushed Vanilla Wafers, 12g
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Instructions
- In a bowl whisk together milk, protein powder and pudding mix (add milk little at a time until thick).
- Divide half the banana sliced and nilla wafers among 4 popsicle molds.Pour pudding mixture into molds, dividing equally.Divide remaining banana slices and wafers.
- Insert stick into molds.
- Freeze 2 hours, then remove from molds and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition value is calculated using products recommended below.
- See post for alternate ingredients, tips and storage options.
- Quest Nutrition Vanilla Whey-Casein Protein Powder
- Simply Delish Sugar Free Instant Pudding
- Yield: 4 popsicles | Serving size: 1
- Calories: 98 cal
- Fat: 1.3g | Saturated fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 8.8g | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 12.4g
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