High Protein Chocolate Pudding is a creamy, chocolatey treat that packs a protein punch. It’s smooth, rich, and chocolate-flavored but without the heaviness of regular pudding. Made with ingredients like protein powder and milk, it feels like a dessert but works great as a snack or a quick breakfast.
I love making this pudding when I need something sweet but still want to keep my energy up. It’s easy to whip up and keeps me full longer than usual sweets. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of nuts or a few fresh berries on top to give it a little extra texture and flavor. It feels like a little reward after a workout or a busy day.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this pudding is chilled with a spoonful straight from the fridge. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes staying on track with healthy eating feel less like a chore. If you’re into chocolate and want a snack that supports your goals, this pudding is a great go-to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Protein Powder: This is the heart of the recipe, bringing both chocolate flavor and protein. If you don’t have chocolate flavor, vanilla protein powder works too. Plant-based protein powders like pea or rice are great for a dairy-free option.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Almond milk keeps the pudding light. You can swap it for any milk you prefer, like oat, soy, or regular cow’s milk. Just pick unsweetened versions to control sweetness.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and boosts protein. Non-dairy yogurts like coconut or almond-based can work if you’re vegan, but they won’t be as thick.
Chia Seeds: These thicken the pudding and add fiber. If you don’t like the texture, feel free to omit them or replace with ground flaxseeds, but the chia really helps with the pudding’s thickness.
Sweetener of Choice: Honey and maple syrup add natural sweetness, while stevia keeps it low-calorie. Adjust to your taste, especially if your protein powder is already sweetened.
How Do You Get a Smooth, Lump-Free Pudding Texture?
Getting the pudding silky means mixing the dry and wet ingredients well and letting chia seeds do their magic. Here’s how:
- Whisk the protein powder, cocoa, chia, sweetener, and salt first. This helps break up any clumps in the powders.
- Add milk, yogurt, and vanilla slowly, whisking vigorously to combine everything smoothly.
- Chill for at least an hour so the chia seeds soak up liquid and thicken the pudding.
- If after chilling it’s too thick, just stir in a bit more milk until the texture feels just right.
Also, scraping the sides of the bowl while whisking helps get a creamy mix without lumps. I like to whisk a little longer than I think I need to, just to be sure it’s perfectly smooth!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use a medium-sized one to whisk everything together easily.
- Whisk or fork – helps combine the dry ingredients smoothly and avoid lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate portioning of ingredients.
- Refrigerator – essential to chill the pudding and let it thicken properly.
- Serving glasses or bowls – for a nice presentation when you’re ready to enjoy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version with tropical flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a mocha twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before chilling for some crunch in every bite.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles of cocoa nibs or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make High Protein Chocolate Pudding?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for thickness and added nutrition)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (e.g., honey, maple syrup, or stevia to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh raspberries and pomegranate seeds for garnish
- Optional: shaved dark chocolate for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the chia seeds can thicken the pudding and the flavors can blend well. It’s simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, chia seeds, sweetener, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is blended evenly and there are no clumps.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the almond milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until you get a smooth and creamy mixture without lumps. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Chill to Thicken:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets the chia seeds soak up the liquid, making the pudding thick and creamy.
4. Final Touches and Serve:
After chilling, stir the pudding well. If it feels too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk and mix. Spoon the pudding into serving glasses, then garnish with fresh raspberries, pomegranate seeds, and if you like, some shaved dark chocolate on top. Serve chilled and enjoy your high-protein chocolate treat!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit as a Topping?
Yes, frozen fruit works well as a topping. Just thaw it briefly at room temperature or in the fridge before adding, so it doesn’t make the pudding watery.
Can I Make This Pudding Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the pudding and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the texture.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
You can use dairy-free yogurts like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan version, though the pudding may be slightly less thick and creamy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before eating, as chia seeds may thicken it further during storage.