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This smooth blended cottage cheese banana treat turns everyday items into a protein-loaded dessert that hits the sweet spot without any regrets. Everyone at home asks for this every week as our "good-for-you frozen treat substitute" that tastes rich but still packs a nutritional punch.
I whipped this up during a midnight sugar craving when my kitchen was almost bare. What began as a desperate mix-up has turned into our go-to quick treat that even my husband, who hates cottage cheese, now gobbles up happily.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: gives amazing protein while making everything creamy whole milk versions work best for richness
- Ripe banana: delivers natural sweetness and silky feel look for ones with dark spots for sweetest taste
- Maple syrup: offers more than just sweetness real maple makes everything taste better
- Vanilla extract: lifts all other flavors without extra sweetness get the real stuff not artificial for best flavor
- Cinnamon: brings cozy flavor and depth that ties everything together
- Optional toppings: such as vanilla wafers add crunch and familiar taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine everything in blender:
- Drop cottage cheese, banana chunks, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon into your blender. Ingredients blend better when not cold from the fridge. Break your banana into smaller pieces so it mixes easier.
- Mix until completely smooth:
- Run for 1-2 minutes until you can't see any tiny bits. Take breaks to push down anything stuck on the sides. Your mix should look silky all the way through.
- Pour into dishes:
- Scoop the mixture into small bowls, little jars, or cups. Glass containers show off the nice smooth look. Don't fill them completely if you want to add toppings later.
- Top with extras:
- Sprinkle with crumbled vanilla cookies, fresh banana slices, or a bit of whipped cream. The mix of soft pudding and crunchy bits makes every bite interesting.
- Eat now or later:
- Dig in right away for a softer treat or put it in the fridge for 30+ minutes if you want it more like regular pudding.
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The change when blended is total magic. The first time my kids tried it, they couldn't tell there was cottage cheese inside. Now my daughter wants it for breakfast before important school tests, claiming it helps her focus better.
Make It Your Own
This treat can change with whatever you've got handy. Try using berries, pumpkin puree, or even avocado instead of banana for totally different flavors. Each swap creates its own special texture while keeping all the protein goodness from the cottage cheese foundation.
Storage Tips
This treat actually tastes better after hanging out in the fridge overnight as everything mingles together nicely. Keep it in sealed containers up to 5 days. It'll get a bit thicker as time passes, so you might need to stir it before eating leftovers. If it's too thick, just add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up.
Beyond Dessert
While yummy as a treat, this mix works amazingly for breakfast or afternoon pick-me-ups. Stack it with granola in a glass for a fancy parfait, put it on toast, or stick it in popsicle molds for cool protein snacks when it's hot outside. My kids often take it to school instead of store puddings that don't have nearly as much good stuff in them.
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FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I use a different sweetener?
Sure thing, try honey, agave, or any sweetener you like instead of maple syrup.
- → How long can I store it in the fridge?
Keep any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 5 days.
- → Can I add toppings to this dish?
You bet! Go wild with toppings like crunchy granola, diced nuts, vanilla wafers, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh banana chunks for extra yumminess.
- → Can I make it thicker?
Let the pudding chill in your fridge for about 30 minutes before eating and it'll firm up nicely.
- → Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Kids love this pudding! It makes a nutritious and tasty snack or sweet treat they'll ask for again.