If there’s one thing I never outgrew from childhood, it’s my love for peanut butter cups. The silky chocolate, the nutty filling — pure happiness. These days, I like my desserts to do double duty: taste indulgent but also fuel my body. That’s why I created this Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding. It’s thick, creamy, no-bake, and sneaks in over 20 grams of protein per serving. Think of it as a post-workout treat or a cozy nighttime dessert that leaves you satisfied, not sluggish.
This peanut butter cup protein pudding is a creamy, no-bake dessert packed with chocolate flavor and over 20g of protein per serving. Perfect as a healthy sweet snack or post-workout treat.
If you’ve tried my Protein Fluff Recipe, you already know I love finding fun ways to turn dessert into something nourishing. This pudding is similar in spirit: fast, macro-friendly, and so smooth you’ll forget it’s healthy.
Explore the Steps
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High in protein, low in guilt
I know the feeling: you want something sweet and comforting, but you don’t want the sugar crash or the empty calories that usually come with it. This pudding changes the rules. Each serving sneaks in more than 20 grams of protein, which means it doesn’t just taste good — it helps you recover after a workout, keeps you full between meals, and gives your body the kind of fuel it actually craves. It’s indulgence with benefits, the kind that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your long-term goals.
5 ingredients, ready in minutes
Sometimes healthy recipes can feel like a project, but this one is refreshingly simple. You only need five basic ingredients: protein powder, milk, cocoa, peanut butter, and your favorite sweetener. Blend them up, pop the mixture into the fridge, and in less time than it takes to scroll your feed, you’ll have a silky pudding waiting for you. No baking, no stovetop — just a blender and a spoon. Honestly, that’s my kind of weeknight dessert.
Creamy chocolate + peanut butter flavor
This is the best part. The flavor is pure nostalgia: the rich chocolate, the nutty peanut butter, the kind of combination that always feels like a little celebration. Except now it’s wrapped up in a creamy, pudding-like texture that makes each spoonful feel decadent. It’s comfort food, upgraded — something that tastes like it should belong in the “forbidden” category, but actually works hard for your health.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I love this Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding is that it doesn’t require a long grocery list or specialty products you’ll use once and then forget in the back of the pantry. Just five everyday staples come together to create something that feels decadent but is secretly nourishing.
Core Ingredients
- Protein powder – Chocolate works best here for that classic peanut butter cup vibe, but vanilla blends surprisingly well too. Look for a smooth, mixable powder that doesn’t clump.
- Milk of choice – Dairy milk gives extra creaminess, while almond or oat milk keeps things light and dairy-free.
- Peanut butter – Use the creamy kind for best texture. Natural peanut butter adds a wholesome touch, but powdered peanut butter works if you want to cut back on fats.
- Cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa delivers that rich, chocolatey depth. Dutch-process cocoa will make it darker and smoother.
- Sweetener – Honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sugar-free option all work. Adjust based on your protein powder’s sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins
- Greek yogurt – Makes the pudding extra thick and boosts the protein content even higher.
- Chia seeds – Add fiber and a pudding-like set.
- Toppings – Crushed peanuts, dark chocolate chips, or even a mini peanut butter cup on top if you’re feeling playful.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys experimenting with simple ingredients, you’ll probably love my Cottage Cheese Flatbread Chips. Just like this pudding, they show how a few high-protein basics can turn into something surprisingly delicious.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding
This recipe is as simple as blend, chill, enjoy — but a few small details make the difference between a pudding that’s silky-smooth and one that’s, well, a little clumpy. Here’s how to get it right every time.
Step 1 – Blend the base
Add your protein powder, milk, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and sweetener to a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.
Pro tip: If your protein powder tends to clump, sift it in or blend it with just the milk first before adding the other ingredients.
Step 2 – Adjust sweetness & thickness
Taste the mixture and tweak to your liking. Too thick? Add a splash more milk. Too thin? Blend in an extra spoonful of protein powder or a bit of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Pro tip: Remember that chilling thickens the pudding slightly, so don’t overcorrect at this stage.
Step 3 – Chill & serve with toppings
Pour the mixture into glass jars or bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour. The pudding will set into a creamy, spoonable texture. Top with crushed peanuts, shaved chocolate, or even a chopped mini peanut butter cup if you want to lean into the dessert vibe.
If you love recipes that double as a treat and a protein boost, try my Fluff Protein Bars. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and perfect alongside this pudding for a week of healthy desserts.
Expert Tips & Variations
One of the best things about this Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re dairy-free, plant-based, or just in the mood to change things up, there’s a version for you.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Swaps
- Milk: Swap regular milk for almond, oat, or soy. Soy milk adds the most protein, while oat gives the creamiest finish.
- Yogurt substitute: Coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt will thicken the pudding without dairy.
- Protein powder: Stick to a smooth plant-based blend — pea or rice protein often works best.
Note: Plant-based powders can be slightly gritty. Blending longer and adding a splash more liquid usually solves it.
Extra Protein Boost Options
- Add a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt to bump up protein and thickness.
- Stir in a scoop of collagen peptides — flavorless, but they boost protein and add a silky texture.
- Use powdered peanut butter for fewer fats and more protein-per-calorie.
Flavor Twists
- Mint chocolate: A drop of peppermint extract transforms the pudding into something refreshing.
- Mocha: Replace part of the milk with chilled coffee for a latte-style dessert.
- Salted caramel: Swirl in a drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky salt.
I love offering little “choose your own adventure” moments in recipes. It’s the same idea I had when I shared my Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip — a base recipe you can enjoy as-is, or tweak endlessly with your favorite spices. This pudding is exactly that kind of flexible foundation.
Storage & Meal Prep
One of the joys of this Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding is that it doesn’t just taste amazing fresh — it holds up beautifully for meal prep. That means you can make a batch once and enjoy a creamy, protein-packed treat all week long.
How long it lasts in the fridge
Store your pudding in an airtight container or small jars, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The texture often gets even creamier after the first day, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead on Sunday and enjoying through midweek.
Freezer option
Yes, you can freeze it! Portion the pudding into freezer-safe jars or silicone molds, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready. The texture may be slightly less silky, but it still works as a chilled, almost mousse-like dessert.
Prep ahead for the week
I like to portion mine into single-serve jars so they’re ready to grab and go. If you want to keep things fun, prep a “topping station” — mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sliced fruit — and switch up flavors each day so you don’t get bored.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even simple recipes have little quirks, so here’s how to fix common pudding problems:
- Too runny? Add an extra spoon of protein powder or a scoop of Greek yogurt, then chill again.
- Too thick? Whisk in more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
- Clumpy protein powder? Blend longer, or dissolve your protein powder in a splash of milk first before mixing everything else in.
If you enjoy recipes that are as practical as they are tasty, check out my Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. Like this pudding, it’s proof that healthy desserts can be creamy, indulgent, and fridge-friendly.
PrintPeanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding (Easy + Healthy)
This creamy Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding is a no-bake dessert packed with rich chocolate flavor and over 20 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy sweet treat, it comes together in minutes with just five ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Blender
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 cup milk of choice (almond, soy, or dairy)
2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (or powdered peanut butter)
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1–2 tbsp sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free option)
Optional add-ins: 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp chia seeds, toppings (peanuts, chocolate chips, mini peanut butter cup)
Instructions
Add Ingredients
Place protein powder, milk, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and sweetener into a blender.Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.Adjust Texture
If too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, blend in extra protein powder or Greek yogurt.Chill the Pudding
Divide into jars or bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until set.Add Toppings and Serve
Top with chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of peanut butter before enjoying.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based protein, non-dairy milk, and coconut yogurt.
To thicken, add chia seeds or extra protein powder; to thin, whisk in more milk.
Best eaten within 3–4 days when stored in airtight jars in the refrigerator.
Freezer-friendly: store in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (½ recipe)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
FAQs
Can I make peanut butter cup protein pudding without protein powder?
Yes! You can swap the protein powder for extra Greek yogurt or silken tofu to keep the pudding thick and creamy. Just note that the protein count per serving will be lower unless you add another protein-rich ingredient.
How do I thicken protein pudding if it’s too runny?
The easiest fix is blending in more protein powder or stirring in chia seeds. A scoop of Greek yogurt also works wonders and adds extra creaminess. Don’t forget that chilling naturally thickens the pudding, so give it time before adjusting too much.
Is this recipe good for weight loss?
It can be, since each serving is high in protein and low in added sugar, which helps you stay full longer. Just be mindful of toppings like chocolate chips or peanut butter cups if you’re watching calories.
Can I make this pudding vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely. Use plant-based protein powder, almond or soy milk, and a coconut-based yogurt to keep it creamy without dairy. Vegan chocolate chips or cocoa nibs also make great toppings.
How long does protein pudding last in the fridge?
Stored in airtight jars, it will stay fresh for 3–4 days. The flavors often get even better after the first day, making it a great meal-prep dessert or snack.
Nutrition & Macros
This Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding isn’t just about flavor — it’s built to fuel you. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 2 servings, using chocolate whey protein, almond milk, and creamy peanut butter).
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 kcal |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Note: Exact values may vary depending on your protein powder, milk choice, and sweetener.
Why it’s good for you
- Protein power: With over 20 grams per serving, this pudding helps with muscle recovery and keeps you satisfied longer — ideal after workouts or as a nighttime snack.
- Balanced macros: A good mix of protein, fats, and carbs means steady energy without a sugar crash.
- Cocoa benefits: Unsweetened cocoa is rich in antioxidants that support overall health.
- Nut butter bonus: Peanut butter provides healthy fats and extra staying power.
According to Harvard Health, high-protein snacks like this can help manage hunger, support muscle repair, and improve body composition over time.
If you’re on a roll with high-protein treats, you’ll also love my Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip. Pair it with fresh veggies or chips, and you’ve got a snack lineup that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Ideas
This Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding is delicious straight from the jar, but with a few small tweaks, you can turn it into something even more fun.
Ways to Serve
- Layered dessert jar: Alternate pudding with crushed graham crackers or protein granola for a parfait-style treat.
- Post-workout boost: Top with sliced banana and a drizzle of peanut butter for quick carbs + protein recovery.
- Kid-friendly snack: Add mini chocolate chips or a swirl of whipped cream to make it feel like a special dessert.
Storage as a Meal Prep Hack
Portion into individual jars or cups so you can grab one after the gym, at work, or whenever a chocolate craving hits. Pair it with some crunchy add-ons, like homemade granola or even my Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, for a high-protein duo that feels anything but boring.
For more ideas, you can browse my Healthy Snacks Pinterest board — it’s full of quick, protein-packed treats. You might also enjoy Daniel’s Fit Fuel Recipes board, where he shares smart meal-prep inspiration for athletes and active families.
More Healthy High-Protein Desserts
If this pudding hit the spot, you’ll love these other simple, protein-packed desserts:
They’re all quick, high-protein, and just as indulgent as this pudding — proof that healthy desserts don’t have to feel like a compromise.
Sophie’s Closing Note
Recipes like this remind me why I started cooking in the first place: to make food that feels good in every way — comforting, nourishing, and easy to share. Whether you make this pudding as a post-workout snack, a late-night treat, or a little gift for your sweet tooth, I hope it becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again.
Make It Yours.