With 13 grams of protein per bowl, this chocolate protein pudding recipe makes the perfect bedtime snack! Made with only five ingredients protein pudding is an easy way to bump up your intake for the day.
Eat it as is or load it up with a few more toppings to make it an indulgent, high-protein snack! Either way, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for cravings!
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, this chocolate protein pudding has been one of my all-time favorites for about eight years now. It’s truly the best snack.
Though most protein pudding recipes are made with vanilla protein powder and come out thick and creamy, this one is different. This chocolate protein pudding recipe is thick and sticky.
... and there's no protein powder required!
And while that might seem off to you, it is so. Damn. Good.
Loaded with protein and fats, it makes an ideal healthy bedtime snack coming in at just 167kcals. The sticky factor means that you can’t eat it took quickly and there are lots of little swaps you can make to the recipe depending on how you’re feeling.
You’ll fall in love with this protein pudding because:
- 13 grams of healthy protein
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo
- It curbs a chocolate craving
- Can be a midday snack or a healthy bedtime snack
Ingredients You’ll Need
As I mentioned, this chocolate protein pudding is insanely simple to whip up! And there’s no protein powder needed!
Most recipes are made with Greek Yogurt and chocolate protein powder, this one is a bit different but much more indulgent.
Collagen: the secret protein-packed ingredient in the pudding recipe. Collagen is one of the purest forms of protein you can choose and it’s a great way to give your gut some love (plus, it's amazing in making blueberry protein muffins!).
Cacao powder: though cocoa powder will work, you’ll be missing out on a ton of health benefits. Learn about the awesomeness of cacao powder and why you’ll want to have it in your pantry at all times.
Maple syrup: this can be adjusted for preference but I find I’m looking for that true chocolate taste and don’t need a lot.
Almond butter: make sure to use fresh nut butter so that it mixes in well with the protein pudding. Otherwise, there will be hard chunks and the liquid will separate. Peanut butter works too.
Non-dairy milk: again, any dairy-free milk should work. We normally use homemade hemp milk but almond milk and cashew milk have been used a lot as well.

How To Make Protein Pudding
- In a small bowl add the collagen and cacao powder.
- Add in the remaining ingredients.
- Mix with a fork until all the cacao is combined.
Step By Step Photos




Important Teaching Tips & Substitutions
The best part about chocolate protein pudding is that there are so many ways to tweak the recipe!
Any nut butter will work for the protein pudding recipe! Almond hazelnut is one of our favorites for a smooth, indulgent feel. However, chocolate and peanut butter is a classic (just like these chocolate protein powder peanut butter cups!).
Hack: if you love crunch, use crunchy peanut butter!
Honey can be used in place of maple syrup but will result in a thicker consistency. You may need to add a teaspoon more milk.
If you really want an indulgent protein pudding, swap the milk for canned coconut milk but know it will increase calories.
The protein pudding consistency comes out sticky but amazing. If you want to thin it, you just need to add more liquid. Start with one teaspoon.
Unfortunately, protein powder cannot be used in place of the collagen as it absorbs very differently. If you want a protein powder recipe, check out this wicked chocolate protein fluff.
Hack: this protein pudding also works as a quick frosting recipe on top of overnight oats, or firm cookies!
Choosing Collagen Powder
It’s no surprise that this sticky pudding is made with collagen powder!
All the protein without the bloat.
I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.
Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.
Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.
And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.
Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.
Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.
Topping The Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe
The protein pudding is absolutely amazing as is. However, sometimes I use it for dessert and want a little bit more. In this case, I toss in:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped pecans
- Toasted coconut
- 2-minute coconut whipped cream
Anything can work. I’ve even used it to dip strawberries or pretzels!
If I’m having it as a healthy bedtime snack, I add in some magnesium powder to help improve my sleep.
Since our soil is depleted of nutrients, most of us tend to be low in magnesium. This mineral helps induce calm (stop fight or flight) in our body which makes it great before bed!

Unleash Your Energy
The ultimate roundup of high protein snack recipes for hectic lifestyles.
Trying to lose weight postpartum and not feeling ravenous was frustrating with my first.
It took a whole other pregnancy for me to realize that eating more protein was the “secret” solution.
Unfortunately, living off eggs and chicken breasts sucked after a while.
The solution? I started creating high-protein recipes that tasted more like dessert to help boost my intake.
Say goodbye to mid-day slumps, slow metabolism, and constantly feeling hungry.
I gave the protein bars to a friend of mine with a gluten allergy; I usually can't give her the food I make so I saved these for her. She absolutely loved them, she said most of the protein bars she eats are way too dry but these were great! - Stephanie
They’re the secret to helping you stay energized, enjoy what you eat, and meet your goals.
Say goodbye to mid-day slumps, slow metabolism, and constantly feeling hungry.
They’re the secret to helping you stay energized, enjoy what you eat, and meet your goals.
- Easy to make recipes with 17+ grams of protein
- All dairy-free and gluten-free
- 2-day meal plan to help you eat 100g protein per day (and not hate life).
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Pudding
This pudding recipe uses collagen powder which absorbs differently than protein powder. Unfortunately, the two are not interchangeable.
This recipe should be eaten immediately after making it (that's why it’s a single serving!). if placed in the fridge instead of sticky but yummy it turns really hard and crunchy. So serve immediately for the best flavor.
Increasing your daily protein intake is a great way to support your body, stay full and maintain a healthy weight. This protein pudding is a great way to do that while still enjoying a flavor you love.
Though you can make protein pudding with a base of protein powder, the substitution won't work in this recipe. Protein powder absorbs much more liquid than collagen. If you're looking for something that is protein powder-based, opt for protein fluff instead that uses chocolate protein powder.
Other High Protein Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate protein brownie bites
- Peanut butter and jam protein bites
- Savory blueberry protein oatmeal
- Chocolate coconut protein balls
- Cookie dough protein overnight oats
- Cookie dough protein balls
- High protein granola
- Easy protein bars with chocolate coating
- Triple berry protein fluff
- Vegan vanilla protein bars
- Chunky monkey smoothie
- Turmeric Peach Protein Shake
- High protein snacks
- Caramel protein fluff

Protein Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- 1 small ramekin
Ingredients
- 1.75 tbs collagen powder
- 1 teaspoon cacao powder
- ½ tbs maple syrup
- 1 tbs almond butter
- ½ tbs hemp milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine all the ingredients.
- Mix well until all the cacao powder is combined.
- Top with your favorites and enjoy immediately!
Video
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Farwin
I have all the ingredients to make them and definitely going to try this. I bet it'll be delicious!
fitasamamabear
I freaking love that you have everything on hand, way to go!
tina
Love a healthy dessert that tastes good! Thanks for the recipe!
fitasamamabear
Right?! Best combo ever.
Janessa
What a great idea for a quick and easy healthy snack! I love indulgent treats I can feel good about eating. Thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear
Same! Some days you just NEED chocolate lol
Savannah McGhee
Mmm, I love sticky chocolate pudding especially when there is protein. We love chocolate in our house–can't wait to try it! <3
fitasamamabear
Hahah chocolate is a life necessity in this house lol
Sherry
My daughter has been working on getting more protein in her diet. She came across your pudding recipe and wanted to try it. It was such an easy recipe for her to make and she loved the taste. We will be making your sticky chocolate protein pudding again and again!!
fitasamamabear
This makes me so happy! I'm glad she loved it.. and that she has a tasty way to bump up her protein!
Jennifer
This was the perfect dairy-free treat! Sooo good, and so easy to make, too! Yum!
fitasamamabear
Right?! You end up addicted to it lol
Glenda
What a tasty powerhouse of nutrition! Nothing chocolate can be bad, right? lol Thanks for sharing the recipe!
fitasamamabear
Heck yes!
Donna
This was so good! I made one for myself once the kids were in bed last night, the eldest could smell it and has requested one for dessert tonight 🙂
fitasamamabear
Hahaha I love using it for dessert! Makes me smirk every time.
Stacey Crawford
This is so chocolaty & yummy with a texture that almost reminds me of frosting! I love iit.
fitasamamabear
I have 100% used it for frosting... see the paleo cookies hahah
Sunrita
I have cashew butter, would that do as well? Can’t wait to make this.
fitasamamabear
Yep! ALL nut butters work! And it makes it a nice way to switch it up!
Glenda
Delicious! I did have cashew butter on hand, so used that and it worked like a dream. Thanks for sharing a healthy chocolate dessert for my collection!
fitasamamabear
Mmmm cashew butter is so yummy!!
Jade
Such a treat! I love how thick this pudding is. Highly recommended!
fitasamamabear
Glad you enjoyed it!
Scarlet
I love the almond butter in this protein pudding. So rich and flavorful!
fitasamamabear
Makes it feel so indulgent!