Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe

With 16 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 (along with these other high-protein bedtime snacks) and is 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.

But mainly it rocks because it's so high in protein for such a light snack. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp up it up.

You’ll fall in love with this protein pudding because:

• 16 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 (though here's a protein powder-based chocolate protein pudding if that's your thing!).

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

1. In a small bowl add the collagen and cacao powder.
2. Add in the remaining ingredients.
3. 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. If a fluffy, mousse-like pudding is your thing, try this banana protein pudding.

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.

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!

Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Pudding

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