20 Pudding Recipes That’ll Make Sweet Love to Your Sweet Tooth

That’s right–pudding can be healthy…but it requires a bit more than mixing up a cheap package found at your local grocery store.

The pudding recipes I’m talking about use a variety of nutritious ingredients like bananas, nuts, avocados, and various plant-based proteins that give you the smooth, satisfying creaminess of traditional pudding, but with loads more vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

So dive in! Enjoy everything from sticky toffee pudding to popcorn vanilla pudding…and don’t feel guilty about a single bite.

Healthy Tiramisu Rice Pudding

Picture courtesy of The Big Man’s World

Rice pudding isn’t just a wholesome dessert; it can also be a sweet vehicle for enjoying your favorite protein powder.

It’s easy to make, especially if you have leftover cooked rice to use. Protein rice pudding is also good to eat cold, so you can skip the stove or microwave altogether. Combine the rice and dry ingredients, and then add the milk until the pudding reaches the desired texture. Then dig in!

Serves 2

Ingredients

3/4 cup cooked rice

Pinch of sea salt

1 scoop WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate

1 tsp. + 1/4 tsp. coffee granules, divided

2 tsp. dark cocoa powder, divided

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (may need more for consistency)

1 tsp. granulated sugar

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 340

Protein: 20 grams

Carbs: 62 grams

Fat: 2 grams

 

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Pudding

Picture courtesy of Body Rock

Protein powder is good for so making so many different sweets, including this three-ingredient chocolate pudding.

As long as you have chocolate protein powder and peanut butter, you can mix up an awesome dessert that’s more protein than anything else. And since this pudding recipe is so easy, it doesn’t take much to tinker with it. Boost the flavor with cocoa powder and spices. Or, replace the water with milk or mashed fruit.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 scoop WHEY+ chocolate protein isolate

1/4 cup water

1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 211

Protein: 32 grams

Carbs: 5 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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S’mores Pudding Icebox Cake

Picture courtesy of the Kitchn

The best kind of no-bake cake uses the fridge instead of the oven. The only thing you have to do is slap the ingredients together, cover with cream, and leave it to turn into a rich, moist dessert overnight.

Although these simple desserts are usually made with cookies and cream, this refrigerator cake replaces the whipped cream with homemade chocolate custard (or store-bought chocolate pudding) for an extra-rich version of campfire s’mores.

Serves 10

Ingredients

Chocolate Custard:

6 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

3 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup cream

3 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 cups whole milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Pudding Cake:

1 batch (4 cups) chocolate custard

24 chocolate graham crackers (about 4 sleeves)

3 cups mini marshmallows

1 jar (13 oz.) marshmallow creme

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 630

Protein: 11 grams

Carbs: 87 grams

Fat: 31 grams

 

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Salted Caramel Pudding

Picture courtesy of Snixy Kitchen

For an old-fashioned pudding, nothing beats this version with milk, egg yolks, butter, vanilla, and caramel flavor.

It has a silky texture and rich flavor that you’ll never find in a plastic container or cardboard box. Off-the-shelf pudding can’t compare to homemade – one taste, and you’ll be dreaming up excuses to mix up a batch. And speaking of special occasions, this pudding would make one mean caramel pie filling.

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 cups whole milk

1/4 cup cornstarch

5 large egg yolks

3 Tbsp. butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup salted caramel sauce

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 365

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 43 grams

Fat: 18 grams

 

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Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Picture courtesy of Baked by Rachel

With this healthy pumpkin pudding, you’ll have a quick way to satisfy pie cravings year-round.

The only ingredient that you might not have on hand is the cooked quinoa, but if you make a big batch that’s plain, you can integrate it into recipes throughout the week – it’s good for everything from replacing rice to filling out a salad.

Serves 2 / Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup filtered water (or more for thinner texture)

1/4 cup cooked quinoa

20 raw almonds

2 tsp. raw honey

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Dash of ground ginger

Dash of ground nutmeg

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 190

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 27 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Banana Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Picture courtesy of Cook’s Hideout

Although it’s traditionally cooked or baked, pudding can be prepared raw too. And that means the only thing you have to worry about is collecting ingredients to toss in the blender.

This vegan version relies on bananas and avocado for creaminess, plus a mix of plant-based proteins to make it extra filling. Of course, you can use any kind of protein powder – including Legion WHEY+ in either vanilla or chocolate.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 ripe banana

1/2 medium avocado

1 Tbsp. cocoa powder

2 tsp. agave nectar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 scoop SunWarrior vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 472

Protein: 21 grams

Carbs: 55 grams

Fat: 24 grams

 

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Mango Lime Pudding

Picture courtesy of GI 365

Chia seed pudding doesn’t have to be just chocolate or vanilla. With fresh lime juice, diced mango, and coconut milk, this is one tropical chia pudding.

So unlike other varieties, you may not be as tempted to serve this with whipped cream. It’s best to eat with fresh-cut fruit like pineapple or bananas. Make a batch, and you’ll have chia pudding for breakfast, snacks, or dessert for days. Refrigerate in an air-tight container to store for up to a week.

Serves 8 / Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

1 can (15.5 oz.) coconut milk

3 cups mango chunks

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 Tbsp. lime zest, grated

Juice of 2 limes

1/3 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup hemp hearts

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 253

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 25 grams

Fat: 17 grams

 

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Mini Yorkshire Puddings

Picture courtesy of Healthy Nibbles & Bits

In England, pudding isn’t just a sweet dessert made from dairy. They also have baked savory puddings, like this traditional side dish that was popularized back in Great Britain in the 1700s.

It was described as a pancake batter, which was baked first in a pan and then finished underneath meat as it roasted, so as to collect the drippings. That’s not a bad idea, but it’ll also soak up any juices or gravies on your dinner plate.

Serves 12

Ingredients

4 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups low-fat milk

Pinch of salt

3 large eggs, beaten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 126

Protein: 4 grams

Carbs: 13 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Sweet Corn Spoonbread

Picture courtesy of Smitten Kitchen

Corn pudding meets soufflé, this recipe takes simple ingredients and makes something extraordinary. It’ll take a few steps to take the basic ingredients for cornbread and create an airy pudding, but your efforts will be rewarded.

Like many puddings, this first comes together on the stove with the corn roasting a bit before being mixed with milk and seasoning. After the corn mixture is blended and cooled, the egg yolks and whites are incorporated separately. And the whole thing gets baked until golden brown, coming out as a delectable dish worthy of any Thanksgiving table.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal

2 3/4 cups whole milk

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

2 cups corn kernels

1 tsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground cayenne

3 large eggs, separated

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 289

Protein: 10 grams

Carbs: 32 grams

Fat: 15 grams

 

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Winter Squash Bread & Butter Pudding

Picture courtesy of Tasting Table

Based on its name alone, it’s not hard to guess that bread and butter pudding isn’t known for awesome nutritional value. Sure, it has eggs and milk, but it also has a generous amount of sugar and heavy cream. So why not add in an extra ingredient for a bit of health benefits?

This butternut squash bread pudding strikes balance without taking out the so-called “bad” ingredients, delivering sugar and spice – as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, and even some protein for good measure.

Serves 10

Ingredients

Cinnamon-Spiced Bread Crumbs:

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 Tbsp. light brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp. butter, melted

Caramelized Squash:

1 small butternut squash (about 3 cups)

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1/4 tsp. salt

Bread Pudding:

4 large eggs

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped

2 cups whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. orange zest

4 Tbsp. butter, melted

Caramelized squash

1 1/2 baguettes (about 10 cups), torn into large pieces and dried overnight

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 524

Protein: 10 grams

Carbs: 77 grams

Fat: 22 grams

 

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Healthier Malva Pudding

Picture courtesy of Zanita

If you love tres leches cake, put this malva pudding on your must-taste dessert list. But although this dish has similar elements, it hails from South Africa and has Dutch influences.

Who cares where it’s from, though, when it can taste so good with these macros? A generous slice has less than 250 calories and only 8 grams of sugar.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. coconut oil

1 Tbsp. coconut sugar

2 Tbsp. rice malt syrup (or honey)

1 large egg

3 Tbsp. unsweetened apricot jam

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup spelt flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup coconut milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 239

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 29 grams

Fat: 13 grams

 

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Popcorn Vanilla Pudding

Picture courtesy of Naïve Cook Cooks

Infuse pudding with fresh popcorn for a new take on plain vanilla.

Of course vanilla pudding can be delicious on its own, yet this simple technique will take it to another level. It’s a great dessert to have any night of the week, and yet this vanilla pudding is also amazing enough to serve at a dinner party. It’s also a great feature for a dinner-and-a-movie date on the couch.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 cup + 2 Tbsp. whole milk

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. heavy cream

2 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 1/2 Tbsp. corn kernels

1 1/2 egg yolks

2 tsp. cornstarch

1/8 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed cold

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 429

Protein: 8 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 35 grams

 

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Coconut Lemon Pudding Parfait

Picture courtesy of Happy Food Healthy Life

This is a basic pudding with sugar, butter, and cornstarch. With one tweak, though, this whole recipe gets a new vibe.

Using coconut milk with a touch lemon extract (or lemon zest) turns this classic into something new. The recipe calls for blueberries and almonds to make a parfait, but you’ll want to eat this lemon-coconut pudding with everything.

Serves 5

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup cornstarch

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups Silk unsweetened coconut milk

3 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. lemon extract (or 2 tsp. lemon zest)

1 1/2 cups blueberries

3/4 cup almonds, chopped

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 305

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 38 grams

Fat: 17 grams

 

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Picture courtesy of Gourmet Mum

This recipe is from Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O’Connor,. The no-holds-barred dessert cookbook has a whole chapter on puddings, including butterscotch pots, coconut milk cream cheese flan, and pink grapefruit tangerine mousse with crispy phyllo ruffles.

And if you’re looking for an unbelievably rich classic, the deep dark chocolate pudding is a must-taste.

Serves 12

Ingredients

Cake:

2 cups (about 12 oz.) pitted Medjool dates, chopped

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp.

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed

3 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Toffee Sauce:

1 cup unsalted butter

3 cups dark brown sugar, firmly packed

2 cups heavy cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 705

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 95 grams

Fat: 36 grams

 

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Coconut Tapioca Pudding

Picture courtesy of Kusina Master

This slow cooker coconut pudding is a major upgrade on the individually portioned plastic containers.

Thanks to fresh pineapple and mango, this tapioca pudding is tropical, but any kind of fruit will taste delicious with the base of coconut milk. Banana and papaya would keep it tropical. Or, take this dessert in a completely different direction with strawberries, blueberries, or even apricots.

Serves 10

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. coconut oil

2 cans (13 oz. each) coconut milk

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup small pearl tapioca

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup chopped fresh pineapple

1 medium mango, peeled and diced (optional garnish)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 291

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 30 grams

Fat: 20 grams

 

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Spiced Carrot Pudding

Picture courtesy of She Wanders She Finds

Carrots make an amazing cake, so why not turn the vegetable into a bright orange pudding?

This dessert brings totally different flavors to the table, however, with cardamom, saffron, and currants. Those ingredients give this Indian flair, similar to halwa, a semolina-based carrot pudding. But, you could swap out those spices for cinnamon and nutmeg for a flavor more like carrot cake.

Serves 4

Ingredients

5 large carrots, peeled and grated

7 oz. (1/2 can) condensed milk

2 cups milk

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

1/4 tsp. saffron

1/4 cup currants

1/3 cup mixed nuts (cashew, pistachio, and almonds)

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

2 Tbsp. granulated sugar

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 367

Protein: 11 grams

Carbs: 52 grams

Fat: 14 grams

 

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Mushroom, Onion & Cheese Bread Pudding

Picture courtesy of Serious Eats

Think veggies can’t be turned into indulgent comfort food? Take a bite out of this savory bread pudding from The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook.

The onions and mushrooms (or whatever vegetables you have on hand) are packed into a fluffy and creamy bread custard, offering up all the flavor of French onion soup. Bread pudding is never a light dish, and this is no exception, making it perfect for a holiday table or hearty winter dinner.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

1/2 lb. mushrooms, thinly sliced

3 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp. coarse salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. dried sage

1 baguette (8 oz.), halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1” pieces

8 oz. fontina cheese, cubed

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 379

Protein: 17 grams

Carbs: 26 grams

Fat: 24 grams

 

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Thick & Creamy Banana Pudding

Picture courtesy of Hungry curious

This rich banana pudding doesn’t need to be stirred on the stove. Rather than milk or cream, which can be thickened with heat, tofu is the base of this vegan pudding. So it all comes together in a blender, but you’ll still have to wait a few hours to eat it while it chills in the fridge.

It’s delicious without any extras, or you can easily turn this into a Nilla wafer banana pudding. Either way, it’ll be a few hours until it’s time to dig in.

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas

1 package (14 oz.) firm tofu

2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted

1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. turmeric (optional for color)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 149

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 17 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Plum Pudding Smoothie

Picture courtesy of Gluten-Free Lifesaver

Not everyone loves plum pudding. It’s similar to fruitcake, and it can also be made a few weeks before serving. The elements that go into it are not only tasty but healthy, and yet that doesn’t mean everyone wants to try the traditional British version.

Instead, make an awesome plum pudding smoothie to celebrate Christmas. You can’t exactly give out a glass as a gift, but you can pass on the recipe.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1 big, ripe plums

1/4 ripe pear

1 ripe fig, peeled

1 ripe frozen banana

1/2 tsp. lemon zest

1/4 tsp. orange zest

1 tsp. pure honey

1/4 cup almond meal

1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. chia seeds

1 Tbsp. grated dark chocolate

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 444

Protein: 13 grams

Carbs: 56 grams

Fat: 22 grams

 

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Matcha Pudding

Picture courtesy of Bella & Bhakti

This is like a refreshing green iced tea, only in creamy spoonable form. Powdered green tea – AKA matcha – is a great way to flavor desserts without adding calories or sugar.

So the only sweetness in this pudding comes from fresh bananas and kiwi fruit. Then, the pudding gets layered like a parfait with raisins, almonds, coconut, and sunflower seeds.

Serves 2

Ingredients

Matcha Pudding:

2 ripe bananas

2 ripe kiwi fruit

1 tsp. coconut nectar

1 tsp. matcha powder

1/2 tsp. psyllium husk

1 Tbsp. coconut oil

Base & Topping:

2 Tbsp. raisins

2 Tbsp. slivered almonds

2 Tbsp. coconut

2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 324

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 54 grams

Fat: 14 grams

 

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What did you think of these pudding recipes? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!