How to Make Protein Cheesecake Pudding 4 Ways

This light and luscious cherry cheesecake protein pudding satisfies sweet tooth cravings with just 90 calories per serving. It delivers a tasty dessert or snack bursting with 8 grams of satiating protein yet barely any sugar, fat or carbs.

The 4-ingredient base recipe layers protein powder, sugar-free pudding mix and no sugar added cherry pie filling over a graham cracker crust. Customize it by swapping flavors, textures and toppings for perfect protein pudding every time.

Protein Pudding Benefits Over Typical Dessert

Whipping up protein-enriched dessert imposters offers nutrition pros over classic sugary choices:

Higher Protein - Protein powder adds belly-filling, muscle-helping protein lacking in candy or cake. Just one serving provides nearly 10 grams protein.

Fewer Calories - Around 100 calories means you get sweetness without overindulging calories. It fits into weight loss dieting easily.

Less Sugar - Using sugar substitutes and no added sugar pie filling avoids blood sugar spikes from desserts while still tasting decadent.

More Nutrients - Added protein, fiber and minerals makes this a more balanced, nutrient-dense choice over empty sweets.

Keto-Friendly - For low carb diets, the net 7 grams of carbs fits low daily counts. Protein fluffs up the texture instead of carbs.

So enjoy guiltfree with a smile knowing this light yet luscious protein pudding enhances nutrition. Now let’s learn how to make it right.

How to Make the Perfect Protein Cheesecake Pudding

Follow these simple steps for velvety smooth cherry cheesecake protein pudding every time:

Ingredients Needed

• 1 scoop (serving) cake batter or vanilla protein powder
• 3 tablespoons sugar free cheesecake instant pudding mix
• 1⁄2 serving no sugar added cherry pie filling (or fruit of choice)
• 1⁄2 serving graham cracker crumbs (or crust of choice)

Mix Dry Powders

Combine protein powder and dry cheesecake pudding mix in a bowl or blender. Stir manually or pulse to integrate evenly.

Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in 1⁄2 serving (about 1⁄3 cup) of your chosen pie filling or fruit puree. For cheesecake flavor, tart cherry works perfectly.

Blend until Smooth

Blend or process until completely smooth and thickened to pudding consistency, scraping edges as needed. This takes 1-2 minutes.

Layer Crust on Bottom

Spoon about 1⁄2 serving of crushed graham crackers or alternate crust into dishes. Pack down lightly.

Chill 2+ Hours

Divide thick pudding over crusts. Smooth tops evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until set.

That’s it! Now you have a base recipe ready for customizations...

How to Personalize Your Protein Puddings

The great thing about protein powders and instant pudding is their chameleon-like ability to transform into endless flavor and texture possibilities.

Play with these easy ways to put your unique spin the basic recipe:

Swap Protein Powder Flavors

Change up the main protein powder to become any cheesecake flavor profile you crave:

• Vanilla = plain or blueberry cheesecake
• Chocolate = chocolate swirl cheesecake
• Salted caramel = caramel turtle cheesecake
• Strawberry = strawberry swirl variation
• Lemon = lemon blueberry pudding

Mix in extras like cocoa powder, nut butter or sprinkles to invent your own signature “cheesecake” too.

Vary the Pudding Mixes

Beyond cheesecake, transform into any pudding flavor that strikes your fancy:

• Banana cream
• Coconut cream
• Butterscotch
• Chocolate
• Pistachio
• Vanilla

Adding extracts like almond, coconut or mint infuses more flavor too.

Swap Fruit Purees

Cherries give that classic cheesecake vibe but feel free to switch pie fillings to createfruit-on-the bottom puddings:

• Blueberry
• Strawberry
• Peach
• Mango
• Apple
• Mixed berry

Or skip fruit and experiment with alternative mix-ins like peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut spread, lemon curd or chia seeds.

Change Up the Crusts

Graham crackers make a nice base but almost any crushed cookie, cereal or nut creates crunch contrast:

• Gingersnaps
• Vanilla wafers
• Granola
• Crushed pecans
• Coconut flakes
• Crumbled brownie bites

Or for lighter options, omit any crust layer.

Endless Topping Options

No dessert is complete without a crowning touch. Choose fun toppings to finish your transformed protein puddings:

Fresh Fruit

Cherries, berries and chopped mango make bright, juicy garnishes full of vitamins.

Whipped Topping

Light, fluffy dollops of whipped cream or dairy-free CoolWhip add airy sweetness.

Nuts & Seeds

Sliced almonds, pistachios or chia seeds incorporate nutty crunch.

Shaved Chocolate

Dark chocolate curls or shavings add indulgence with antioxid