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Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding - Creamy, Light, and Comforting

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cottage cheese: 2 cups, small curd or whipped. Full-fat for extra creaminess, low-fat for a lighter option.
  • Ripe bananas: 3 medium. Speckled bananas bring the best flavor.
  • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup, plain. Adds tang and smooth texture.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons for warm, classic flavor.
  • Sweetener: 2–4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Adjust to taste.
  • Salt: A small pinch to balance the sweetness.
  • Vanilla wafers or graham crackers: About 2 cups, lightly crushed. Choose gluten-free if needed.
  • Milk: 2–4 tablespoons, any kind. Helps thin the mixture if needed.
  • Whipped topping or whipped cream (optional): For layering and garnish.
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional): 1–2 teaspoons to keep banana slices from browning.
  • Cinnamon (optional): A pinch for extra warmth.

Method
 

  1. Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla, sweetener, salt, and 2 tablespoons milk. Blend until silky smooth, 30–60 seconds. If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon or two of milk.
  2. Taste and adjust: Check sweetness and vanilla. Add a touch more sweetener or vanilla if you want a stronger dessert vibe. If using cinnamon, blend in a pinch now.
  3. Prep the bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. If you’re assembling in advance, toss slices gently with lemon juice to slow browning.
  4. Crush the cookies: Place wafers or grahams in a zip-top bag and crush lightly with a rolling pin. You want a mix of small chunks and crumbs for texture.
  5. Layer it up: In a trifle dish, 8x8 pan, or individual jars, spread a thin layer of the cottage cheese mixture. Add a layer of cookies, then banana slices, then more cottage cheese mixture. Repeat 2–3 times, finishing with the creamy layer on top.
  6. Add whipped topping (optional): Smooth a light layer over the top for a classic look.
  7. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4–6 hours. This softens the cookies and melds the flavors.
  8. Garnish and serve: Top with extra banana slices, a sprinkle of cookie crumbs, or a dusting of cinnamon right before serving.