– **Title**: Low Carb Protein Pudding – Soft, Creamy & Full of Flavor
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any low-carb milk alternative)
– 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (low carb)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor) or 2 more tablespoons of protein powder
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (like erythritol or stevia, adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– Optional toppings: whipped cream (sugar-free), berries, nuts, or dark chocolate shavings
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, protein powder, cocoa powder (if using), sweetener, vanilla extract, chia seeds, and salt.
2. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and there are no clumps.
3. Pour the mixture into individual serving bowls or containers.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the pudding to thicken and the chia seeds to expand.
5. Before serving, stir the pudding. It should have a creamy and smooth texture.
6. Serve chilled, and add your choice of optional toppings for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your low carb protein pudding!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk keeps this pudding low-carb. If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer another option, try coconut milk or a low-carb soy milk. Both can give a creamy texture as well.
Protein powder: Choose a good-quality chocolate or vanilla protein powder to add flavor. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based protein options. It’s important to check that they are low-carb too!
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor. If using vanilla protein powder, it’s a great way to add chocolate taste. Swap for carob powder for a unique twist, though it’s slightly sweeter.
Nut butter: Almond butter adds richness, but peanut butter can work great too! If you’re avoiding nuts, you may use sun butter made from sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
Heavy cream: For extra creaminess, heavy cream is ideal. However, to cut calories, you can use coconut cream or whipped coconut milk as a great dairy-free substitute.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture in Pudding?
To keep your pudding wonderfully creamy, focus on how you combine the ingredients! Start by whisking the almond milk and dry ingredients until fully mixed—this is your base. Then, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Whip the cream on medium speed; stop as soon as it forms soft peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into your protein mixture with a spatula. Use a lifting motion to maintain airiness.
- Refrigerate to let flavors meld and pudding firm up. This step is key for texture!
Keep these tips in mind, and your pudding will turn out deliciously soft and creamy every time!
How to Make Low Carb Protein Pudding – Soft, Creamy & Full of Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-carb milk of choice)
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (make sure it’s low-carb)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (only if you’re using vanilla protein powder)
- 1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter (optional for more richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp artificial sweetener (like stevia or erythritol) or to taste
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Extra Creaminess:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipped cream
- Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful low-carb protein pudding requires about 10 minutes of prep time and needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge to set. So, total time is around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dessert that you can whip up and enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the unsweetened almond milk. Add your chosen protein powder, cocoa powder (if you went for vanilla protein), almond or peanut butter, vanilla extract, artificial sweetener, and salt. Using a whisk, mix everything together until it’s smooth and all the ingredients are nicely blended.
2. Whip the Heavy Cream:
Take another bowl and add the heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip it until soft peaks form. This will make your pudding extra creamy and light. Be patient—it takes just a few minutes!
3. Combine and Fold:
Now it’s time to gently fold the whipped cream into the protein mixture. Use a spatula and be careful not to stir too hard; you want to keep that light fluffy texture. Just fold it in until it’s well mixed, but don’t overdo it!
4. Taste and Adjust Sweetness:
Give your pudding a little taste to see if it needs more sweetness. If it does, add a bit more artificial sweetener and mix gently to combine.
5. Chill It Out:
Spoon the pudding into your favorite serving dishes or jars. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the pudding firm up a bit, making it deliciously enjoyable!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once chilled, take your pudding out and sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top for a tasty extra touch and a pretty presentation. Now it’s ready to serve!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your chilled pudding as a tasty, low-carb dessert or snack. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Can I Substitute the Almond Milk with Another Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can use any low-carb milk, like coconut milk or unsweetened soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the carb count low. If you’re okay with dairy, whole milk or heavy cream can also work, but remember that they may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Protein Powder?
If you don’t have protein powder, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and added protein, but this will increase the carbs. Another option is to use silken tofu blended until smooth for a vegan alternative. Adjust the sweetness since protein powders often contain sweeteners.
How to Store Leftover Protein Pudding?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before eating, as the texture may become slightly thicker after chilling!
Can I Make This Recipe With Different Flavors?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of protein powder, like strawberry or vanilla. You can also add flavorings such as cinnamon or almond extract to change things up. Just adjust the cocoa powder depending on the flavor you choose. Have fun with it!
