Lemon Shortbread Protein Pudding 

Alissa Marie Wellness

Lemon Shortbread Protein Pudding

Bright, creamy, and totally satisfying! This dessert is packed with 30g of protein per serving, thanks to cottage cheese and protein powder, but tastes like a decadent bakery treat. The buttery shortbread crust pairs perfectly with tangy lemon pudding, and the toppings make it feel indulgent. Gut-friendly, high-protein, and perfect for meal prep or a post-workout treat.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 2

Course: Dessert

Calories: 235

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pudding Base:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1-2 Scoop vanilla protein powder
• Zest of 1 fresh lemon
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice adjust to taste
• Splash lemon extract optional
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch of salt

Shortbread Crust:

• Crushed shortbread cookies gluten-free if desired

Optional Whipped Cream:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp monk fruit
• Splash of vanilla extract
• Optional swap: coconut cream for dairy-free version

Toppings:

• 1 tsp Lemon curd drizzle
• Crushed shortbread cookie
• Fresh lemon zest

Method

 

1. Blend the cottage cheese, protein powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth, scraping sides as needed.
2. Crush shortbread cookies and layer into the bottom of your jars (6 oz jars work best).
3. Pour lemon pudding on top of the shortbread layer.
4. Refrigerate overnight for optimal thick texture.
5. Optional whipped cream: Whip heavy cream with monk fruit and vanilla until soft peaks form. Dollop or pipe over pudding just before serving.
6. When ready to serve, top with a drizzle of lemon curd, crushed shortbread, fresh lemon zest, whipped cream, and optional fresh berries.

Notes

Cooking & Prep Tips

• Blend the pudding really smooth to avoid any lumps from cottage cheese.
• Be sure to taste the pudding and adjust the lemon flavor to your preference. I like mine stronger, but you can make it to your liking. Lemon extract helps without making it too sour.
• Crush cookies finely so your crust layers evenly.
• Chill overnight for best pudding texture; it firms up nicely. The longer it chills, the thicker it will become.
• Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or monk fruit depending on taste.
• I use Naked Nutrition Naked Vanilla Whey ISO so one serving is 2 scoops. If your protein serving size is 1 scoop then use that.
• Whipped cream can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Per serving without toppings (2 servings):

Calories 235

Protein 30g

Carbs 22g

Fat 5g

Macros are estimated. Actual values may vary depending on the products used. If adding the toppings calories increase to around 285-290, protein 30g carbs 26g, fat 8g

Gut Health Benefits

• Cottage cheese: Rich in probiotics that support gut bacteria and digestion.
• Protein powder: Helps stabilize blood sugar and supports muscle repair.
• Lemon & citrus zest: Provides antioxidants to reduce gut inflammation.
• Shortbread (gluten-free option): Minimal refined sugar keeps the dessert gentle on digestion.
• Optional whipped cream (heavy cream or coconut cream): Adds healthy fats and makes the dessert more satisfying without upsetting digestion.

I am using Naked Nutrition Vanilla Naked Whey ISO in this recipe because it blends smoothly and keeps the ingredient list simple.

It’s made with whey protein isolate from grass-fed cows, so you get high quality protein without fillers, artificial sweeteners or gums. Each serving delivers 30g of protein to help support muscle recovery, satiety and stable energy.

It also mixes really well into recipes like puddings and smoothies without leaving that chalky protein taste. Use code ALISSA15 to save 15% on your next order using the link above.