Weight Watchers-Friendly Banana Mousse: A 5-Minute Delight

Banana mousse is a classic dessert that embodies the rich flavors of Italy. Traditionally, this indulgent treat can be high in calories and sugar, but with a few adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious, Weight Watchers-friendly version in just five minutes. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your points in check.

Why Choose a Weight Watchers-Friendly Banana Mousse?

This Banana Mousse recipe is designed to fit within the Weight Watchers program, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. By carefully selecting ingredients and adjusting portions, we can create a creamy, flavorful dessert that aligns with your health goals. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

For the Mousse:

  • 3 medium ripe bananas (approximately 300g)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (250ml) skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lower-calorie option)
  • ⅓ cup (40g) cornstarch
  • 1 cup (250ml) light whipping cream (or fat-free whipped topping)
  • ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons (150g) light condensed milk (look for a lower-sugar option)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the mousse
  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbs: 19g

Weight Watchers Points

  • Total SmartPoints: 5 per serving (based on the recipe yielding four servings)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

  1. Select Ripe Bananas: Choose three medium, ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter your mousse will be. Look for bananas with yellow skin and a few brown spots for optimal flavor.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash the bananas until smooth. A few small lumps can be left for texture, but aim for a creamy consistency.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

  1. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. This step enhances the richness of the mousse.

Step 3: Prepare the Milk Mixture

  1. Combine Milk and Cornstarch: In a separate saucepan, whisk together the skim milk and cornstarch until well combined. This mixture will thicken the mousse and provide a creamy base.
  2. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.

Step 4: Mix the Banana and Milk

  1. Combine Mixtures: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and pour the thickened milk mixture into the bowl with the mashed bananas. Add the melted butter as well.
  2. Blend Well: Stir the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the texture is smooth.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

  1. Whip the Light Cream: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the light cream until soft peaks form. This step adds air and lightness to the mousse.

Step 6: Incorporate the Condensed Milk

  1. Add Condensed Milk: Gently fold in the light condensed milk into the whipped cream. This will add sweetness without too many calories. Use a spatula to mix carefully, preserving the fluffiness of the whipped cream.

Step 7: Combine All Components

  1. Fold Banana Mixture into Whipped Cream: Gradually fold the banana and milk mixture into the whipped cream mixture. Be gentle to avoid deflating the cream. The goal is to create a light, airy mousse.

Step 8: Chill the Mousse

  1. Transfer to Serving Dishes: Spoon the mousse into individual serving bowls or glasses. This makes for an appealing presentation and portion control.
  2. Chill in the Refrigerator: Cover the dishes with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. This chilling process enhances the flavors and texture.

Step 9: Serve

  1. Garnish (Optional): Before serving, you can garnish the mousse with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a slice of banana, or a dollop of light whipped cream to elevate the presentation.
  2. Enjoy Your Dessert: Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Weight Watchers-friendly Banana Mousse.

Step 10: Store Leftovers

  1. Cool and Store: If you have leftovers, cover them with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The mousse will keep for up to 3 days.
  2. Refrigerate Properly: Ensure to refrigerate any leftover mousse immediately to maintain freshness and texture.

Step 11: Customize Your Mousse

  1. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for added flavor. These simple additions can make a big difference.
  2. Add-ins: For extra texture, consider folding in mini sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts before chilling the mousse.

Step 12: Make It Dairy-Free

  1. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk and use coconut cream instead of light cream for a delicious dairy-free version of this mousse.
  2. Adjusting Sweetness: Always taste the mousse before serving and adjust sweetness if necessary. If using a different sweetener, ensure it dissolves completely for the best flavor.

Additional Tips and Insights

  • Banana Alternatives: For a lower-carb version, consider using banana extract instead of fresh bananas. Adjust the quantity according to taste, as extracts are concentrated.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This mousse is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick dessert throughout the week without the guilt.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair this mousse with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast, which can also add a few extra points depending on your WW plan.

Conclusion

This Weight Watchers-Friendly Banana Mousse is a delicious and quick dessert that allows you to indulge in a classic treat without the extra calories. Its creamy texture and delightful banana flavor make it a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.

By making a few simple adjustments to traditional recipes, you can create a dessert that fits your dietary needs while still being enjoyable. This mousse is not only easy to prepare but is also versatile enough to customize according to your preferences. Enjoy this delightful treat, knowing you’re sticking to your health goals!