Introduction

Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that brings together the rich flavor of bananas, creamy pudding, and a light crunch from cookies. It’s a beloved treat, but for those following the Weight Watchers program, the traditional version can be too high in calories and SmartPoints. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the indulgence of a Banana Pudding Delight with a few modifications to make it Weight Watchers-friendly. This version of Banana Pudding Delight offers the same delicious flavors and comforting texture you know and love but with fewer points and healthier ingredients.

In this post, we’ll walk you through a Weight Watchers Banana Pudding Delight recipe that is both delicious and satisfying, while keeping the SmartPoints low. This recipe is simple to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and great for those special occasions when you want to enjoy a lighter dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste. You’ll find the full list of ingredients, detailed instructions, and nutrition information, as well as the SmartPoints breakdown for each serving.

Ingredients:

To make a healthier version of Banana Pudding Delight that aligns with the Weight Watchers program, you’ll need to swap out some higher-calorie ingredients for lighter alternatives. Below is the full list of ingredients for this WW-friendly dessert:

For the Pudding Base:

  • 2 cups Fat-Free Milk
  • 1 box Sugar-Free Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz box)
  • 1/2 cup Fat-Free Greek Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup Light Whipped Topping (or fat-free whipped topping)
  • 1/2 cup Banana (about 1 small banana), mashed (optional for added flavor)

For the Layers:

  • 4-6 Reduced-Fat Vanilla Wafer Cookies (you can also use a WW-friendly or light version)
  • 2-3 Bananas (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp Light Brown Sugar (optional, for sprinkling over the top)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

For Topping:

  • 2 tbsp Light Whipped Topping (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Walnuts or Almonds (optional, for added crunch)

Equipment:

To prepare your Weight Watchers Banana Pudding Delight, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or hand mixer (for mixing the pudding)
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Serving dish (a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch pan works well)
  • Knife and cutting board (for slicing bananas)
  • Spatula (for spreading the layers)
  • Plastic wrap or airtight container (for storing the dessert)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base

To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the fat-free milk and sugar-free vanilla pudding mix into the bowl. Whisk the ingredients together for 2-3 minutes until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and begins to thicken.

Once the pudding mixture has thickened, fold in the fat-free Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. This step adds creaminess and flavor without adding unnecessary sugar or fat. For extra banana flavor, you can mash the banana and mix it into the pudding base at this point, or simply add banana slices later.

Step 2: Layer the Banana Pudding Delight

Now that your pudding is ready, it’s time to start layering the dessert.

  1. Begin by placing a layer of reduced-fat vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of your serving dish. If you want to make the dessert more substantial, you can also break some cookies in half to fit the bottom of the dish properly.
  2. After the first layer of cookies, add a layer of banana slices. Arrange them evenly to cover the entire layer of cookies.
  3. Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the bananas and cookies, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Make sure the pudding fills in the gaps and covers the banana slices fully.
  4. Repeat the process: layer the remaining cookies, followed by banana slices, and then top with the rest of the pudding mixture. Smooth it over the top to make the layers even.

Step 3: Add the Topping

Once all the pudding layers are assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches.

  1. Spread a dollop of light whipped topping on top of the final layer of pudding to give it that traditional creamy look.
  2. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a small amount of light brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the whipped topping. This adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely spice.
  3. If you prefer a bit of crunch, garnish with chopped walnuts or almonds. These add texture and a nutty flavor, but are entirely optional.

Step 4: Chill the Banana Pudding Delight

Once the dessert is fully assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the Banana Pudding Delight for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling the dessert allows the flavors to meld together and gives the layers a chance to set, creating that delicious pudding consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

After the chilling time has passed, your Weight Watchers Banana Pudding Delight is ready to serve! Scoop out generous portions into bowls or serve directly from the dish. Each serving is full of banana goodness and creamy layers that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

This Weight Watchers Banana Pudding Delight is designed to be a low-calorie, SmartPoints-friendly dessert that you can enjoy without guilt. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings in total):

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 13g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Vitamin A: 4% Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 15% DV
  • Calcium: 10% DV
  • Iron: 4% DV

SmartPoints Breakdown:

This Weight Watchers Banana Pudding Delight is designed to be low in SmartPoints, making it a great choice for anyone following the Blue, Green, or Purple plans. Here is the SmartPoints calculation for each plan:

  • Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Green Plan: 5 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints per serving

These values are calculated based on using fat-free Greek yogurt, sugar-free pudding mix, light whipped topping, and reduced-fat cookies. The exact SmartPoints may vary slightly depending on the exact brands you use, but this recipe remains a great choice for a satisfying dessert without using up too many of your daily points.

Tips for the Perfect WW Banana Pudding Delight:

  1. Use Fresh Bananas: For the best texture and flavor, use ripe, fresh bananas. Make sure the bananas are not too mushy, as they may affect the consistency of the pudding.
  2. Try a Layer of Fruit: If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to add a layer of berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, along with the banana layers. The added fruit will provide even more flavor and freshness.
  3. Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe completely gluten-free, swap the vanilla wafer cookies for gluten-free alternatives, such as gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookies.
  4. Portion Control: This recipe is meant to be enjoyed in moderation, so keep portion sizes in check to ensure you stay within your points limit. A small scoop of this dessert is filling and satisfying!
  5. Use Sugar-Free Products: To keep the recipe as low in SmartPoints as possible, ensure that all ingredients (including the pudding mix, whipped topping, and cookies) are sugar-free and light.

Make-Ahead and Storage:

This Banana Pudding Delight is perfect for making ahead. In fact, letting the dessert sit overnight in the refrigerator can enhance the flavor. The pudding layers will have time to fully set, making it easier to serve.

Storage: Store any leftover pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the bananas may begin to soften too much, and the texture may change. However, the dessert is best when served fresh.

Conclusion

This Weight Watchers Banana Pudding Delight is the perfect solution for anyone craving a classic dessert without derailing their diet. By using healthier ingredients and making a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this creamy, flavorful dessert while staying within your daily SmartPoints limit. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or simply trying to eat a bit healthier, this Banana Pudding Delight is an excellent choice for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Enjoy this lightened-up version of the classic banana pudding, and treat yourself to a delicious, guilt-free dessert that everyone in your family will love!