Low-Point Banana Cream Pie (WW-Friendly, Guilt-Free Delight)

Banana Cream Pie is a classic dessert loved by many for its creamy texture, rich banana flavor, and indulgent crust. However, traditional Banana Cream Pie can be high in calories and fat, making it a challenge for those following a Weight Watchers (WW) plan or anyone who is watching their nutritional intake. In this version, we’ve lightened up this classic treat, making it a low-point, WW-friendly Banana Cream Pie that’s still creamy, dreamy, and absolutely delicious!

This recipe will not only keep your taste buds satisfied, but it will also fit seamlessly into your WW or low-calorie lifestyle. Below, we’ve detailed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional breakdown, so you can enjoy this classic dessert without guilt. From a reduced-fat crust to lightened-up custard filling, every aspect of this dessert has been modified to fit your healthy eating goals while still delivering the flavor you love.

Ingredients:

For this low-point Banana Cream Pie, we’ve made some simple swaps to lower the calorie count and reduce the SmartPoints without compromising flavor. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward.

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat graham cracker crumbs – A traditional graham cracker crust is the base of this pie, but using reduced-fat crumbs helps keep the SmartPoints lower.
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce – Instead of butter or oil, we use applesauce as a binding agent. It adds moisture without the extra fat.
  • 1 tablespoon sweetener (Stevia, Splenda, or your preferred WW-friendly sweetener) – A small amount of sweetener is used to give the crust a touch of sweetness without adding significant calories or points.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the graham cracker crust.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the crust and brings out the other flavors.

For the Banana Cream Pie Filling:

  • 2 cups fat-free milk – Fat-free milk provides a creamy texture without the extra fat and calories.
  • 1 small box (1.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – This acts as the thickening agent and base for the filling. Make sure it’s sugar-free to keep the points low.
  • 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a boost of protein to the filling, while keeping the fat content low.
  • 2 large ripe bananas – Bananas are the star of this dessert, providing natural sweetness and flavor. Make sure to use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and richness of the cream filling.
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the banana and vanilla.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A pinch of cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile and adds depth to the custard.

For the Whipped Topping:

  • 1 cup fat-free whipped topping (such as Cool Whip Lite) – For a light and airy topping, we use fat-free whipped topping, which is lower in points than traditional whipped cream.
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar – Just a small amount of powdered sugar sweetens the whipped topping without adding excessive calories.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract in the topping complements the other flavors in the pie.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Yield: 8 slices (or 8 servings)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the crust bakes evenly.
  2. Mix the crust ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of reduced-fat graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon sweetener, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Add applesauce: Add the 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce to the graham cracker mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the crumbs start to stick together.
  4. Press the crust into the pan: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Use the back of a spoon to pack the crumbs tightly.
  5. Bake the crust: Place the pie crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before filling.

Step 2: Make the Banana Cream Pie Filling

  1. Prepare the pudding mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together 2 cups of fat-free milk and the 1 small box of instant vanilla pudding mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Once it begins to thicken (about 1-2 minutes), remove from the heat.
  2. Add Greek yogurt and flavorings: Stir in 1/2 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional), and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Slice the bananas: Slice the 2 ripe bananas into thin, even slices. Set aside.
  4. Layer the filling: Once the pudding mixture has cooled slightly, pour half of the pudding into the prepared pie crust. Layer the banana slices evenly over the pudding. Pour the remaining pudding mixture on top of the bananas, spreading it out to cover the bananas completely. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Topping

  1. Make the whipped topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup fat-free whipped topping, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and fluffy.
  2. Top the pie: Gently spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer, covering it completely. Use a spatula to smooth the topping evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  1. Chill the pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to set.
  2. Serve: Once the pie is fully chilled, cut it into 8 even slices and serve. Garnish with additional banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Bananas: Be sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor. They will provide the perfect natural sweetness without adding extra sugar.
  • Pie Crust: If you prefer a gluten-free version, swap out the reduced-fat graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free biscuit for the crust.
  • Sweeteners: You can adjust the amount of sweetener in both the crust and the filling to suit your personal taste. Feel free to use a WW-approved sweetener like Stevia or Splenda.
  • Make it ahead: This pie can be made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or a party dessert. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Each serving of this low-point Banana Cream Pie is indulgent yet light, providing just the right balance of flavors. Here is the nutritional breakdown for one slice (out of 8 slices):

  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Net Carbs: 22g
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints:

This low-point Banana Cream Pie is a great dessert option for those following the WW program. Here’s how it breaks down on each plan:

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

Note: SmartPoints may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes, so be sure to track accurately.

Why This Low-Point Banana Cream Pie is Perfect for Your WW Journey:

  1. Lightened-up Crust: The reduced-fat graham cracker crust keeps the pie deliciously crispy without the high-fat ingredients usually found in traditional crusts.
  2. Creamy Filling with Greek Yogurt: Using non-fat Greek yogurt in the filling adds a boost of protein and creaminess while keeping the fat content low. It’s a great way to enjoy a traditional banana cream filling with a healthy twist.
  3. Bananas for Natural Sweetness: Bananas provide natural sweetness and flavor, meaning you don’t need to load up on extra sugar or syrups, helping to keep the SmartPoints low.
  4. Perfect for Meal Prep: This pie is easy to prepare in advance and can be kept in the

fridge for several days. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free dessert option.

Conclusion:

This low-point Banana Cream Pie is an indulgent yet guilt-free treat that fits perfectly into your WW plan or low-calorie lifestyle. By making smart swaps like using fat-free milk, Greek yogurt, and a reduced-fat crust, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of a classic banana cream pie without the high points or calories. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just a special treat, this pie is sure to be a hit.

Enjoy a slice (or two!) of this creamy, dreamy, low-point dessert and keep your WW journey on track while still indulging in a delicious, satisfying treat. Happy baking!