Weight Watchers-Friendly Creamy Vanilla Zucchini Pudding: Low Points Recipe

Introduction:

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for crafting a delightful, ultra-low-Points dessert that is perfect for Weight Watchers. This Creamy Vanilla Zucchini Pudding is a uniquely satisfying treat that combines simple, accessible ingredients into a low-calorie, guilt-free dessert. This version of the pudding has been optimized to minimize Points while maximizing flavor and satisfaction. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, and nutritional information to help you create this easy and delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 707 milliliters of dairy product (use unsweetened almond milk or skim milk to keep the Points low)
  • 50 grams of sugar substitute (or 50 grams of granulated sugar if you prefer, but using a sugar substitute will keep Points lower)
  • 30 grams of cornstarch
  • 10 grams of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for fewer Points)
  • 3 egg yolks
  • Zucchini powder to taste (optional for flavor; a small amount adds minimal Points)
  • Powdered cinnamon (for dusting; optional, adds negligible Points)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

  • Measure Dairy: Measure out 707 milliliters of unsweetened almond milk or skim milk. Using a low-fat or plant-based milk helps keep the Points lower.
  • Sweetener: Decide between using a sugar substitute or granulated sugar. For fewer Points, use a sugar substitute.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine 30 grams of cornstarch with 10 grams of vanilla sugar or a teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl.

2. Prepare Egg Yolks:

  • Separate and Beat: Carefully separate 3 egg yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks in a medium bowl until they are smooth and slightly frothy.

3. Heat Dairy Product:

  • Warm the Milk: Pour 707 milliliters of dairy product into a medium-sized pot. Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

  • Add to Dairy: Gradually whisk the cornstarch and vanilla sugar mixture into the warm dairy. Stir until smooth and free of lumps.

5. Temper the Egg Yolks:

  • Add Warm Mixture: Slowly whisk a small amount of the warm dairy mixture into the beaten egg yolks. This helps to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
  • Combine: Gradually add the tempered egg yolks back into the pot with the remaining dairy mixture, whisking constantly.

6. Cook the Pudding:

  • Thicken: Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking frequently. The pudding will thicken in about 5-7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

7. Add Flavorings:

  • Incorporate Zucchini Powder: Stir in zucchini powder if using. It’s optional and provides added flavor and nutrients.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sweetener or vanilla extract.

8. Chill the Pudding:

  • Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature. Transfer to serving dishes, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

9. Serve:

  • Portion and Dust: Spoon pudding into individual servings and dust lightly with powdered cinnamon if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings total):

  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: 2 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
  • Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
  • Sodium: 50 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12 grams
  • Net Carbohydrates: 8 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
  • Sugars: 3 grams (naturally occurring; adjusted with sweetener)
  • Protein: 5 grams

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

This Creamy Vanilla Zucchini Pudding contains 2 SmartPoints per serving on the Weight Watchers Freestyle plan. By using unsweetened almond milk and a sugar substitute, this recipe has been optimized for the lowest possible Points value.

Expert Tips:

  1. Zucchini Powder: This is an optional ingredient. It adds minimal Points but can enhance flavor and nutritional content.
  2. Sweetener Options: Using a sugar substitute rather than granulated sugar significantly lowers the Points value. Choose a sweetener that suits your taste and dietary needs.
  3. Consistency: If the pudding thickens too much after chilling, stir in a small amount of milk to reach your preferred consistency.
  4. Flavor Variations: Experiment with other extracts like almond or hazelnut for different flavors without adding extra Points.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this pudding as a light dessert or a refreshing snack. For added texture and flavor, consider topping with a few fresh berries or a dollop of low-fat yogurt. These additions should be accounted for in your daily Points.

Conclusion:

Our Creamy Vanilla Zucchini Pudding offers a rich, creamy dessert experience while remaining low in SmartPoints. By following this detailed guide, you can enjoy a satisfying treat that fits perfectly within your Weight Watchers plan. This pudding is not only simple to make but also flexible and customizable, making it a versatile addition to your low-Points dessert repertoire. Enjoy your guilt-free dessert and feel good about sticking to your weight management goals.