Introduction: When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth while maintaining your health goals, this Weight Watchers Strawberry Banana Pudding is the ideal dessert. This recipe is a delicious, creamy, and refreshing treat that blends the natural sweetness of strawberries and bananas with the indulgence of a smooth pudding. The best part? It’s perfectly aligned with the Weight Watchers (WW) program, offering low SmartPoints while still allowing you to enjoy a decadent dessert. With the right ingredients and mindful portion sizes, this dish can be a guilt-free delight.
Whether you’re a Weight Watchers member or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional puddings, this recipe provides the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Rich in fruit and fiber, this strawberry banana pudding makes for an excellent dessert, snack, or even a wholesome breakfast if you desire something a little sweeter to start your day.
Serving Size:
Total Servings: 6
Serving Size: 1/6th of the total recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pudding Base:
Fat-free milk: 2 cups
Sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix: 1 package (3.4 oz)
Non-fat Greek yogurt: 1 cup
Fresh ripe bananas: 2 medium-sized, sliced
Fresh strawberries: 1 cup, chopped
Stevia or another low-calorie sweetener: 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Topping:
Fat-free whipped topping: 1/2 cup (or as needed)
Fresh strawberries: 1/2 cup, for garnish
Fresh banana slices: 1/2 banana, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding Base:
To begin, grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the fat-free milk and the sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk thoroughly to ensure that the pudding powder is well incorporated into the milk. This will help to prevent any lumps. Once the mixture is fully blended, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to thicken. The instant pudding should begin to set in this time, but it will still be somewhat soft, which is ideal for this recipe. - Incorporate Greek Yogurt:
Once your pudding base has thickened, add in the non-fat Greek yogurt. Gently fold the yogurt into the pudding mixture using a spatula or spoon. The Greek yogurt will add creaminess to the pudding, as well as boost the protein content. This is a great alternative to the heavy creams typically used in traditional puddings, helping to lower the overall fat content while still keeping the dish rich and smooth. - Sweeten the Pudding:
If you prefer a sweeter pudding, you can add a tablespoon of Stevia or another low-calorie sweetener of your choice. This is entirely optional and based on your personal preference. Remember that the bananas and strawberries will already provide a natural sweetness, so you may want to taste before deciding to add any additional sweetener. - Layering with Fruit:
Once the pudding is ready and the texture is smooth, it’s time to incorporate the fresh fruits. Layer the sliced bananas and chopped strawberries into individual serving dishes or one large dish if you prefer. For a more aesthetically pleasing presentation, alternate layers of the fruit with the pudding, ensuring that each serving has a generous amount of fruit to balance the creamy texture of the pudding. - Assemble the Dish:
After layering the fruit and pudding, spoon the remaining pudding mixture over the fruit in each serving dish. Smooth out the tops to ensure an even layer of pudding. You should have enough pudding to evenly distribute over six servings. - Chill:
Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least an hour, or until the pudding has fully set. Chilling the pudding helps the flavors to meld together and allows the pudding to thicken slightly. This makes the dessert even more enjoyable when it’s served cold. - Add the Topping:
Just before serving, top each individual serving with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping. This adds a light and airy texture to the dessert without adding significant calories. You can also garnish with fresh banana slices and strawberries on top to add a pop of color and enhance the presentation. - Serve and Enjoy:
Your strawberry banana pudding is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a standalone dessert or pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly satisfying treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 120
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 16g (natural sugars from fruit)
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 100mg
Weight Watchers SmartPoints Calculation:
SmartPoints per serving (Blue, Green, Purple): 2 points
This dessert is a great option for those following the Weight Watchers program, with its low SmartPoints value. You can indulge in the pudding while staying within your daily point range without any guilt. Since this recipe uses non-fat milk, fat-free yogurt, and sugar-free pudding, the overall SmartPoints remain low, making it a great choice for a sweet snack or dessert.
Why This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a Smart Choice for Weight Watchers:
Low in Calories: One of the biggest selling points of this pudding is that it is low in calories but still satisfying. You can enjoy a healthy portion without compromising your weight management goals. The calories primarily come from the natural sugars in the fruit, which are packed with nutrients.
High in Protein: The addition of non-fat Greek yogurt helps boost the protein content of this dessert. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it also helps you feel fuller for longer. This can prevent you from reaching for other high-calorie snacks between meals.
Packed with Fiber: Both bananas and strawberries are rich in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut. Fiber also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes that can cause hunger and fatigue.
No Added Sugar: This pudding uses naturally sweet fruits, so there’s no need for added sugar. The use of sugar-free pudding mix further reduces the overall sugar content. The result is a delicious dessert that’s sweet but not overwhelmingly so, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavor of the fruit.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. It’s a fantastic dessert to make at the beginning of the week, so you can have a healthy option available whenever you crave something sweet.
Perfect for Portion Control: By dividing the pudding into six servings, it’s easy to control portion sizes. This helps you avoid overeating and keeps you on track with your daily SmartPoints allowance.
Versatile: While this recipe uses bananas and strawberries, feel free to mix up the fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. You can try using blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Success:
Use Fresh Fruit: For the best flavor and texture, fresh fruit is recommended. If using frozen fruit, make sure it is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the pudding.
Adjust Sweetness: If you’re not a fan of Stevia or other low-calorie sweeteners, you can skip them entirely. The natural sweetness from the fruit may be enough for you.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the pudding will be best enjoyed within the first 2 days for maximum freshness.
Dietary Adjustments: If you are lactose intolerant, you can use a plant-based milk like almond milk and a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just ensure that these substitutes are unsweetened to keep the SmartPoints count low.
Conclusion:
This Weight Watchers Strawberry Banana Pudding is a wonderful dessert that provides the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and freshness. With a low SmartPoints count and a combination of nutritious ingredients, it’s a dessert you can feel good about enjoying. Whether you’re following the WW program or simply trying to make healthier choices, this pudding will not only satisfy your cravings but will also contribute to your overall wellness. Try this recipe today and indulge in a smart, delicious treat!