Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly)
This recipe provides an excellent balance of flavors and textures—smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy bananas, and a burst of strawberry goodness, all layered in a way that mimics the traditional banana pudding we all know and love. Plus, the points count has been adjusted to make sure it’s in line with your Weight Watchers goals.
Ingredients
- For the Pudding Base:
- 1 package (1 oz) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any other low-fat milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or sugar substitute, to taste)
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- For the Banana Layer:
- 3 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- For the Crunch:
- 1 box (about 9 oz) reduced-fat vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla)
- Optional: Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar-free vanilla pudding mix with the almond milk. Use a hand whisk to stir the ingredients together until fully incorporated. Allow this to sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mix in the Cream Cheese: Add the softened fat-free cream cheese to the pudding mixture. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese will give the pudding a cheesecake-like texture, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Add the Greek Yogurt and Vanilla: Stir in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract into the pudding base. The Greek yogurt will provide extra protein, making this a more filling dessert option. It also adds a creamy texture that’s characteristic of cheesecake.
- Sweeten Your Pudding: Add the powdered sugar (or sugar substitute) to taste, depending on your desired sweetness level. Whisk everything together until fully blended.
- Prepare the Banana Layer: Slice the bananas into thin rounds. You’ll need about 3 medium-sized bananas, but you can adjust this depending on how thick or thin you want your banana layer.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries, ensuring they are evenly sliced for a beautiful presentation in each bite. These will add a refreshing, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pudding.
- Assemble the Pudding: In a 9×9-inch glass baking dish or individual serving glasses, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of reduced-fat vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top this with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a generous scoop of the creamy pudding mixture. Sprinkle a few slices of strawberries on top of the pudding layer.
- Continue Layering: Repeat the process: vanilla wafers, followed by bananas, pudding, and strawberries. End with a layer of pudding on top and garnish with extra strawberry slices for a colorful, fresh look.
- Chill and Set: Once assembled, cover the dessert with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and for the pudding to set properly.
- Serve: Once ready to serve, take the dessert out of the fridge. If you like, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve in individual portions or scoop out from the dish.
Weight Watchers SmartPoints Calculation:
- Almond Milk (unsweetened): 0 points
- Fat-Free Cream Cheese: 1 point (per 2 tbsp)
- Non-Fat Greek Yogurt: 0 points
- Bananas: 0 points (up to 1 banana per serving)
- Sugar-Free Instant Pudding Mix: 1 point
- Reduced-Fat Vanilla Wafers: 3 points (for 6 wafers)
- Strawberries: 0 points
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 15 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Calcium: 250 mg
- Potassium: 380 mg
- Iron: 1.2 mg
Why This Recipe is Weight Watchers-Friendly:
- Low in Calories & Fat: By substituting full-fat ingredients with lighter options like fat-free cream cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt, this recipe offers the same creamy texture with far fewer calories and fat. The use of unsweetened almond milk further reduces the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
- Incorporates Fresh Fruits: Bananas and strawberries are naturally sweet and rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Not only do they add layers of flavor, but they also provide valuable nutrients to help balance out the dessert.
- Protein Boost: Non-fat Greek yogurt provides a rich source of protein, which helps keep you full for longer. This is essential when managing your weight, as protein can curb hunger and prevent overeating.
- Portion Control: Serving this dessert in individual portions helps control your intake, making it easier to track your points. Plus, it’s a great option for gatherings or meal prep, where you can store it in pre-portioned containers for the week.
Helpful Tips:
- Substitute the Wafer Cookies: If you’re looking to reduce the points even further, consider swapping the reduced-fat vanilla wafers with a lighter option or even crumbled graham crackers. Just remember to recalculate the SmartPoints for accuracy.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a twist, you can mix in a small amount of sugar-free flavored syrup (like caramel or hazelnut) into the pudding base for a unique flavor profile. This is a great way to customize the recipe to suit your preferences.
- Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are out of season or you simply want to use frozen, feel free to substitute them. Just ensure they’re thawed and sliced properly before assembling the pudding.
- Make Ahead: This dessert works wonderfully as a make-ahead option. It can be prepared the day before an event or family gathering, giving it time to set and allowing the flavors to develop fully.
Benefits of the Ingredients Used:
- Almond Milk: A low-calorie, dairy-free option that’s ideal for people following a plant-based or lactose-free diet.
- Fat-Free Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess without contributing to excess calories or fat.
- Non-Fat Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein, it contributes to the cheesecake flavor while keeping the dessert light.
- Bananas and Strawberries: Naturally sweet, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthful addition to any dessert.
- Reduced-Fat Vanilla Wafers: A classic, crunchy layer that adds texture and nostalgia, while keeping the points count low.
Conclusion: This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a perfect dessert choice for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising their health or Weight Watchers goals. With its carefully balanced ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a win for anyone wanting to stay on track with their wellness journey, while still indulging in a comforting, satisfying dessert.