Weight Watchers-Friendly Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
(Use reduced-fat graham crackers to lower the points. Typically, 1 1/2 cups is around 12 points.) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute (e.g., Stevia or Splenda)
(0 points) - 1/4 cup light butter, melted
(Light butter is lower in points; 1/4 cup is around 7 points.) - 12 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
(Reduced-fat cream cheese is about 12 points for 12 oz.) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute
(0 points) - 2 large eggs
(Eggs are typically 0 points.) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(0 points) - 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
(Substitute for sour cream to lower points, typically 0 points.) - 1 package (sugar-free) banana pudding mix (1 oz package)
(Sugar-free pudding mix is around 2 points for the package.) - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
(Unsweetened almond milk is 0 points.) - 2 bananas, sliced
(Bananas are 0 points.) - Whipped topping (fat-free) for garnish
(Fat-free whipped topping is around 1 point per serving.) - Crushed vanilla wafers (reduced-fat) for garnish
(Use a small amount; 1/4 cup is around 2 points.)
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar substitute, and melted light butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of each liner to form a crust.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar substitute until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the non-fat Greek yogurt and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar-free banana pudding mix with unsweetened almond milk and whisk until thickened. Fold the banana pudding into the cheesecake mixture until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the crusts in the muffin tin, filling each liner almost to the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the centers are set. Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a slice of banana, a dollop of fat-free whipped topping, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers.
Nutritional Information (per mini cheesecake):
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Points: ~3-4 points per mini cheesecake (depending on the specific brands used)
Tips:
- Lightened Ingredients: By using reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar substitutes, and light butter, this recipe significantly cuts down on points while keeping the flavor rich and satisfying.
- Portion Control: These mini cheesecakes are naturally portion-controlled, making it easier to enjoy a treat without overindulging.
- Make-Ahead: These cheesecakes can be made the day before, making them a convenient option for gatherings or when you need a quick dessert.
- Versatile Garnishes: You can adjust the garnishes to fit your points budget or taste preferences, such as using fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of vanilla wafers.
Benefits:
- Lower in Points: This version is designed to be Weight Watchers-friendly, making it a great dessert option for those tracking their points.
- Protein Boost: The use of non-fat Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese increases the protein content, helping to keep you fuller longer.
- Healthier Fats: By using light butter and reduced-fat dairy products, you reduce the intake of saturated fats.
- Banana Benefits: Bananas are rich in potassium and provide natural sweetness without adding points, making them a great addition to the recipe.
These Weight Watchers-friendly Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes offer a delicious, indulgent taste with fewer points, making them a perfect treat that fits into your plan!