Weight Watchers (WW) Friendly Pudding Shots Recipe

Introduction

Pudding shots are a playful and indulgent treat that can add a touch of fun to any gathering. Traditionally rich and creamy, these dessert shots can be adapted to fit into a Weight Watchers (WW) plan with thoughtful ingredient substitutions and portion control. This comprehensive recipe guide provides a step-by-step approach to creating delicious, low-point pudding shots that are both satisfying and compliant with WW guidelines. Here, you’ll find detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints to help you prepare this delightful dessert.

Ingredients

For the Pudding Shots:

  • Sugar-Free Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: 1 box (1.4 oz). This mix serves as the base for the pudding, providing a classic vanilla flavor without added sugar.
  • Skim Milk: 2 cups. Using skim milk reduces the fat content while still providing the necessary liquid to make the pudding.
  • Fat-Free Whipped Topping: 1 cup. This adds a light, airy texture to the pudding shots without adding significant calories or fat.
  • Light Cream Cheese: 1/4 cup. Adds a creamy texture and richness, while being lower in fat compared to regular cream cheese.
  • Flavored Extract (Optional): 1 teaspoon of vanilla, almond, or any other preferred extract. Enhances the flavor of the pudding shots.
  • Zero-Calorie Sweetener: 1-2 tablespoons, to taste. You can use stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol as a substitute for additional sweetness without extra points.
  • Mini Cupcake Liners: 24. Used to mold the pudding shots for easy serving and portion control.

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh Berries: A few for topping, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Adds a fresh touch and minimal additional points.
  • Light Whipped Cream: 1/2 cup, for topping. Can be used to add an extra layer of creaminess.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pudding Mix:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine one box (1.4 oz) of sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix with 2 cups of skim milk. Whisk together until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and the mixture starts to thicken. This should take about 2 minutes.
  1. Incorporate Cream Cheese:
  • Add 1/4 cup of light cream cheese to the pudding mixture. Blend well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This step adds richness to the pudding while keeping it lower in fat.
  1. Add Whipped Topping:
  • Gently fold in 1 cup of fat-free whipped topping. This adds a light, airy texture to the pudding, making it feel indulgent without being high in calories.
  1. Adjust Sweetness:
  • Taste the pudding mixture and add zero-calorie sweetener as needed, up to 2 tablespoons. Adjust according to your preference for sweetness, keeping in mind that the sugar-free pudding mix already contributes some sweetness.
  1. Flavor Enhancement (Optional):
  • If desired, add 1 teaspoon of flavored extract (such as vanilla or almond) to enhance the flavor profile of your pudding shots. Mix well to incorporate the extract evenly.
  1. Prepare the Mini Cupcake Liners:
  • Place 24 mini cupcake liners on a baking sheet or serving tray. These will be used to mold the pudding shots into individual servings.
  1. Fill the Liners:
  • Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each mini cupcake liner with the pudding mixture. Smooth the top with the back of the spoon or a spatula for an even appearance.
  1. Chill the Pudding Shots:
  • Place the filled mini cupcake liners in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the pudding is set and firm.
  1. Prepare Garnishes (Optional):
  • Just before serving, add fresh berries on top of each pudding shot for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a dollop of light whipped cream if desired.
  1. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Carefully remove each pudding shot from the mini cupcake liner and serve. Enjoy these low-point treats as a delightful dessert or party snack.
  2. Store Leftovers:
    • Store any leftover pudding shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed within this time frame for optimal texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 mini pudding shot):

  • Calories: 45
  • Total Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Protein: 2g

WW Points

Based on the Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints system, each mini pudding shot is approximately 1 SmartPoint. This low point value makes it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat while staying within their WW plan.

Useful Information

  • Sugar-Free Pudding Mix: Opting for a sugar-free pudding mix helps to significantly reduce the sugar content and points of the dessert.
  • Skim Milk: Provides the necessary liquid for the pudding without adding extra calories or fat.
  • Fat-Free Whipped Topping: Adds a light texture and sweetness without contributing to the point value.
  • Light Cream Cheese: Offers the creamy texture of regular cream cheese with fewer calories and fat.

Tips for Success

  1. Mixing Consistency: Ensure that the pudding mixture is well-blended and smooth before chilling to avoid lumps.
  2. Chilling Time: Allow enough time for the pudding shots to set properly in the refrigerator. This helps them achieve the right consistency.
  3. Portion Control: Using mini cupcake liners helps with portion control and ensures that each pudding shot is uniform in size.

Serving Suggestions

  • Party Platter: Arrange the pudding shots on a platter for a visually appealing and low-point dessert option for gatherings.
  • Dessert Buffet: Incorporate these pudding shots into a dessert buffet for a variety of low-point options.

Storing and Freezing

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover pudding shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are covered to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: This recipe is not ideal for freezing as the texture may change upon thawing. Prepare and store fresh for the best results.

Conclusion

Weight Watchers (WW) Friendly Pudding Shots provide a fun and indulgent way to enjoy a dessert while keeping within your point budget. With detailed instructions and nutritional information, this recipe ensures you can prepare a delicious, low-point treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your WW goals. Enjoy these pudding shots as a delightful dessert or party treat, and savor the satisfaction of a guilt-free indulgence.