How to Make Healthy Banana Pudding

A Southern Classic Reinvented

Banana pudding is quite possibly the most popular Southern dessert. The traditional version is a blend of homemade vanilla pudding, slices of banana, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream. Other than the bananas, this dessert is very sinful. But, it doesn't have to be. Banana pudding is another dessert that can be made healthy with just a few substitutions.

First of all, you need to find a healthy base. There are so many different choices to make. First of all, you could stick with homemade and use Splenda in place of the sugar. But, if you want a healthy banana pudding that is quick and easy, why not turn to your grocery store? In the dairy department, you can find fat-free pudding cups. This is a great option, especially if you want to make individual banana puddings. Another healthy option is sugar-free instant. This makes a great base for your healthy banana pudding. Plus, it takes minutes to make.

Believe it or not, vanilla wafers aren't that high in calories. But, that doesn't mean you should eat a ton of them. To make your banana pudding healthy, I suggest making individual servings. Custard cups are a great serving sized dish to layer your dessert in. Place two vanilla wafers in the bottom, a few slices of banana, and then pudding. Repeat the layers once, ending with pudding. This ensures that you're only eating half a serving of vanilla wafers, which is 70 calories.

Of course, you need a topping for your healthy banana pudding. While, whipped cream is the traditional topper, it's not very healthy. Instead, I suggest looking for fat-free or sugar-free whipped topping. This will give you the creamy texture you're looking for, without all the fat, calories, and sugar.

As you can see, banana pudding doesn't have to be a guilty pleasure. This is a dessert you could keep in your refrigerator all the time and not feel bad serving to your family. Remember to make this healthy dessert in serving sized dishes using only half a serving of vanilla wafers, fat-free or sugar-free pudding, lots of bananas, and fat-free or sugar-free whipped topping.