If you’re in the mood for a creamy, comforting dessert that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with wholesome ingredients, this Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt is about to become your new favorite. It layers ripe bananas with luscious Greek yogurt, a touch of natural sweetener, and the irresistible crunch of whole grain cookies, all coming together in a no-bake treat that tastes like childhood nostalgia upgraded for grown-up sensibilities. With its lovely vanilla undertones and playful texture, every bite feels like a little moment of joy—no guilt attached!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the pudding:
- 3 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1½ cups whole grain or vanilla wafer-style cookies (crushed or whole)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
For topping:
- Extra banana slices
- Crushed cookies
How to Make Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt
Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Base
Start by combining your Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and almond milk in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture—this will be the heart of your Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt. If you love a little extra warmth, stir in the cinnamon now. The mixture should be thick but pourable, and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare Your Dish for Layering
Select your vessel, whether it’s a classic trifle bowl, individual mason jars, or a trusty 8×8-inch baking dish. Give it a quick clean and dry so every beautiful layer will show. Keep your sliced bananas and cookies handy, as you’ll start building the layers in just a moment.
Step 3: Create the First Layer
Spoon a layer of the creamy yogurt mixture into the bottom of your dish. Next, arrange a layer of sliced bananas, making sure they nestle right into the yogurt base. Then, either gently crush your cookies and sprinkle, or place them in whole pieces—either way, they’ll soak up flavor while providing a delicious bite.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Continue with another layer of yogurt, followed by more bananas and cookies. Keep building up until you’ve used all your ingredients, making sure to finish with a final layer of yogurt on top. The alternating colors and textures are half the fun, so don’t hesitate to peek from the side to admire your handiwork!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Chill
Top your pudding with extra banana slices and a final sprinkle of crushed cookies for a pretty, party-worthy finish. Carefully cover your dish with plastic wrap or a lid and transfer it to the fridge. Let your Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt chill for at least 2 hours, so the flavors meld and the cookies soften to cake-like perfection.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Just before serving, add a few artfully-placed banana slices and a shower of crushed cookies to the top of your pudding to heighten the dessert’s appeal and texture. For extra flair, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few cacao nibs can make it pop, too.
Side Dishes
While this pudding easily stands alone, it’s lovely with a cup of robust coffee or a minty herbal tea. For a truly festive spread, serve it alongside a platter of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad—you’ll have a lovely, healthful dessert selection everyone can enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic trifle bowl! For dinner parties, layer the Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt in clear mason jars or wine glasses—guests will be wowed by the Instagram-worthy stripes. Or, make mini parfaits in small glasses for brunch or as lunchbox treats that feel like a special surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra pudding into an airtight container or cover the baking dish securely with plastic wrap. This Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt keeps best chilled, and will stay delicious for up to 2-3 days, though the bananas may darken slightly—which just adds to the caramelized flavor!
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal due to the texture changes in both bananas and yogurt, you can freeze individual portions if needed. Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving, and give the mixture a quick stir to refresh the consistency.
Reheating
This dessert truly shines cold, right from the fridge! However, if you like a bit of warmth with yours, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes—there’s no need to heat further, as it’s designed to be enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a flavored Greek yogurt instead of plain?
Absolutely! Vanilla Greek yogurt is a dreamy swap that adds extra sweetness and a deeper vanilla aroma to your Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt. Just adjust the amount of added sweetener to taste if your yogurt is already sweetened.
Are there gluten-free options for the cookies?
Yes! There are plenty of gluten-free vanilla wafers or even thin gingersnaps on the market. You could also try using gluten-free graham crackers or a homemade option so everyone can join in the deliciousness.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Slice bananas just before layering, and ensure they’re well coated with the yogurt as you assemble—this helps slow oxidation. A splash of lemon juice on the slices also does the trick and is hardly noticeable in the finished pudding.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Definitely! Simply blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with your yogurt mixture before layering. It gives this Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt an extra protein punch, perfect for a post-workout treat or a high-protein dessert.
What’s the best way to scale this up for a party?
It’s easy: simply double or triple the ingredients and use a large trifle dish or individual jars for serving. Layering in advance means all you have to do is garnish and chill—pudding for a crowd has never been simpler!
Final Thoughts
Give yourself (and your loved ones) the gift of something sweet, easy, and secretly good-for-you with this Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt. It’s proof that comfort food can be delicious and nourishing, no oven required. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—let it add a little sunshine to your dessert rotation!
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Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this guilt-free Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt. Creamy Greek yogurt blended with ripe bananas, maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla, layered with whole grain cookies for a wholesome and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 3 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1½ cups whole grain or vanilla wafer-style cookies (crushed or whole)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
For topping:
- Extra banana slices
- Crushed cookies
Instructions
- Mix the pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk until smooth.
- Layer the ingredients: In a dish, alternate spoonfuls of the yogurt mixture, banana slices, and cookies. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a yogurt layer on top.
- Add toppings: Garnish with banana slices and crushed cookies. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Consider using vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt for added sweetness.
- For a protein boost, mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Best consumed within 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
