There’s nothing quite like digging your spoon into a chilled, creamy banana pudding — especially when it’s a treat that fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle. This Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt brings all the comfort and nostalgia of the classic dessert while skipping the heaviness and added sugars, making it your go-to sweet fix all year round. Ripe bananas, rich Greek yogurt, and just the right touch of honey layer together beautifully with tender cookies, creating a dessert that’s fresh, light, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re craving something delightfully guilt-free, this might just become your new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole grain or vanilla wafer cookies, crushed or whole
- Whipped coconut cream or light whipped cream for topping (optional)
How to Make Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt
Step 1: Whisk the Creamy Yogurt Base
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy — this becomes your luscious, naturally sweetened “pudding” layer. If you like a hint of extra warmth, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon here. The base should taste bright and just sweet enough, thanks to the ripe bananas you’ll add next.
Step 2: Layer the Flavors
In your chosen serving dish (a trifle bowl, an 8×8 dish, or individual glasses for a party-worthy look), start by scattering a generous layer of crushed cookies at the bottom. Top with a single layer of banana slices, followed by a thick, swirly spoonful of the yogurt mixture. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used up, making sure that the final layer is the yogurt blend — this traps in moisture and flavor, letting the cookies soften just right.
Step 3: Chill for Best Texture
Cover the pudding gently with plastic wrap or a reusable lid, then let it chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step is what transforms crunchy cookies into that soft, cake-like texture everyone loves in banana pudding while letting all those flavors combine. The longer it sits, the better those layers get — even overnight works beautifully!
Step 4: Top and Serve
Just before you’re ready to serve, generously dollop or pipe your whipped coconut cream or light whipped cream on top. For a finishing flourish, a dusting of crushed cookies or a pinch of cinnamon is always welcome. Grab a spoon and dive in, or set out glasses for guests to help themselves.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt
Garnishes
Elevate your Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt with a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a few banana slices artfully arranged on top. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup, along with a dusting of cinnamon, makes each serving feel truly special. Whipped coconut cream or a light whipped cream crown is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this at brunch or a summer potluck, it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a tropical fruit salad, or even a handful of toasted nuts for extra crunch. Its light, tangy flavor profile also complements a cup of coffee or an herbal tea, creating a simple yet memorable dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt in individual mason jars or small parfait glasses for an eye-catching, portable treat — perfect for picnics or parties. Layering in clear glass shows off every ribbon of banana, cookie, and yogurt. For a family-style spread, a classic trifle bowl is always a hit and invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt fresh, cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cookies will continue to soften as it sits, so if you like a bit more texture, plan to enjoy within the first 24 hours. Always wait to add whipped topping until just before serving to keep it light and fluffy.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this pudding, as the texture of the bananas and yogurt can change, you can freeze the plain yogurt layer on its own and assemble the rest fresh. Leftovers that have already been layered are best enjoyed from the fridge for maximum creaminess and flavor.
Reheating
This dessert is designed to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary — or recommended. If you find it too cold straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors bloom and brings the pudding to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making this dessert a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften into that classic pudding texture. Just wait to top with whipped cream until you’re ready to serve for the freshest result.
What type Dessert
Plain Greek yogurt is fantastic for its thickness and high protein content, but you can also use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt if you want extra sweetness. Just be sure to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup so the dessert isn’t overly sweet.
What’s the best way to crush the cookies?
You can use a food processor for perfectly even crumbs, or take the rustic approach by placing cookies in a zip-top bag and smashing them with a rolling pin. If you prefer chunkier layers, break them up by hand for a homemade look and varied texture throughout.
Can I use gluten-free or other cookies to make it allergy-friendly?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free vanilla wafers or even graham crackers for a celiac-safe or wheat-free option. Just make sure the substitutes are sturdy enough to hold up during layering and will soften in the pudding as it chills.
Is Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt suitable for kids?
Kids love this pudding! With natural sweetness from bananas and honey plus creamy yogurt, it’s a fun and healthier treat for little ones. If you want to cut back on sweetener even more, rely on extra ripe bananas for perfect results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t weigh you down, give Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt a try. It’s creamy, fresh, and secretly good for you — the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for gatherings, weeknight desserts, or anytime you crave a little wholesome happiness. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Healthy Banana Pudding with Greek Yogurt Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with this Healthy Banana Pudding made with creamy Greek yogurt. This no-bake dessert is easy to assemble and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole grain or vanilla wafer cookies, crushed or whole
- Whipped coconut cream or light whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Yogurt Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: In a serving dish or individual cups, alternate layers of crushed cookies, banana slices, and yogurt mixture, ending with yogurt on top.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and cookies to soften.
- Top and Serve: Before serving, top with whipped coconut cream or light whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Enhance with a pinch of cinnamon between layers for added flavor.
- Pudding can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
