These beautiful and decadent guilt-free classic banana puddings have all the flavor and nostalgia of the traditional version but none of the guilt.

My dear friend Iris worked in the Southern Living test kitchens for years and is well-known in our circles for creating fabulous recipes. Years ago, she created this recipe for guilt-free banana puddings for a Cooking Light segment and tried the recipe out on several of us who are blessed to be her friends (and guinea pigs:-). I have eaten these and can attest to the fact that they are outstanding. Nothing about them gives away their “light” designation.

These individual portions of banana pudding can be chilled and served in small ramekins. Another common way to serve these is in one large baking dish. This is a convenient way to serve banana pudding, but it is by far the least attractive. After a few guests have spooned out a helping of banana pudding from the dish, what is left is quite a messy endeavor.

I link below to some of my favorite serving pieces~large and small~for making this dessert and several like it. Because it is a light, delicate dish, I make sure to cover it well with wrap and foil if making ahead of time. This prevents the pudding from absorbing odors from neighboring foods.

If you decide to throw caution to the wind and try a yummy (but NOT guilt free) version of banana pudding that will make your head swoon, you absolutely must try this Chessmen Banana Pudding Dessert. It is a hit every time and always. Guaranteed!!!

Please leave your thoughts if you try this lighter, guilt-free banana pudding recipe. I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts and opinions on the matter. As always, thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a joyful, blessed and savvy day!!!

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Guilt-Free Classic Banana Puddings

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Ingredients

• 20 reduced fat vanilla wafers, divided
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (2%) low-fat milk
• 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 vanilla bean, scraped or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 bananas, each peeled and sliced into 12 slices
• Whipped refrigerated light cream (I use Land O' Lakes)

Instructions

1. Crush 16 vanilla wafers in a small bowl, reserving 4 wafers; set aside.
3. Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan.
4. Combine milk, egg and vanilla in a small bowl.
5. Gradually add milk mixture to sugar mixture.
7. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly, stirring constantly.
8. Cook for one additional minute after bubbling starts, about 5 minutes.
9. Remove from heat; pour into a bowl. Place plastic wrap on surface; cool to room temperature.
11. Place 2 tablespoons crushed wafers in the bottom of 4 (6-ounce) serving dishes glasses.
12. Top each with 1/4 cup pudding mixture.
13. Add 3 slices of banana. Repeat layers with 2 tablespoons crushed cookies, 1/4 cup pudding mixture and 3 slices banana.
14. Top each dessert with reserved cookies and dollop with whipped cream.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 2584Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 80mgSodium 948mgCarbohydrates 500gSugar 449gProtein 51g