Healthy No-Bake Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Makes: 2 Servings
Per Serving: 25g Protein | 281 Cal
Creating a healthy version of a traditional banana cream pie was a fun challenge. I wanted to keep the essence of the classic pie while infusing it with wholesome ingredients. This journey led me to this delicious recipe—a creamy, high-protein, no-bake banana cream pie that is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. The best part? It doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, despite being a low-fat and healthier option. If you’re like me and love banana desserts, you’re in for a treat with this one.
Why a No-Bake Banana Cream Pie?
I’ve always loved a good banana cream pie, but the traditional versions are often full of heavy cream, lots of sugar, and a crust that needs baking. While the classic banana cream pie is undeniably delicious, I wanted something that would align with my healthy eating goals, while still satisfying my sweet tooth. So, I set out to create a no-bake version that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a lighter dessert without sacrificing taste.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This no-bake banana cream pie stands out because it uses a combination of ingredients that are both nutritious and satisfying. By blending cottage cheese, a ripe banana, and vanilla protein powder, you get a creamy, protein-rich base that’s perfect for a low-fat banana cream pie. If you’re worried about tasting the cottage cheese, I promise you that you actually can’t in this recipe! The banana and maple syrup blend beautifully to mask any tanginess, leaving you with a smooth and sweet filling.
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Ingredients Breakdown:
Recipe Yield
Servings: Makes 2 servings or one really hearty serving!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 281
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this healthier pie come together:
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient that replaces heavy whipping cream or full-fat coconut milk found in traditional banana cream pies. It’s packed with protein and provides a creamy texture without the extra fat.
Banana: Using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the filling. Plus, bananas are a great source of potassium and other essential nutrients.
Vanilla Protein Powder: This ingredient boosts the protein content, taking this pie from being just a dessert to also being a satisfying snack option packed with protein. It also helps in achieving that classic vanilla flavor without needing to use banana pudding mix.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a subtle sweetness to the pie. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugars and complements the banana perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the pie, giving it that rich, classic vanilla taste.
Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers create a simple, no-bake crust. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can cut down on the amount or eliminate them entirely. The graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly compliments the creamy filling.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Pie
Let’s dive into the process of making this healthy no-bake banana cream pie. It’s simple and requires minimal ingredients, but the result is a decadent dessert that you’ll love.
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
First things first, gather your ingredients:
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 whole banana (half used in the mix, half used as a topper)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1.5 sheets graham crackers, crushed up (use 1 for a lower-carb option)
In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and half a banana until you have a smooth vanilla pudding mixture. The goal is to create a consistency that’s creamy yet thick enough to hold its shape.
2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Crush up 1.5 sheets of graham crackers to form the crust mixture. You can place them in a plastic wrap and crush them using a rolling pin or use a food processor to crush them quickly. This will form the “crust” of your pie. For a lower-carb option, feel free to reduce the amount of graham crackers used.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Take two separate cups or one large bowl and place some graham cracker crumbs at the bottom. Pour over your thick, protein-packed, banana custard mixture, creating a thick layer.
Step 4: Add Banana Slices and Toppings
Slice the remaining half of the banana and place on top of the filling. Sprinkle the rest of the graham cracker crumbs over the banana slices. These final touches add a bit of texture and increase the visual appeal of the pie.
Step 5: Enjoy!
That’s it! Your no-bake banana cream pie is ready to be enjoyed. The recipe makes two servings or one really hearty serving. Each serving comes in at 281 calories, 25 grams of protein, 36 grams of carbs, and just 4 grams of fat, making it a low-calorie yet satisfying treat.
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Storing and Serving Tips
To store your banana cream pie, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to three days. If you’re making it for a party or gathering, you can prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.
When you’re ready to serve, you can top the pie with a dollop of coconut whip or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture. This pie makes for a perfect dessert after a meal, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a nutritious breakfast on the go.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Cream Pie Recipe
What makes this pie stand out is how you get all of the deliciousness of traditional banana cream pies without the guilt thanks to this healthier alternative. It’s low in fat, high in protein, low in calories, and free from refined sugars, making it an excellent choice for those who are mindful of their health. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, support your weight loss goals, or simply enjoy a delicious treat, this pie is a great option.
The combination of cottage cheese, banana, and protein powder creates a filling that’s creamy and indulgent, yet light on the calories. The use of maple syrup and vanilla extract provides a natural sweetness that’s just right, without being overwhelming.
This healthy no-bake banana cream pie recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. With its creamy texture, delicious taste, and high protein content, it’s a dessert that you can enjoy guilt-free. So, whether you’re a fan of banana desserts or looking to try something new, give this recipe a go. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
And if you have any favorite dessert recipes or banana dessert ideas, I’d love to hear about them. Please let me know in the comments below!
FAQ's
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Wondering how to tweak this recipe to make it even healthier? Here are a few tips:
Reduce the Carbs: As mentioned, you can eliminate the graham cracker crust or use fewer graham crackers to cut down on carbs. The creamy filling is delicious on its own, even without a crust.
Add More Protein: If you’re looking to increase the protein content, consider adding a second scoop of vanilla protein powder or even try incorporating a bit of Greek yogurt into the mix.
Opt for Different Sweeteners: While maple syrup is a great natural sweetener, you could also try using a little coconut sugar or an artificial sweetener like stevia to further reduce the calorie content.
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Absolutely! For a vegan banana cream pie, simply replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cream cheese or a blend of soaked cashews and full-fat coconut milk. Use a vegan protein powder and ensure your graham crackers are also vegan.
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If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you might be wondering if you can substitute it with plain yogurt. You can, but keep in mind that plain yogurt will alter the texture slightly, making the filling a bit less thick but still creamy and delicious.
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Absolutely! You can transform this no-bake banana cream pie into a delicious ice cream treat. Using a Ninja Creami works perfectly for this. Just add a splash of milk to create a creamy, scoopable dessert that's ideal for cooling down on hot summer days.
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Oh, totally! Storing the pie in the fridge is actually a great way to let the flavors meld together and enhance the creaminess. Plus, a chilled banana cream pie is a refreshing treat any time of day.
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For this recipe, I used Clean Simple Eats protein powder. It’s my go-to for adding a boost of protein without compromising on taste. You can find it here and use code "proteinsnackqueen" for 10% off!
Healthy No-Bake Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 whole banana (half used in the mix, half used as a topper)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 sheets graham crackers, crushed up (use 1 for a lower-carb option)
Nutrition Facts
Calories
281Carbs
36 gProtein
25 g