Name: Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat recommended); 1 package (about 1 oz / 28g) sugar-free instant banana cream or vanilla pudding mix; 1¼ cups cold milk (skim, low-fat, or unsweetened almond milk); 4–5 very ripe medium bananas (divided: 2 mashed/blended, rest sliced); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1½ cups reduced-fat vanilla wafers (or graham cracker pieces), lightly crushed or whole for layering; Optional: 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (only if bananas aren’t very ripe)

This easy healthy banana pudding is a refreshing no-bake dessert made with creamy Greek yogurt, ripe bananas, and sugar-free pudding mix for natural sweetness without refined sugar overload. Layered with fresh banana slices and a touch of vanilla wafers, it’s quick to assemble, protein-packed, and perfect for guilt-free indulgence anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll absolutely fall in love with this healthy banana pudding because it delivers all the nostalgic comfort and creamy banana flavor of traditional Southern banana pudding, but in a much lighter, more nourishing package.

By swapping heavy condensed milk and full-fat custard for protein-rich Greek yogurt and sugar-free instant pudding, you cut down on calories, added sugars, and fat while boosting protein content significantly — making it feel indulgent yet supportive of your wellness goals.

It comes together in minutes with no cooking required (just chilling time), uses simple pantry staples, and satisfies sweet cravings without the post-dessert slump. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas shines through, the texture stays luxuriously smooth and scoopable, and it’s versatile enough for snacks, potlucks, or weeknight treats. Friends and family won’t even guess it’s the “healthy” version — they’ll just ask for seconds!

Yield: 6 servings

Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

Creamy, protein-packed banana pudding made healthier with Greek yogurt — easy, no-bake, naturally sweet dessert bliss!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat recommended)
1 package (about 1 oz / 28g) sugar-free instant banana cream or vanilla pudding mix
1¼ cups cold milk (skim, low-fat, or unsweetened almond milk)
4–5 very ripe medium bananas (divided: 2 mashed/blended, rest sliced)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1½ cups reduced-fat vanilla wafers (or graham cracker pieces), lightly crushed or whole for layering
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (only if bananas aren’t very ripe)

Instructions

Grab a medium mixing bowl and pour in the cold milk. Sprinkle the entire package of sugar-free instant pudding mix over the milk and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly and becomes smooth — you’ll love how quickly it comes together!
Add the 2 cups of creamy Greek yogurt and pure vanilla extract right into the bowl. Whisk everything together with lots of enthusiasm until super smooth, creamy, and velvety — this is your luscious healthy pudding base!
Take 2 of your beautifully ripe bananas and either mash them with a fork or blend them briefly until mostly smooth. Gently fold this banana puree into the yogurt-pudding mixture — it adds incredible natural sweetness and flavor. Taste and smile — if it needs a tiny boost, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of honey now.
Pop the bowl into the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to let the pudding firm up nicely — this makes layering so much easier and improves the texture dramatically.
While waiting, slice the remaining 2–3 bananas into even, thin rounds. Pro tip: if you’re not serving immediately, toss them lightly with a splash of lemon juice to keep them bright and fresh-looking.
Gather your pretty serving glasses, jars, or a medium trifle dish — clear ones let everyone see those gorgeous layers!
Start building magic: place a layer of vanilla wafers (whole or lightly crushed) at the bottom of your dish for that classic crunch.
Spoon a generous layer of the chilled banana pudding mixture over the wafers, spreading it evenly so it covers everything beautifully.
Add a layer of fresh banana slices on top of the pudding — arrange them artfully for that picture-perfect look everyone will love. Repeat the layers (wafers, pudding, bananas) until you reach the top, finishing with a pudding layer and a sprinkle of crushed wafers for garnish.
Cover gently and chill in the fridge for at least 30 more minutes (or up to a few hours) so the flavors meld and the wafers soften just enough. Then scoop into bowls, admire your creation, and enjoy every creamy, dreamy spoonful!

Notes

This recipe keeps added sugars minimal thanks to sugar-free pudding and ripe bananas — perfect for lighter eating or blood-sugar-friendly treats. Each serving offers a nice protein boost from Greek yogurt. Customize sweetness based on banana ripeness.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 395Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 9mgSodium 336mgCarbohydrates 55gFiber 1gSugar 26gProtein 13g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use very ripe, spotty bananas for maximum natural sweetness and the best flavor — they blend smoother and reduce the need for any extra sweetener.
For the creamiest texture, choose thick, full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt rather than non-fat (unless you’re watching calories closely).
Whisk the pudding mix thoroughly with milk before adding yogurt to avoid lumps — a hand whisk or fork works great.
Let the pudding set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before layering for better structure and easier assembly.
Slice bananas just before layering and toss lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping ahead.
For prettier presentation, build in clear glasses or jars so the beautiful layers show through.
Taste the mixture before chilling and adjust with a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup only if your bananas aren’t super ripe.

Ingredients Notes:

Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened) — The star of this healthy version! It provides creaminess, tanginess, and a big protein boost while replacing traditional heavy custard or whipped topping. Opt for 2% or full-fat for richer mouthfeel, or non-fat for lower calories.
Sugar-free instant banana cream or vanilla pudding mix — Delivers classic banana pudding flavor and thick texture without added sugar. Sugar-free versions keep the recipe low in refined carbs; regular instant pudding works too if you’re not avoiding sugar.
Milk (skim, almond, or low-fat) — Used to activate the pudding mix. Skim or unsweetened almond milk keeps it light; dairy milk adds extra creaminess and nutrients.
Ripe bananas — Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and authentic banana flavor. The riper, the better — they mash/blend easily and act as the primary sweetener.
Vanilla extract — Enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the banana notes beautifully.
Reduced-fat or whole vanilla wafers (or graham crackers) — Add that classic crunch and nostalgic touch; use sparingly for a healthier profile, or choose gluten-free options if needed.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to customize? This recipe is super flexible! For a dairy-free version, swap Greek yogurt for coconut or almond-based yogurt and use plant-based milk. Turn it into a high-protein powerhouse by stirring in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the yogurt mixture.

If you prefer no instant pudding mix, blend extra ripe bananas with Greek yogurt, a touch of cornstarch (cooked briefly), and vanilla for a from-scratch feel. For lower carbs, use keto-friendly vanilla wafers or skip them entirely and top with crushed nuts.

Add a chocolate twist with cocoa powder or sugar-free chocolate chips layered in. For extra nutrition, mix in chia seeds or ground flax for omega-3s and fiber. Replace wafers with granola for a breakfast parfait vibe, or go tropical with pineapple chunks and coconut flakes. The base is forgiving — play with flavors while keeping the creamy banana core!

Storage Options:

Store the assembled banana pudding in an airtight container or covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The bananas may soften and brown slightly over time, so it’s best enjoyed within 48 hours for optimal texture and appearance.

Store components separately (pudding mixture, sliced bananas, and wafers) if prepping ahead — assemble just before serving to keep the wafers crisp. Do not freeze, as the texture becomes watery and separates upon thawing.