Crustless Low Calorie Banana Cream Pie

Introduction

Crustless Low Calorie Banana Cream Pie offers a lighter, guilt-free twist on the classic dessert, retaining all the rich and comforting flavors while cutting down on calories. Without a crust, this pie is centered around a silky, smooth banana cream filling made with ripe bananas, a hint of vanilla, and a creamy, yet light texture that is both refreshing and satisfying. Topped with a generous layer of whipped cream and extra banana slices, it’s the perfect ending to any meal when you’re craving something sweet without the heaviness.

I still remember the first time I made this lighter version of banana cream pie. The scent of bananas and vanilla filled the air, and as I carefully folded the cream, it was like creating a dessert that was both indulgent and sensible. The most exciting part was watching it set, with its firm yet velvety texture—finally topping it off with a swirl of fresh whipped cream and the bananas, and marveling at the finished pie. The moment I served it, the light and refreshing flavors blew everyone away—it quickly became a new favorite in the dessert lineup!

What’s fantastic about this pie is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the fruit, add a splash of caramel or even try using dairy-free alternatives for a different take. This Crustless Low Calorie Banana Cream Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a feel-good indulgence you can enjoy without compromising your calorie count.

Perfect For

This dessert is ideal for anyone following a low-calorie or healthier lifestyle, as well as for gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions when you want to offer a lighter alternative to traditional pie. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a sweet treat without overindulging.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light & Delicious: The creamy filling and fresh bananas make this pie a refreshing yet satisfying dessert.
Low Calorie: With fewer calories than a traditional banana cream pie, you can indulge without feeling guilty.
Easy to Make: No crust, no fuss – this pie is simple to prepare, and it sets perfectly in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Banana Lover’s Dream: If you’re a fan of bananas, this is the dessert for you. Its smooth, banana-flavored custard filling is truly irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 160 calories
Key Nutrients Per Serving:
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

For the Pie:

3 ripe bananas, sliced
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar substitute or 1/3 cup stevia (or desired sweetener)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup fat-free whipped cream (for topping)
Fresh banana slices for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

Bananas: A natural sweetener with vitamins, potassium, and fiber, bananas provide the classic flavor and texture of banana cream pie.
Almond Milk: A low-calorie, dairy-free option that adds creaminess without the fat and calories of traditional dairy milk.
Sugar Substitute: Keep the calories low with a sugar substitute or stevia, allowing you to enjoy the sweetness of the pie guilt-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Pie:

Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the almond milk, cornstarch, sweetener, and cinnamon (if using). Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens, about 5-8 minutes.
Add Vanilla: Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie: In a large serving dish, layer the bottom with the sliced bananas. Pour the banana custard mixture over the bananas and spread it out evenly.
Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and chill.
Top with Whipped Cream: Before serving, top the pie with a generous layer of fat-free whipped cream and garnish with additional banana slices.

How to Serve

Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator, garnished with extra banana slices and whipped cream. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious, lighter dessert.

Additional Tips

Banana Flavor: To intensify the banana flavor, you can mash one of the bananas and mix it into the custard before pouring it over the others.
Texture: Make sure the custard is thickened properly on the stovetop for the best texture in the finished pie.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this pie completely dairy-free, stick with almond milk and dairy-free whipped topping.

Recipe Variations

Add Nuts
- For an extra touch of crunch and flavor, chop up some nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even almonds, and sprinkle them over the pie as a garnish. The nuts add a rich texture and an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the pie filling. For added depth, you can toast the nuts lightly before sprinkling them on top to enhance their flavor and provide a crispy texture. This variation elevates the dessert with a delightful crunch in each bite, making it even more satisfying.
Chocolate Twist
- To transform your pie into a chocolate-lover’s dream, incorporate a layer of sugar-free chocolate syrup or a bit of cocoa powder into the custard filling. This addition introduces a rich, velvety chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas and the creamy texture of the pie. You can swirl in the chocolate syrup gently for a marbled effect, or mix the cocoa powder thoroughly to achieve a uniform chocolate flavor throughout the custard. Whether you opt for a subtle chocolate layer or a deeper infusion, this twist adds a delightful contrast to the classic banana cream pie.
Vanilla Bean
- For a deeper, more natural vanilla flavor, swap out regular vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste. The paste, which includes real vanilla bean seeds, provides a more intense and aromatic vanilla taste that elevates the flavor profile of your pie. The little black specks of vanilla seeds that appear throughout the custard not only enhance its visual appeal but also deepen the richness of the vanilla flavor. This variation is ideal for those who enjoy the complex, fragrant notes of real vanilla in their desserts.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing
- Banana cream pie can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy a slice whenever you like. However, it’s important to freeze the pie without the whipped cream topping to ensure the best texture and appearance upon thawing. The cream topping can separate or become soggy during freezing, so it’s best to add it just before serving. To freeze the pie, carefully wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and then place it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, let the pie thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the integrity of the crust and custard, ensuring the best flavor and texture when it’s time to enjoy.
Refrigeration
- If you have leftovers, store the pie in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure that the pie is well-covered, as this prevents it from drying out and helps keep it fresh. If you’re storing a whole pie, you can cover it with plastic wrap or use a pie dome to protect it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge. When ready to serve leftover slices, you may choose to refresh the whipped cream topping by adding a fresh layer or simply enjoy it as is.

Special Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×9-inch serving dish or similar-sized dish
Refrigeration space

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular milk if you prefer, but it will add more calories and fat to the pie.

Q: Can I use heavy cream instead of whipped cream?
A: You can use light whipped cream or fat-free whipped topping for a lighter option, but heavy cream would add more calories.

Q: Can I make this pie a day ahead of time?
A: Yes! This pie is great for making ahead of time. Just let it chill in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight and top with whipped cream and banana slices before serving.

Conclusion

Crustless Low Calorie Banana Cream Pie is a light and flavorful dessert that combines the comforting taste of banana with a creamy, smooth filling. This dessert is perfect for those who want to indulge in something sweet without the added calories of a traditional pie crust. It’s a satisfying option for any occasion and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

With its simple ingredients, this dessert is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the level of sweetness or add toppings like fresh banana slices or a dollop of whipped cream to suit your taste. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthier version of a classic dessert.

Serve it up at your next gathering and watch as guests ask for seconds. Share your delicious creation on Instagram and tag me so I can admire your pie! Happy baking!