Hook:
Creamy, dreamy banana caramel cheesecake in a jar — all the flavor of dessert bliss for only 2 points per serving.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 jars (1 jar = 1 serving)
- Dietary Badges: Low-fat, High-Protein, No Added Sugar, Slimming-Friendly
Ingredients Checklist
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
- ½ cup fat-free cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free caramel sauce (plus extra for swirling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free instant pudding mix (vanilla or banana flavor)
- 1 tablespoon zero-calorie sweetener (or adjust to taste)
- Optional toppings: sliced bananas, light whipped cream, or crushed graham crackers
Instructions
-
Blend the Base:
In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, ripe bananas, vanilla, sweetener, and pudding mix. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. -
Add Caramel Swirl:
Gently fold in the caramel sauce to create light swirls — do not overmix. -
Assemble the Jars:
Spoon the mixture into small mason jars or dessert glasses. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and swirl lightly with a spoon. -
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the cheesecake to set and flavors to develop. -
Serve:
Enjoy chilled, optionally topped with banana slices or a spoonful of light whipped cream.
Additional Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
- For extra creaminess, add 1 tablespoon of light cream or unsweetened almond milk before blending.
- Naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free.
Brief Introduction
This Banana Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Jar is the kind of dessert that feels too good to be slimming-friendly — but it is. Each jar delivers creamy banana cheesecake layered with ribbons of caramel, made lighter with Greek yogurt and fat-free cream cheese. Perfect for a quick treat or an impressive make-ahead dessert.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your chilled ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
Tip: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before blending.
Step 2: Blend Until Silky
Combine everything except the caramel in a blender until smooth. The pudding mix helps the texture thicken naturally.
Tip: If the mixture feels too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk.
Step 3: Create the Caramel Swirl
Gently fold in the caramel — the key is to leave streaks for that marble effect.
Tip: Warm the caramel slightly for easier swirling.
Step 4: Assemble & Chill
Spoon into jars, swirl a little more caramel on top, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Tip: Overnight chilling makes the texture thicker and creamier.
Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips
Bananas: Provide sweetness and body. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and tang while keeping calories low. Use fat-free or low-fat.
Fat-Free Cream Cheese: Provides that cheesecake richness without the fat.
Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce: Look for one sweetened with stevia or erythritol. You can also use a homemade light caramel.
Pudding Mix: Thickens the cheesecake mixture — sugar-free banana or vanilla flavor works best.
Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese.
- No Caramel Sauce: Replace with 1 tablespoon peanut butter or sugar-free chocolate syrup for a flavor twist.
Equipment Alternatives:
No blender? Mash bananas thoroughly and whisk everything until smooth.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Banana Cheesecake: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Replace caramel with 1 tablespoon powdered peanut butter mixed with water.
- Banoffee Jar: Add a thin layer of crushed light digestive biscuits or graham crackers at the bottom.
Dietary Variations:
- Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt, vegan cream cheese, and maple syrup instead of caramel.
- Low-Carb: Skip banana and use banana extract + ½ avocado for creaminess.
Serving & Presentation:
- Garnish with sliced banana, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Serve in mini mason jars for portion control and presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Information
Storage:
Keep jars covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Make-Ahead:
Prepare the base up to 2 days in advance; swirl in caramel just before chilling for the best texture.
Shelf Life & Quality Notes:
The flavor deepens after 24 hours, but banana color may darken slightly — still safe and tasty.
Nutrition Facts (Per Jar)
Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Carbs: 10 g | Fat: 3 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 5 g
Dietary Highlights: Low-Fat, High-Protein, Refined Sugar-Free, 2 Points per serving
Allergens: Contains dairy (can be made dairy-free)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this without pudding mix?
A: Yes, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch or 1 tablespoon protein powder for thickening.
Q: My mixture is too runny — what should I do?
A: Chill longer or add a bit more pudding mix to firm it up.
Q: Can I use flavored yogurt?
A: Yes, but choose a sugar-free option to keep it low in points.
Q: Can I meal prep this for the week?
A: Absolutely. Store in sealed jars for up to 4 days — perfect grab-and-go dessert.
Optional Personal Story
I first created this banana caramel jar on a busy weekday when I was craving cheesecake but wanted to stay on track with my plan. A few tweaks later, I found the perfect combo — smooth, light, and indulgent enough to feel like a cheat day treat without the guilt. Every bite reminds me that healthy eating can still feel luxurious.
Call-to-Action
Try this Banana Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Jar and taste how delicious low-point desserts can be. If you make it, share your version in the comments or tag your post with #SlimmingSweetTreats so others can enjoy your healthy twist.
