The 90 Calorie Banana Split
A light, refreshing dessert combining fruity banana, creamy Cool Whip, and a hint of crunch from walnuts, perfect for a low-calorie treat or summer delight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar-free gelatin completely in boiling water in a medium bowl. Stir in cold water.
- Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square pan and refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm.
- Cut the firm gelatin into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Divide the gelatin cubes into 4 dessert dishes.
- Halve and split the bananas just before serving.
- Place 2 pieces of banana in each dish with the gelatin cubes.
- Top each dessert with Cool Whip Lite and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using flavored sugar-free Jell-O that complements the bananas, such as strawberry or raspberry. If you prefer a different topping, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for Cool Whip Lite. For added texture, try incorporating shredded coconut or use a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This dessert can also be made vegan by substituting the Cool Whip with a plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, garnished with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Oatmeal Banana Cookies for a satisfying snack or dessert platter. Consider offering a side of fresh berries to complement the sweet and fruity flavors of the banana split for an added burst of freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture of the gelatin, avoid freezing it, as it may become watery upon thawing. If you want to serve it later, you can prepare the gelatin cubes in advance and add the bananas and toppings just before serving to ensure freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The 90 Calorie Banana Split contains roughly 279 calories, with 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of bananas?
Yes, you can substitute bananas with other fruits like strawberries, peaches, or even mangoes. Just remember to use fruits that pair well with the chosen Jell-O flavor. Fresh fruit adds a vibrant color and additional nutrients to the dessert.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
To reduce calories further, you can omit the walnuts or use a smaller portion. Additionally, replacing the Cool Whip Lite with a lower-calorie whipped topping or skipping it altogether will also lower the overall calorie count without sacrificing much flavor.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gelatin a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep the bananas and toppings separate until you are ready to serve to ensure everything stays fresh and maintains the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).