Banana Chocolate Cheesecake Mini Trifles

I guess I can almost officially declare chocolate banana as my flavor of the month.  I am following up last week's wonderful chocolate banana milkshake with this reduced fat, reduced sugar, full flavor trifle, that also happens to feature chocolate and bananas.  This recipe does mix it up a little bit by including some cheesecake flavor.  I guess I just can't get past the cheesecake either!  I would apologize for the lack of variety, but these are both fantastic, so I'm not sorry.  Not even a little bit!  

I have confessed before to being a recipe hoarder.  I have a nasty habit of saving every recipe that I see that I think looks good.  I always tell myself I might possibly, someday, maybe, in the future, when I get around to it, make it.  And I store it away.  And I have so many yummy sounding recipes that just haven't had their day in the sun yet.  But when I saw this recipe I jumped off the couch and made it immediately!  And I recommend that you do the same.  I hope you have some bananas around!

The original version of this recipe came from Pampered Chef and called for layers of graham cracker crumbs, pudding, whipped cream, chocolate, and sliced bananas to be arranged in a trifle bowl.  I guess I'm not pampered enough because I don't have a trifle bowl.  So I adapted the recipe to make mini trifles arranged in wine glasses.  I think it made for a cute, fun dessert that is perfect for company, a special occasion, or just to make yourself feel fancy!

There are a few really great things about this dessert.  First of all, it is super duper easy.  It takes only a few minutes to prepare all the layers of this trifle, and you don't need an oven, or even the stove.  You just prepare each layer, arrange them in wine glasses, serve them, and graciously accept the compliments of your guests who think you are some kind of Martha Stewert kitchen goddess.  

Second of all, it is healthier than a traditional trifle.  While it does have some graham crackers and a touch of chocolate, each glass has a whole serving of fruit and is made with fat free, sugar free pudding.  I cut back on the graham crackers and chocolate so that the bulk of the recipe is the healthier stuff, but you can still get your chocolate fix!  Also, since each serving is made in a wine glass, portion control is built in.  And I appreciate anything that can prevent me from eating a whole dessert in one sitting!  

Last, but certainly not least, this is amazingly delicious.  I am seriously starting to have a thing for chocolate and bananas.  We're about to start throwing around the "L" word.  And the cheesecake pudding with the graham cracker crumbs makes you feel like you are eating pie.  But it's low calorie pie, so it's all good!  So don't delay; make this today!

Banana Chocolate Cheesecake Mini Trifles
Ingredients:
6 whole graham crackers, divided
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (4 squares)
2 Tbsp margarine
1 pkg sugar free fat free instant cheesecake pudding
2 cups skim milk
4 medium bananas, sliced
1/2 cup light whipped topping
4 wine glasses
Directions:
In a food processor, crumble 4 graham crackers to fine crumbs; set aside.  Finely chop remaining 2 graham crackers; set aside.
For chocolate sauce, melt chocolate and margarine in microwave on high for about one minute, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.  Set aside.
Prepare pudding according to package directions; set aside.
To assemble:  Place about 1/8 of the crushed graham crackers at the bottom of each glass (reserve about one tablespoon for garnish).  Cover with 1/2 of a sliced banana.  Top with about 1 tablespoon of chocolate.  Cover with about 1/4 cup of the pudding.  Repeat layers.  Top each cup with about 2 tablespoons of whipped topping and garnish with additional crushed graham crackers.  Arrange chopped graham crackers around the edge of each glass.

Recipe adapted from pamperedchef.com