There’s nothing better than a classic banana pudding—especially one that feels like it came straight out of a Southern kitchen on The Golden Girls or Hart of Dixie.

This creamy, no-bake dessert is the kind of dish you could easily imagine Blanche Devereaux serving with a smile or Lemon Breeland bringing to a town gathering, as it’s equal parts comforting, classic, and crowd-pleasing.

It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings and potlucks, sure, but no one will hold it against you if you’re making it solely to eat on your own. 

And by swapping out ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, the result is a skinny version of the creamy dessert that’s not only healthier, packed with more protein, but it’s also simple and delicious.

It’s a modern take on a nostalgic flavor that you’ll want to make again and again. 

Ingredients

• 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups cold milk (dairy or almond milk)
• 1 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• Optional: drizzle of honey or maple syrup (for extra sweetness)

Skinny Banana Pudding

Instructions

1. Make the pudding base

In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).

2. Add the creamy boost

Stir in the Greek yogurt until fully combined. This adds protein and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

3. Fold in the Cool Whip

Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Layer the pudding

In a serving dish:

• Add a layer of vanilla wafers (normal or reduced fat, it’s up to you!)
• Add a layer of sliced bananas
• Spread a layer of pudding mixture

Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.

5. Chill

Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (or overnight) to let flavors meld and cookies soften.

Skinny Banana Pudding Recipe

You can add optional toppings before serving, such as crushed vanilla wafers, extra banana slices, or a light dusting of cinnamon! 

Enjoy!

In addition to its brand-new KPop Demon Hunter meals, McDonald’s is launching another partnership, this time timed to the release of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. 

Yeah, we’re going to be spending a lot of time at the Golden Arches this month, that’s for sure. 

When Is the ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Happy Meal Coming to McDonalds?

Soon! The Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal is landing at McDonald’s locations nationwide on March 26, 2026. 

What’s the Current Happy Meal Toy at McDonald’s for March 2026?

With the release of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the Happy Meal at McDonald’s will boast 12 new figures, including 2 that will only be available in U.S. markets and not overseas. The boxes will also be themed after the beloved Mario characters! 

You’ll be able to power up with these 12 Happy Meal toys inspired by the Super Mario Bros sequel film, which also includes a few new characters being introduced in the sequel film.

• Mario
• Bowser
• Princess Peach
• Princess Rosalina
• Luma
• Bowser Jr.
• Yoshi
• Toad
• Frog Luigi
• Wonder Bowser Jr.
• Birdo
• Fire Mario

@mcdonalds

power up w the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie Happy Meal on 3.26 and see the @The Super Mario Galaxy Movie only in theaters on 4.1

♬ original sound – McDonald’s

Super Mario Galaxy Movie Hits Theaters in April

While the meal arrives at the end of March, the movie, a sequel to 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was a huge hit, will hit theaters on April 1, 2026.

The synopsis notes:

“Having thwarted Bowser’s previous plot to marry Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy. Alongside companions new and old, the brothers travel across the stars to stop the young heir’s crusade.”

You’re about to have a very important choice to make, fans of KPop Demon Hunters.

McDonald’s has announced a partnership to launch two new meals inspired by the global Netflix sensation, which is now an Oscar-winner. 

KPOP Meets McDS

The two new meals will be available at McD locations starting on March 31, with a HUNTR/X versus Saja Boys battle on the horizon.

“Everything we do at McDonald’s is for the fans, and no one can relate to that more than Netflix and KPop Demon Hunters,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s. “Big things happen when you bring two massive fandoms together, and this partnership was a natural fit. We found authentic ways to unite our iconic worlds — inviting HUNTR/X and Saja Boys fans into the rivalry in ways that feel true to the film and unmistakably McDonald’s.” 

the KPop Demon Hunters battle for the fans begins 3.31 with two new adult meals. r u choosing the saja boys bfast meal or the HUNTR/X meal?? pic.twitter.com/68r8eCiwYV

— McDonald's (@McDonalds) March 24, 2026

What’s in McDonald’s New ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Meal?

Honestly, so glad you asked. The meals are inspired by flavors from McDonald’s restaurants in South Korea.

The meals are being promoted as adult meals—not Happy Meals (so the Mario Galaxy movie Happy Meals will still be launching this month). They’re split up into two teams: For the Pride: The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal and For the Hunters: The HUNTR/X Meal.

For the Pride: The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal includes:

• Spicy Saja McMuffin®: A Sausage McMuffin® with Egg, topped with a peppery Spicy Saja Sauce — inspired by the fire of Gwi-Ma. 
• Hash Browns: Our signature hash browns, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside — just like the Saja Boys’ leader Jinu. 
• Small Soft Drink: Your choice of a little “Soda Pop” to cool down from the heat.

For the Hunters: The HUNTR/X Meal includes:

 10-pc. Chicken McNuggets®, medium soft drink and three limited-time menu items:

• Ramyeon McShaker™ Fries: A spicy, umami spin on our World Famous Fries® featuring a soy, garlic, sesame and spice seasoning — inspired by Rumi, Mira and Zoey’s go-to snack. Sprinkle the seasoning into the McShaker bag, add fries, and shake for a bold taste that’s true to South Korean flavors. 
• Hunter Sauce: A sweet chili sauce mixing notes of chili, garlic and pepper with just enough heat inspired by HUNTR/X’s fierce, yet fun-loving personalities. 
• Demon Sauce: A bold mustard sauce with heat and tang — made purple, just like demon patterns. 

For the Sweets—Derpy Is Bringing a New McFlurry Flavor

The Derpy McFlurry is a brand-new flavor, sold separately, that boasts “creamy vanilla soft serve with berry popping pearls, enrobed in a wild berry sauce.”

For the Fans: HUNTR/X + Saja Boys Photocards

Each meal, regardless of which side you’re taking, will come with a collectible card pack that includes an exclusive photocard for either HUNTR/X or the Saja Boys and a Derpy access card. 

You’ll be able to scan the QR code on each Derpy Access card and enter the unique code on the McD’s app by April 26 to unlock exclusive content, which will also show you who won the Battle for the Fans. 

My money’s on HUNTR/X!