Indulge in this incredibly satisfying no-bake dessert that proves you don’t need refined sugar to create something absolutely delicious. This layered chocolate and banana pie combines the hearty texture of toasted oats with creamy cottage cheese filling and rich dark chocolate topping, delivering all the sweetness you crave from natural ingredients alone.
Ingredients for Base Layer
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats (200g / 7 oz)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder (30g / 3 tbsp)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (8g / 1 tbsp)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds (20g / 2 tbsp)
- 2 ripe bananas (240g / 8.5 oz)
- Natural sweetener to taste (stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol)
Ingredients for Cream Layer
- 1-2 ripe bananas, sliced (120-240g / 4-8.5 oz)
- 1½ cups cottage cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta (200g / 7 oz)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream (45g / 3 tbsp)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (1ml / ¼ tsp)
Ingredients for Chocolate Topping
- ⅓ cup sugar-free dark chocolate, chopped (60g / 2 oz)
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil (7g / ½ tbsp)
- Mixed nuts for garnish (30g / 1 oz)
Instructions
- Toast the oats: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the quick-cooking oats. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oats turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Create the base mixture: In a food processor or large bowl, combine the toasted oats, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and chopped almonds. Mix thoroughly to distribute all dry ingredients evenly.
- Prepare banana puree: Peel the 2 bananas and mash them completely into a smooth puree using a fork or potato masher. Add your preferred natural sweetener to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.
- Combine base ingredients: Add the banana puree to the oat mixture and stir until everything is well combined and holds together when pressed. The mixture should be moist enough to stick together but not overly wet.
- Form the crust: Divide the oat mixture into two equal portions. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish, creating an even, compact layer.
- Add banana layer: Slice the remaining 1-2 bananas into thin rounds and arrange them evenly over the pressed oat base, creating a single layer of banana slices.
- Make cream filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or cream cheese/ricotta), Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. If using cottage cheese, you may want to blend it until completely smooth for the best texture.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the cream mixture evenly over the banana layer. Top with the remaining half of the oat mixture, pressing gently to create the top layer without disturbing the cream beneath.
- Initial chilling: Refrigerate the assembled pie for 30 minutes to help it set and firm up.
- Prepare chocolate topping: Melt the sugar-free dark chocolate with coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Final assembly: Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the pie, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for decoration and texture.
- Final chilling: Refrigerate for an additional 10 minutes or until the chocolate sets, or chill longer for firmer slices.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Nutrition (per slice):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 5g | Natural Sugars: 12g
Why This Guilt-Free Dessert Supports Your Health Goals
This remarkable dessert demonstrates that healthy eating doesn’t require sacrificing the desserts you love. The oat base provides substantial fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes heart health while keeping you satisfied longer. Bananas contribute natural sweetness along with potassium for heart function, vitamin B6 for brain health, and prebiotics that support beneficial gut bacteria.
The cottage cheese or ricotta filling delivers high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair, plus calcium for strong bones and teeth. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants called flavonoids that may support cardiovascular health and cognitive function, while the healthy fats from nuts and coconut oil help with nutrient absorption and provide sustained energy.
By eliminating refined sugars and using whole food ingredients, this dessert satisfies your sweet cravings while providing genuine nutrition. The natural fruit sugars release more slowly than processed sugars, helping maintain stable energy levels and reducing the likelihood of sugar crashes that often lead to additional cravings.