You can enjoy the flavors of the season without overloading on unhealthy foods. This crustless pumpkin pie is sweetened with banana to reduce the added sugar. A small amount of whole wheat flour in the pumpkin filling creates a dessert that can be sliced and served like any pie. Without the crust, you save calories and saturated fat.

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation: 5 minutes

Baking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree
• ½ ripe banana, pureed
• 3 tbsp raw sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 large egg white
• 1 cup low-fat evaporated milk
• ¼ cup white whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch pie pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the pumpkin, banana, and sugar. Stir in the egg and egg white. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Stir in the milk and flour. Add the vanilla pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are mixed well.
4. Pour the pumpkin into the prepared pie pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pumpkin is set in the center and no longer jiggles when you move the pan.
5. Let cool completely (about an hour). Use a sharp knife to gently go around the edge of the pie and between the pie and the pie pan to release it. Cut into eight slices and serve.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.