Indulge in the luscious, comforting embrace of this homemade vegan banana pudding, a delightful dairy-free rendition of a beloved Southern classic. This recipe masterfully combines layers of rich, creamy vanilla pudding with sweet, ripe banana slices and crunchy vegan vanilla cookies, all crowned with a generous dollop of light and airy dairy-free whipped topping. Whether you’re seeking an elegant dessert presented in individual servings for a special occasion or a hearty, satisfying treat to enjoy straight from a large bowl, this pudding offers both versatility and irresistible flavor. It’s an approachable recipe that promises to deliver authentic Southern charm without any animal products, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary preferences or anyone looking to explore the vibrant world of plant-based desserts.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe
This Southern-style vegan banana pudding isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s what makes this recipe truly stand out and why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: Forget about complicated steps or relying on instant pudding mixes. This recipe guides you through creating a homemade vanilla pudding from scratch using common pantry ingredients. The process is straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve a velvety smooth, perfectly set pudding without any fuss. It’s a testament to how incredible homemade vegan desserts can be, proving that simple doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or quality.
- The Ultimate Make-Ahead Dessert: Planning a party or need a sweet treat ready for a busy week? This vegan banana pudding is your answer. It requires a minimum of 3 hours in the refrigerator to properly set and allow the flavors to meld beautifully, but its true magic shines when made a day or two in advance. You can prepare it up to 3 days before serving, giving you ample time to focus on other tasks while your delicious dessert chills to perfection. The extended chilling time actually enhances its creamy texture and deepens the vanilla notes.
- Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: This pudding adapts effortlessly to your serving style. Present it as an elegant, neatly layered dessert in individual glasses or small trifles for a sophisticated touch at dinner parties or brunches. The visible layers of pudding, bananas, and cookies create an appealing visual spectacle. Alternatively, embrace its comforting, casual side by preparing it in a large serving bowl, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a generous portion on a cozy evening. No matter how you choose to serve it, the taste remains undeniably delicious and satisfying.
- A Wholesome, Dairy-Free Indulgence: For those following a vegan diet, or anyone avoiding dairy, this pudding offers a guilt-free pleasure without compromising on the classic taste and texture of traditional banana pudding. Made with plant-based ingredients, it’s light yet satisfying, proving that dairy-free desserts can be just as rich and enjoyable.
Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Banana Pudding
Crafting the perfect vegan banana pudding relies on selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that creamy texture and authentic Southern flavor.
Dairy-Free Whipped Topping
This element adds a light, airy finish and a touch of sweetness to balance the rich pudding. Any store-bought dairy-free whipped topping will work wonderfully. Brands like So Delicious Dairy Free offer excellent options such as their Original Cocowhip, often found in the freezer section of most grocery stores. For those who prefer a homemade touch, you can easily make your own. Simply chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight. The thick coconut cream that separates and forms at the top can then be scooped out and whipped until fluffy. Ensure the coconut milk is full-fat for the best results, as light versions will not yield enough cream to whip.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is our preferred natural sweetener for this vegan pudding, imparting a subtle depth of flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully. However, you have flexibility here! Feel free to use any liquid sweetener you prefer, such as agave nectar, or even granulated sweeteners like cane sugar (ensure it’s vegan) or coconut sugar. If you’re looking for a vegan and sugar-free alternative, erythritol is an excellent option that sweetens without adding calories or impacting blood sugar. Adjust the amount to your personal taste preference, starting with the recommended quantity and adding more if you desire extra sweetness.
Bananas
As a Southern-style banana pudding, the base pudding itself is distinctly vanilla-flavored, not banana. This is why fresh, perfectly ripe bananas are absolutely crucial to the dessert’s character. They provide the natural fruit sweetness, soft texture, and iconic banana flavor that defines this treat. It’s important to use bananas that are ripe but not overly so – avoid bananas with too many brown spots, as they can become mushy and compromise the pudding’s texture. Look for bright yellow bananas with just a few small brown specks, indicating optimal sweetness and firmness for slicing.
Unsweetened Almond Milk
This serves as the liquid base for our vanilla pudding, offering a neutral flavor that allows the vanilla and coconut notes to shine. Unsweetened varieties are recommended to control the overall sweetness of the pudding. Other plant-based milks like oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk can also be used as alternatives, but ensure they are unsweetened and plain to avoid altering the flavor profile significantly.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch
These starches are the secret to achieving that wonderfully thick and creamy pudding consistency. They act as natural thickening agents, creating a luxurious texture without the need for eggs or dairy. Cornstarch is widely available and works perfectly. Arrowroot starch is another excellent choice, providing a similar thickening power and a slightly clearer finish. Whisking the starch with a small amount of cold almond milk before adding it to the warm coconut milk is key to preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth pudding.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk
Beyond being a source for homemade whipped topping, full-fat coconut milk is the cornerstone of the pudding’s rich, creamy body. Its natural fats contribute to a luscious mouthfeel that mimics traditional dairy-based puddings. Do not substitute with light coconut milk, as it lacks the necessary fat content to achieve the desired richness and thickness. The subtle coconut flavor also adds an exotic hint that beautifully complements the bananas and vanilla.
Pure Vanilla Extract
The “vanilla” in vanilla pudding is paramount. Using a high-quality, pure vanilla extract makes all the difference, infusing the pudding with a warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying flavor. Avoid artificial vanilla essences, as they can leave an alcohol-like aftertaste. A good vanilla extract elevates the entire dessert, making each spoonful a truly decadent experience.
A Pinch of Salt
Just a small pinch of salt might seem insignificant, but it plays a crucial role in enhancing all the other flavors in the pudding. It brightens the sweetness of the maple syrup and bananas, and deepens the vanilla notes, creating a more complex and well-rounded taste profile. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Turmeric (Optional, for Color)
While entirely optional, a tiny pinch of turmeric can be added to the pudding to give it a lovely, warm yellow hue, reminiscent of traditional egg-based puddings. It provides color without imparting any noticeable flavor, making your vegan banana pudding visually even more appealing.
Vegan Vanilla Cookies
The crunchy element of banana pudding is often the beloved vanilla wafer. Finding vegan vanilla wafers can sometimes be a challenge, but don’t fret! Many brands now offer accidentally vegan vanilla cookies or specialty vegan versions. If you can’t locate them, any vegan vanilla-flavored cookie you enjoy will work as a fantastic substitute. For a different twist, vegan graham crackers also make an excellent layered component, adding a slightly different texture and flavor dimension.
👩🏼🍳 Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Banana Pudding Every Time
Achieving banana pudding perfection is easier than you think with these chef-approved tips and tricks:
- Transform it into a Chilled Vegan Banana Pudding Pie: For a delightful variation, consider turning this layered dessert into a show-stopping pie! Start with your favorite vegan pie crust, either homemade or store-bought. Line the bottom with a generous layer of sliced bananas, then pour your perfectly chilled vegan vanilla pudding over them. Top with more bananas and whipped cream, then chill until firm. This creates a fantastic alternative that’s equally delicious and visually appealing, perfect for holidays or a special family treat.
- Prevent Banana Browning – Time Your Slicing: Bananas, when exposed to air, quickly begin to oxidize and turn brown, affecting both their appearance and texture. To maintain their fresh, vibrant look in your pudding layers, always wait until you are completely ready to assemble your dessert before peeling and slicing the bananas. If you need to slice them a little ahead of time, a quick trick is to lightly toss them in a tablespoon of lemon juice or a similar citrus juice. This natural acid acts as a preservative, slowing down the browning process, although immediate assembly is always best.
- Choosing Your Vegan Cookie Layers: While traditional Southern banana pudding famously uses Nilla wafers, the vegan world offers wonderful alternatives. If you struggle to find vegan vanilla wafers in your local store, don’t hesitate to use any vegan vanilla cookies you love. Brands like Newman-O’s or various store-brand sandwich cookies often have vegan options. For a different flavor and texture, vegan graham crackers also work exceptionally well, adding a lovely honey-like note and a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pudding. Feel free to experiment with crushed gingersnaps for a spiced version!
- Ensuring a Smooth, Lump-Free Pudding: The key to a silky pudding is to properly mix your starch. Always whisk the cornstarch (or arrowroot starch) with cold almond milk until it forms a smooth slurry before adding it to the warm coconut milk. This prevents the starch from clumping when it hits the heat, ensuring your pudding remains perfectly smooth and velvety. Stirring frequently while the pudding simmers helps prevent sticking and promotes even thickening.
- Storage and Longevity: This vegan banana pudding tastes best when enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent the bananas from browning further. The cookies will soften over time, which many find to be part of the classic banana pudding experience.
- Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg stirred into the pudding for a warmer, spicier note. A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top can also elevate this dessert to new heights.
🌱 Other Vegan Recipes You Should Try
- The Best Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- Vegan Key Lime Pie
- Crispy Vegan Chicken Sandwich
- Vegan Cottage Cheese
- The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
- Easy Vegan Lemon Curd (Dairy Free, Egg Free)
- Vegan Crème Brûlée
- 4 Ways to Make Seitan
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Vegan Banana Pudding
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch
- 1 15-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch turmeric optional, for color
- 1 9-ounce container vegan whipped topping divided, see Notes
- 4-5 medium bananas peeled, sliced into discs
- vegan vanilla cookies to taste
Equipment
- 2 small bowls
- whisk
- Small saucepan
- Refrigerator
- Serving dishes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk and cornstarch until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain. Set this mixture aside. This slurry is crucial for ensuring a smooth pudding.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the full-fat coconut milk over medium heat. Once the coconut milk is warm and hot (but not boiling), slowly whisk in the reserved almond milk and cornstarch mixture. Continue whisking constantly to integrate the starch evenly.
- Continue to simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently with a whisk, until it visibly thickens. This usually takes approximately 7 to 8 minutes. The pudding should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich, creamy consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, maple syrup, and the pinch of salt. If you choose to add turmeric for color, stir it in at this stage as well, ensuring it is evenly distributed for a consistent golden hue.
- Transfer the hot pudding mixture from the saucepan to a clean bowl. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. After this initial cooling period, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming) and move it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until the pudding is completely set and thick. This chilling time is essential for optimal texture.
- Once chilled and set, remove the pudding from the refrigerator. Gently stir in 1 cup of the vegan whipped topping into the pudding. This step lightens the pudding and adds another layer of creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Combine thoroughly until smooth.
- Now it’s time to assemble your delicious banana pudding! In your chosen serving dish(es) (individual cups, a trifle bowl, or a large serving bowl), begin by layering a base of vegan vanilla cookies. Follow with a layer of freshly sliced bananas, ensuring even coverage. Finally, add a generous layer of the prepared vegan vanilla pudding. Repeat these layers as needed until your dish is full, finishing with a layer of pudding on top. Crown the entire dessert with the remaining dairy-free whipped topping. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly until ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Whipped Topping: For this recipe, we successfully used So Delicious Dairy Free Original Cocowhip, which is a convenient and delicious option. Feel free to use your preferred brand of dairy-free whipped topping or make your own from chilled full-fat coconut cream.
- Cookies: If you’re having difficulty locating vegan vanilla wafers, don’t worry! Any brand of vegan vanilla cookies you enjoy will work beautifully as a substitute. For a slightly different texture and flavor profile, you can also use vegan graham crackers to layer into your pudding.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.