There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich, creamy texture of pudding, and when that pudding also happens to be vegan, you know you’re in for a treat! I first stumbled upon this delicious Vegan Banana Pudding recipe during a quest to find quick, healthy desserts that didn’t compromise on flavor. With the simple base of ripe bananas and your choice of non-dairy milk, it’s a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also guilt-free.
Imagine the smoothness melting in your mouth, complemented by a hint of vanilla and the natural sweetness of bananas. This pudding is perfect for those busy weeknights or impressing guests with its homemade charm. Plus, it’s easily customizable—whether you prefer a scoop of nut butter for an extra punch or simply want to enjoy it straight from the bowl, this recipe adapts to your cravings. Ready to create a dessert that skips the fuss but doesn’t skimp on taste? Let’s get started!
Why is this Vegan Banana Pudding amazing?
Decadent Delight: The creamy texture of this pudding captures the essence of traditional desserts without any dairy.
Simple Ingredients: A handful of easy-to-find components means you can whip this up anytime.
Quick to Make: In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dessert ready to enjoy.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with potassium from bananas, this dessert keeps both your cravings and health in check.
Customizable: Whether you want to experiment with flavors or keep it classic, the options are endless.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at gatherings for a vegan treat that everyone will rave about!
Vegan Banana Pudding Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create this creamy vegan treat!
For the Pudding Base
- Ripe Bananas – Use 2 bananas, mashed, for natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Milk of Choice – 1 1/4 cups; try non-dairy options like coconut, soy, or almond milk for the best flavor.
- Sweetener of Choice – 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup, sugar, or a pinch of stevia to enhance the sweetness.
- Cornstarch or Arrowroot – 1 1/2 tbsp needed to thicken the pudding; arrowroot is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – 1/4 tsp to bring a delightful aroma and flavor.
- Turmeric (optional) – 1/8 tsp can be added for a beautiful color, if desired.
- Vegan Butter or Coconut Butter (optional) – Add 1 tbsp for a richer, creamier pudding experience.
This delightful Vegan Banana Pudding combines simple ingredients for a deliciously creamy dessert!
How to Make Vegan Banana Pudding
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Combine Ingredients: In a small pot over medium heat, combine 2 mashed bananas, your chosen sweetener, optional turmeric, and 1 cup of the milk. Stir until well mixed and warmed through.
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Whisk Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup of milk with 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch until it’s completely smooth and lump-free.
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Mix Together: Once the banana mixture is warm but not boiling, gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture, stirring diligently to incorporate everything smoothly.
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Cook to Thicken: Lower the heat and cook gently while stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency; this should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Finish with Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 tsp of pure vanilla extract. For an ultra-smooth finish, you can blend it with a hand blender at this stage.
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Serve or Chill: You can serve the pudding immediately for a warm treat, or refrigerate it for a couple of hours to allow it to thicken further.
Optional: Top with fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Vegan Banana Pudding?
Enjoying this creamy delight is just the start of your dessert journey—let’s elevate it even more!
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Vegan Nilla Wafers: These light and crunchy cookies add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth pudding.
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Fresh Berries: A sprinkle of fresh blueberries or strawberries introduces a burst of tartness that enhances the sweetness of the pudding.
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Chopped Nuts: Toasted walnuts or almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy texture.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped coconut cream elevates the pudding into a luxurious dessert experience everyone will love.
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Peanut Butter Drizzle: For an indulgent twist, drizzle a homemade peanut butter sauce on top—it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
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Chocolate Shavings: Dark or vegan chocolate shavings provide a rich, decadent finish that pairs impeccably with the banana flavors.
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Layered Parfaits: Create stunning parfaits by alternately layering the pudding with crushed graham crackers or granola for added texture and flavor.
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Chia Pudding Base: Serve your vegan banana pudding atop a layer of creamy chia pudding to add an extra healthful boost and an interesting texture variation.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Banana Pudding cups are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the pudding base up to 24 hours in advance by following the steps until the cooking stage, then simply refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The mixture will thicken even further while chilling, so it’s a win-win! When you’re ready to serve, just give it a good stir, and optionally blend it for a smoother texture. Don’t forget to top with fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving for that delightful finishing touch. By prepping ahead, you’ll have a dessert that’s just as delicious, ready to impress with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Vegan Banana Pudding
Smooth Texture: Blend it: For the creamiest consistency, use a hand blender after cooking to eliminate any lumps.
Banana Ripeness: Choose wisely: Very ripe bananas work best for natural sweetness and a smooth texture. Avoid green bananas to prevent discoloration.
Thickening Agent: Know your options: If you choose arrowroot, make sure to mix it smooth with cold milk first for optimal thickening.
Flavor Boost: Experiment freely: For a richer taste, consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter, enhancing your Vegan Banana Pudding!
Serving Ideas: Get creative: Serve it with Vegan Nilla Wafers, layer it in parfaits, or dollop it on overnight oats.
Storage Tips: Keep it fresh: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; the pudding thickens further for an even richer flavor.
Vegan Banana Pudding Variations
Feel free to bring your own flair to this delicious dessert and make it uniquely yours!
- Peanut Butter: Add 2-3 tbsp of creamy peanut butter into the mix for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Almond Milk: Swap coconut milk for almond milk if you prefer a lighter taste that still retains the pudding’s creamy texture.
- Chocolate Delight: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist that will surely satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
- Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base for an extra layer of warmth and spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: Top your pudding with chopped nuts or granola for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
- Caramel Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce to elevate your dessert and add a sweet, gooey touch. This is perfect for special occasions!
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in berries or chopped apples for a burst of freshness that complements the banana flavor. The vibrant colors will also make it visually stunning.
- Maple Flavor Boost: Instead of regular sweeteners, try using maple syrup as the sweetener for a deeper, more complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with bananas.
With these enticing variations, you’ll discover exciting new ways to enjoy your Vegan Banana Pudding!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Banana Pudding
Room Temperature: This pudding is best enjoyed freshly made, but if left out, consume within 2 hours for food safety.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the pudding will thicken further as it chilling.
Freezer: For freezing, transfer the pudding into a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of your chosen milk to restore creaminess, if needed.
Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my bananas are ripe enough for the pudding?
Absolutely! You want to use very ripe bananas for this recipe—they should be mostly yellow with some brown spots. The more spots, the sweeter and creamier they’ll be! Avoid bananas that are green or overly mushy, as they can affect the texture and taste of your pudding.
What’s the best way to store leftover vegan banana pudding?
Very good question! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding will continue to thicken while chilling, enhancing its creamy texture. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it’s become too thick.
Can I freeze vegan banana pudding?
Certainly! To freeze, transfer the pudding into a freezer-safe container. It can be kept for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If it needs a little help regaining its creaminess, add a splash of your chosen non-dairy milk while gently stirring.
What if my pudding isn’t thickening as expected?
The more the merrier! If your pudding isn’t thickening, ensure that you’ve properly mixed the cornstarch with cold milk beforehand. Gradually incorporate it while the banana mixture is warm but not boiling. If needed, cook it a bit longer over low heat and keep stirring—this will activate the thickening properties and help achieve that perfect pudding consistency.
Is this vegan banana pudding suitable for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! You can make this delightful Vegan Banana Pudding safe for nut allergies by simply choosing a milk substitute that is nut-free, like oat or soy milk. Always double-check the labels on your chosen ingredients to ensure they are free from any traces of nuts, especially when preparing for guests.
Can I add other flavors or toppings to my Vegan Banana Pudding?
Oh, for sure! Feel free to mix in some fun flavors—try adding a little cocoa powder for chocolate banana pudding or a splash of almond extract for extra depth. Topping it with fresh banana slices, vegan whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the dessert even more!
Deliciously Creamy Vegan Banana Pudding Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small pot over medium heat, combine 2 mashed bananas, your chosen sweetener, optional turmeric, and 1 cup of the milk. Stir until well mixed and warmed through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup of milk with 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch until it's completely smooth and lump-free.
- Once the banana mixture is warm but not boiling, gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture, stirring diligently to incorporate everything smoothly.
- Lower the heat and cook gently while stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency; this should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 tsp of pure vanilla extract. For an ultra-smooth finish, blend it with a hand blender at this stage.
- You can serve the pudding immediately for a warm treat, or refrigerate it for a couple of hours to allow it to thicken further.
