Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl, this Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe should be your new go-to. It’s creamy, sweet, and layered with fresh banana slices and crunchy vegan vanilla cookies, creating a delightful texture contrast that will keep you coming back for more. What makes this pudding truly special is how effortlessly it mimics the beloved classic while being 100% plant-based, dairy-free, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply craving a wholesome sweet treat, this recipe is pure magic with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this dreamy Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe, you only need a handful of wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together to build a rich, flavorful dessert. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste, silky texture, or inviting appearance you expect from a classic pudding.

• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk: Acts as the dairy-free base, lending creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch: The thickening agent that transforms the liquid into a luscious pudding consistency.
• 1 15-ounce can full-fat coconut milk: Adds richness and a subtle tropical note that complements the bananas beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the pudding’s flavor profile.
• ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a hint of earthiness to balance the bananas.
• 1 pinch salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• 1 pinch turmeric (optional, for color): Provides a gorgeous golden hue without altering taste.
• 1 9-ounce container vegan whipped topping, divided: Adds lightness and creaminess when folded into and crowned on top.
• 4-5 medium bananas, peeled and sliced into discs: The star fruit that gives the pudding its signature fresh flavor and texture.
• Vegan vanilla cookies, to taste: For that delightful crunch and nostalgic touch in every layer.

How to Make Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Thickening Mixture

Start by whisking together the almond milk and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely smooth. This mixture will be the base for your pudding’s thick texture, so take your time to get it lump-free. Set this aside while you heat the coconut milk.

Step 2: Heat the Coconut Milk

Pour the full-fat coconut milk into a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. The richness of coconut milk is what gives this pudding that indulgent mouthfeel, so be patient and make sure it heats evenly.

Step 3: Combine and Thicken

Slowly whisk the almond milk and cornstarch mixture into the hot coconut milk. This step is all about gentle, steady whisking to ensure it thickens evenly without clumping. Keep the heat on medium and continue stirring frequently for about 7 to 8 minutes until you see the pudding take on a silky, thick consistency.

Step 4: Flavor Your Pudding

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. If you want that classic banana pudding color, add a pinch of turmeric now. The flavors mingle during this step to create that deliciously familiar taste.

Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate

Transfer the pudding to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Once it’s no longer warm, cover it and pop it into the fridge for 2 to 3 hours. Chilling allows the pudding to set fully and develop that luscious, scoopable texture.

Step 6: Fold in Whipped Topping

After the pudding has chilled, remove it from the fridge and gently fold in 1 cup of the vegan whipped topping. This adds a lightness that balances the dense, creamy pudding perfectly.

Step 7: Layer Your Dessert

Grab your serving dish or individual glasses and start layering: first a layer of vegan vanilla cookies, then banana slices, followed by pudding. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up your ingredients. Finish on top with a generous spread of the remaining whipped topping for a beautiful and inviting presentation.

How to Serve Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe even further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of crushed vegan cookies or chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture. A few fresh banana slices on top or a dash of cinnamon can add a lovely aroma and hint of spice. These finishing touches make it not only tastier but more visually enticing.

Side Dishes

This pudding works great as a standalone dessert, but if you want to make a full meal or party spread, serve it alongside light, fresh fruit salads or simple green salads with citrus dressing. The refreshing sides complement the richness of the pudding without overpowering it, making every bite feel balanced and enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling the layers in clear glass jars or pretty parfait glasses for a stunning, Instagram-worthy look that shows off all the pudding’s textures and layers. You can also try mini mason jars for single servings at parties or use fun molds for different shapes. Presentation really adds to the excitement of sharing this cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe leftovers should be tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The cookies may soften over time, so if you prefer crunch, add extra cookies just before serving.

Freezing

Although freezing pudding can sometimes affect texture, you can freeze this pudding in an airtight container for up to one month. When thawing, do it slowly in the fridge and be prepared for a slightly different texture. It’s great for meal prep but best enjoyed fresh when possible.

Reheating

This pudding is typically served chilled, so reheating is not usually recommended. If you want to enjoy a warm version, gently warm a small portion on the stove, stirring constantly, but avoid overheating it to keep the silky texture intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute the almond milk with another plant-based milk?

Absolutely! You can use oat milk, soy milk, or any other unsweetened plant-based milk you prefer. Just make sure it’s unsweetened so the sweetness comes solely from the maple syrup and bananas.

What if I don’t have vegan vanilla cookies? What can I use instead?

If vegan vanilla cookies are hard to find, any vegan-friendly vanilla or plain cookies will work well. Vegan graham crackers are also a fantastic alternative that pairs beautifully with the pudding and bananas.

Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! Simply swap the almond milk for a nut-free alternative like oat milk or rice milk, and ensure your whipped topping choice is also nut-free. This keeps the recipe allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use ripe or green bananas?

For the best flavor and sweetness, use ripe bananas that have a pleasant yellow color with a few brown spots. Green bananas tend to be too starchy and less sweet, which might affect the taste and texture of the pudding.

How long does the pudding take to set properly in the fridge?

Chilling the pudding for at least 2 to 3 hours is essential to achieve the perfect thick and creamy texture. If you want it even firmer, you can refrigerate it longer, but overnight is generally not necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels indulgent yet wholesome, simple yet impressive. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the natural sweetness of bananas with a creamy, dreamy texture that’s totally plant-based. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the joy of this delightful treat with friends and family!

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