Best Vegan Banana Pudding Recipes for Easy Delicious Desserts

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons. But what if you want to enjoy this creamy, comforting treat without any animal products?

Enter the best vegan banana pudding recipes, where luscious layers of ripe bananas, silky pudding, and crunchy cookies come together in perfect harmony—totally plant-based and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking to try something new, these recipes will delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth.

In this post, we’ll explore multiple vegan banana pudding recipes that are easy to make, use wholesome ingredients, and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. From traditional flavors to exciting twists, you’ll find inspiration to make a dessert that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.

Get ready to whip up a batch that’s creamy, dreamy, and utterly unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan banana pudding offers all the comfort of the classic dessert without dairy or eggs. It’s naturally sweetened, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing.

These recipes rely on simple plant-based ingredients like coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream to create a rich, velvety pudding base.

What’s more, the layers of fresh bananas and vegan vanilla wafers or cookies provide delightful texture contrast, making every bite a joy. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy night in, this dessert works beautifully for all occasions.

Plus, these recipes are versatile! You can customize them with gluten-free cookies, add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in some toasted coconut for extra flavor.

Not to mention, vegan banana pudding is a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas and reduce food waste.

Ingredients

• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (coconut, almond, oat, or cashew)
• 1/2 cup organic granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup vegan vanilla wafers or cookies
• 1/2 cup canned coconut cream (for whipped topping)
• Powdered sugar (to sweeten whipped coconut cream, optional)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×9 inch glass or ceramic baking dish
• Spatula
• Electric mixer or hand whisk (for whipped coconut cream)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Refrigerator for chilling

Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding base: In a medium saucepan, combine the plant-based milk, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Whisk continuously over medium heat to prevent lumps.
2. Cook until thickened: Keep whisking until the mixture starts to thicken and bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and turmeric for a classic banana pudding color.
3. Slice the bananas: While the pudding cools slightly, peel and slice your ripe bananas into thin rounds.
4. Layer the pudding: In your baking dish, start with a thin layer of pudding, followed by a layer of vegan vanilla wafers, then a layer of banana slices. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of pudding on top.
5. Chill the pudding: Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld and the wafers soften to a cake-like texture.
6. Make whipped coconut cream: Scoop the thick coconut cream from the top of a chilled can of coconut milk into a bowl. Whisk with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add powdered sugar to taste.
7. Serve: Once chilled, dollop or pipe the whipped coconut cream on top of your pudding. Garnish with extra banana slices or crushed wafers if desired.

Tips & Variations

For the creamiest pudding, use full-fat coconut milk or a blend of cashew cream and almond milk.

Feel free to swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if you prefer a different thickener. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free vegan cookies instead of traditional wafers.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding base for warmth and spice. For an indulgent twist, layer in chopped vegan chocolate or toasted pecans between the pudding layers.

Want a lighter pudding? Substitute some sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.

If you love tropical flavors, try adding shredded coconut between the layers or a splash of rum extract for a grown-up version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegan banana pudding chilled for the best texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.

For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed nuts, vegan chocolate shavings, or toasted coconut flakes on top before serving. You can also serve pudding in individual glass jars for a charming presentation at parties.

Looking for more vegan dessert ideas? Check out our Julie Marie Eats Recipes for inspiration or try a delightful vegan twist on bread with our Marzipan Challah Recipe.

Best Vegan Banana Pudding Recipes Listicle

Classic Vegan Banana Pudding

This recipe sticks to the traditional Southern style but swaps dairy for plant-based milk and uses vegan wafers. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.

Coconut Cashew Banana Pudding

Using cashew cream and coconut milk, this pudding has a rich, silky texture. A splash of coconut rum extract adds a subtle tropical note.

Layer with toasted coconut flakes for crunch.

Chocolate Banana Pudding Delight

Combine vegan chocolate pudding with banana slices for a decadent twist. Use cocoa powder in the pudding base and layer with vegan chocolate chip cookies for a double chocolate treat.

Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Pudding

Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, this recipe uses gluten-free vanilla cookies and arrowroot starch. It’s just as creamy and flavorful as the classic, with none of the gluten.

Nutty Banana Pudding Parfait

Layer banana pudding with chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, and vegan granola for texture. This parfait is great for breakfast or dessert and adds a satisfying crunch.

Spiced Banana Pudding

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ground ginger to the pudding base. This warmly spiced version is especially comforting in cooler months and offers a unique flavor profile.

Tropical Mango-Banana Pudding

Swap half the bananas for ripe mango chunks and add pineapple juice to the pudding. This fruity fusion brings a bright, tropical flair to the classic dessert.

Vegan Banana Pudding with Lemon Zest

A refreshing take where lemon zest is stirred into the pudding for a zesty contrast to the sweet bananas. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

For more vegan inspiration, don’t miss our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes and the ever-popular Leche De Pantera Recipe.

Conclusion

Vegan banana pudding is a delightful way to indulge in a classic comfort dessert while keeping it plant-based and wholesome. These recipes prove that you don’t need dairy or eggs to create something rich, creamy, and truly satisfying.

Whether you prefer a traditional approach or want to experiment with flavors like chocolate, coconut, or spices, there’s a version here for you.

By choosing vegan ingredients, you’re not only making a delicious dessert but also embracing a kinder, more sustainable way of eating. So next time you have ripe bananas in your kitchen, whip up one of these vegan banana puddings and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone can savor.

Happy cooking!

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