Banana Pudding Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Dessert

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert beloved for its creamy texture, sweet banana flavor, and nostalgic layers of vanilla wafers. But what if you wanted to enjoy this comfort treat while sticking to a vegan lifestyle?

Good news: you absolutely can! This vegan banana pudding recipe captures all the deliciousness of the traditional version without any dairy or eggs, making it perfect for vegans and anyone with dietary restrictions.

This pudding is delightfully smooth, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and plant-based milk, and layered with crisp vegan cookies that soften into melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome dessert to serve at a family gathering or a simple treat to enjoy on a cozy night in, this recipe is quick to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter! Let’s dive into how you can create this luscious vegan banana pudding in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan banana pudding is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced flavors that will delight your palate without the heaviness of traditional dairy-based puddings.

  • Plant-based and Allergy Friendly: Completely dairy-free and egg-free, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses natural sweeteners and wholesome components like ripe bananas and coconut milk for a clean, fresh taste.
  • Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, ideal for beginner cooks and busy home chefs.
  • Versatile: Can be customized with different cookies, nuts, or toppings for added texture and flavor.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Improves in flavor after chilling, so you can prepare it in advance for parties or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter)
  • 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegan vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits
  • 1/2 cup coconut whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Serving dish or individual cups
  • Refrigerator for chilling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bananas: Peel the bananas and mash them in a mixing bowl until smooth with a few small chunks remaining for texture. Set aside.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, turmeric powder (if using), and salt.
  3. Add liquid ingredients: Slowly pour in the coconut milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the maple syrup and stir well.
  4. Cook the pudding base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just starts to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Combine banana and pudding base: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  6. Layer the pudding: In your serving dish or individual cups, spread a thin layer of pudding, then place a layer of vegan vanilla wafers on top.
  7. Repeat layering: Alternate layers of pudding and wafers until all pudding is used, ending with a pudding layer on top.
  8. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture and flavor.
  9. Serve: Before serving, top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream if desired, and garnish with banana slices or crushed wafers.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra creamy pudding, use full-fat canned coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter version, almond or oat milk works well too.”

  • Nutty Twist: Add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans between layers for crunch.
  • Chocolate Banana Pudding: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients to make a chocolate-flavored pudding.
  • Cookie Alternatives: Try graham crackers, shortbread, or crushed vegan cookies for different textures.
  • Make It Raw Vegan: Use raw cashew cream instead of cooked pudding and layer with soaked vegan cookies for a raw version.
  • Natural Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup quantity to your taste, or substitute with coconut sugar or date syrup.
  • Banana Substitute: For a twist, try mixing in mashed mango or ripe avocado for a creamy texture and fun flavor change.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 cup)
Calories 210 kcal
Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Carbohydrates 35 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugars 20 g
Protein 2 g
Sodium 120 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan banana pudding is perfect served chilled on its own, but you can also elevate it with a few creative touches:

Conclusion

This vegan banana pudding recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a beloved dessert while staying true to a plant-based lifestyle. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and wonderfully satisfying without any animal products.

Best of all, it’s simple to make with straightforward ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Preparing this treat is a joy, especially knowing it’s both wholesome and delicious.

Whether you’re serving it at a party, bringing it to a potluck, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this pudding will quickly become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own, and explore other vegan recipes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for more plant-based inspiration.

Happy cooking and enjoy every spoonful!

📖 Recipe Card: Banana Pudding Recipe Vegan

Description: A creamy and delicious vegan banana pudding made with coconut milk and ripe bananas. Perfectly sweet and dairy-free, this dessert is easy to prepare and enjoy.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 12 vegan vanilla wafers or cookies
  • 1/2 cup coconut whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, cornstarch, maple syrup, turmeric, and salt.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Layer sliced bananas and vegan wafers in serving bowls or a dish.
  5. Pour the pudding over the layers evenly.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
  7. Top with coconut whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 35g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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