Description
Indulge in creamy, rich Old Fashioned Banana Pudding made entirely with plant-based ingredients and fresh ripe bananas. This timeless dessert features layers of velvety pudding, crisp crunchy cookies, and naturally sweet banana slices, delivering a comforting and nostalgic flavor perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Pudding Base
- 2 cups plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 1/3 cup natural sweetener (such as maple syrup or agave nectar)
- 2 tablespoons natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 4 ounces plant-based cream cheese (plant-based), softened
Fruit and Layers
- 4 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- 1–2 cups crunchy cookies (classic vanilla wafers or saltine crackers, or gluten-free vanilla wafers)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the plant-based milk, natural sweetener, and natural gelling agent. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth pudding consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the natural vanilla extract and softened plant-based cream cheese for added richness.
- Slice the Bananas: Carefully slice the ripe but firm bananas into even rounds. Toss them lightly with natural lemon juice to prevent browning and preserve their fresh taste and appealing color.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large serving dish or individual cups, arrange a layer of crunchy cookies. Add a layer of banana slices on top, then spoon the pudding over them. Repeat these layers until you reach the top, finishing with a creamy pudding layer.
- Chill and Set: Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld harmoniously.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, decorate the pudding with extra banana slices and crushed cookies for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness and maintain texture.
- Layer pudding and cookies evenly for balanced creamy and crunchy bites.
- Chill sufficiently to ensure the pudding sets perfectly and flavors blend.
- Slice bananas right before layering and toss with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration.
- Adjust sweetness to taste depending on banana ripeness and personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana pudding, plant-based dessert, vegan banana pudding, gluten-free dessert, creamy banana dessert, old fashioned banana pudding
