Description
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is a creamy and luscious plant-based dessert featuring ripe bananas layered with smooth pudding and vanilla plant-based wafers. This nostalgic Southern favorite uses natural gelling agents to create the perfect texture, delivering a comforting classic with fresh, simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Base
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 4 cups plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or coconut)
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
Fruit and Layers
- 4 to 5 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 cups vanilla plant-based wafers
Topping
- 1 cup plant-based whipped topping
- Extra banana slices and crushed vanilla plant-based wafers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and natural gelling agent. Slowly add the plant-based milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the natural vanilla extract.
- Slice Your Bananas: While the pudding cools slightly, peel and slice the ripe bananas into even rounds to maintain texture and balance in each bite.
- Layer Your Pudding: In a serving dish or individual glasses, start with a layer of vanilla plant-based wafers at the bottom. Add a generous spoonful of pudding, then a layer of banana slices. Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of pudding.
- Chill and Set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the natural gelling agent to set the pudding and develop its sliceable, creamy texture.
- Add Whipped Topping and Serve: Before serving, spread a thick layer of plant-based whipped topping over the pudding. Garnish with additional banana slices or crushed wafer pieces for a charming finish.
Notes
- Choose ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Whisk the pudding base constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky finish.
- Be patient while chilling to allow full setting and flavor development.
- Use fresh vanilla plant-based wafers to maintain crunch and avoid sogginess.
- Layer ingredients evenly to balance pudding and banana in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- 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, old fashioned banana pudding, creamy pudding, Southern dessert
