Description
Indulge in our Best Ever Vegan Banana Pudding! Experience incredible, dairy-free creaminess from a rich coconut milk base, brightened by ripe bananas and pure vanilla.
Ingredients
- Full-fat canned coconut milk: 2 cans (13.5 oz / 400ml each)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- Pure vanilla powder: 2 teaspoons
- Ripe bananas: 4-5 medium
- Vegan vanilla wafers: 1 box (approx. 5 oz / 140g)
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Full-fat coconut cream: 1 can (chilled overnight for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: **Prepare the Coconut Pudding Base:** In a medium saucepan, whisk together the two cans of full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and fine sea salt until smooth. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens significantly and comes to a gentle boil, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the pure vanilla powder, and set aside to cool slightly, allowing it to thicken further.
- Step 2: **Prepare Vegan Whipped Topping (Optional):** If using coconut cream, carefully open the chilled can of full-fat coconut cream (chilled overnight). Scoop out the thick, solid cream from the top, leaving any clear liquid behind. Transfer the cream to a cold mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: **Slice Bananas and Arrange Wafers:** While the pudding cools, peel and slice the ripe bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish (or individual serving dishes) with a single layer of vegan vanilla wafers.
- Step 4: **Assemble the Banana Pudding:** Pour about one-third of the slightly cooled coconut pudding over the wafer layer, spreading evenly. Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the pudding. Repeat the layers: another layer of wafers, followed by pudding, then bananas. Finish with the remaining wafers, pudding, and the last layer of bananas.
- Step 5: **Chill and Serve:** Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld. Before serving, top the chilled banana pudding with the prepared vegan whipped topping (if using) or a store-bought vegan whipped cream.
Notes
- Enjoy your delicious banana pudding within 2-3 days when stored tightly covered in the refrigerator; note that the bananas may start to brown slightly after the first day, but the flavor remains wonderful!
- This "Best Ever" pudding is designed to be a delightful chilled treat; reheating is not recommended as it will alter the creamy texture and soften the wafers too much, so always serve it straight from the fridge!
- For an extra touch of gourmet, consider garnishing individual servings with a sprinkle of crushed vegan vanilla wafers or a delicate banana slice just before serving, alongside that lovely coconut whipped topping!
- For the absolute best flavor and natural sweetness, be sure to use very ripe bananas (those with plenty of brown spots!) and don't skimp on the chilling time; an overnight rest truly allows the wafers to soften perfectly and all the delicious flavors to fully develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 55g