If you’re a fan of creamy, indulgent desserts but follow a vegan diet, you don’t have to miss out on the joy of banana pudding! With a few simple swaps, you can create a delicious dairy-free version of this classic dessert. Made with ripe bananas, a rich vanilla custard, and layers of crunchy wafers, vegan banana pudding is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by everyone. So, let’s dive into the steps to create this delectable treat!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making vegan banana pudding, it’s essential to have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 ½ cups of plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- ½ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Vegan vanilla wafers (for layering)
- Optional toppings: sliced bananas, crushed vegan wafers, or coconut whipped cream
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Custard
To create the luscious banana custard that forms the heart of this dessert, follow these steps:
- In a blender or food processor, blend two ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the plant-based milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue to whisk constantly. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the saucepan, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Your delicious vegan banana custard is now ready to be layered with wafers to create the perfect pudding!
Step 3: Layer the Banana Pudding
Now it’s time to assemble your vegan banana pudding. Follow these simple steps:
- In a deep serving dish or individual glass jars, begin by adding a layer of vegan vanilla wafers at the bottom.
- Slice the remaining ripe banana and create a layer of banana slices on top of the wafers.
- Pour a generous amount of the banana custard over the wafers and banana slices, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Repeat the layers, alternating between wafers, banana slices, and custard, until you’ve used up all the ingredients. The number of layers will depend on the size of your dish or jars.
To add an aesthetic touch, reserve some banana slices or crushed vegan wafers for garnishing the top layer.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Now that your vegan banana pudding is assembled, it’s time to let it chill and meld together all the flavors. Follow these final steps:
- Cover your serving dish or jars with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
- Place the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or overnight for the best results.
- Once chilled, remove the pudding from the fridge, remove the plastic wrap, and garnish with any toppings you desire, such as sliced bananas, crushed vegan wafers, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
- Serve the vegan banana pudding cold and enjoy!
Step 5: A Dairy-Free Delight
With its creamy banana custard and layers of crunchy wafers, vegan banana pudding is the perfect dairy-free dessert that captures all the flavors of the classic recipe. Enjoy this indulgent treat at parties, gatherings, or as a comforting after-dinner delight. Don’t be surprised if even non-vegans find themselves captivated by its delightful taste and texture!