A 100% homemade, from-scratch, Southern Vegan Banana Pudding! This gluten-free, allergy-free, sugar-free twist on the old-fashioned classic dessert is too easy not to make! A no-bake recipe with layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, vanilla pudding, and sweet creamy fluff!
Not to be confused with banana cream pie; banana pudding holds its own in cool, creamy sweet Southern desserts! Crunchy sweet vanilla wafer cookies, slices of fresh banana, creamy vanilla pudding, and sweet whipped cream. Let the layers mingle together in the fridge, the cookies soften, and you have a dreamy scoop of no-bake heaven to serve up to your guests. Here's a twist...let's take the old-fashioned classic and make it vegan, gluten-free, and top allergen-free!
What is banana pudding?
This no-bake dessert is a staple down south. It's similar to a trifle, typically served in a trifle or casserole dish too. Depending on your family's preferences, you may have grown-up with your Southern grandma baking the assembled pudding or taking on the refrigerator method. It really is simple to make. Classicly with Nilla Wafers (the specific brand that made this dessert popular!) or ladyfingers, bananas, vanilla pudding or custard, and homemade whipped topping or meringue. These components are layered up to fill the serving dish and either baked or broiled for a browned top or left to soften and infuse in the fridge. The earliest iteration of the recipe dates back to 1903 in "The Kentucky Receipt Book," by Mary Harris Frazer, but didn't have any cookies.
Is banana pudding served hot or cold?
Depending on the method you chose, it can be either. If you opted for a meringue top and gave it a quick broil to brown or poped the assembled dish in the oven for 10-15 minutes (essentially roasted the bananas and making the layers one creamy mash, eating it warm works! Some say that's the "traditional Southern way" to eat it, but the most popular method, beyond the South, is eating it cool from the fridge! Serving it cold allows you to make it ahead of time and gives more time for the cookies to soften and flavors to infuse.
How to make vegan banana pudding
Since we're taking the classic and making it vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-free, this banana pudding is going to be 100% from-scratch. While it may take a bit more prep work, it's still such an easy recipe! Believe me, you will LOVE the end result (even if you're not vegan!)
Ingredients for vegan banana pudding:
- Homemade Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafer Cookies
- Ripe (not too ripe) Bananas
- Homemade Vanilla Pudding
- Homemade Fluff Topping
Prepping these essential components ahead of time works best. Then the night before you'd like to serve your vegan banana pudding, layer it all up minus the topping of crumbles cookie and exposed banana slices.
How to layer banana pudding
Start with a layer of vanilla cookies, then banana slices, then a layer of vanilla pudding. Repeat this 3 layer order until you get to just about the top of your serving dish. The final layer will be your whipped cream topping. For the final touch, add extra crumbled vanilla cookies and fresh banana slices!
How to keep your bananas from browning
When I say use "not too ripe" bananas, I mean use bananas like a perfectly yellow without tons of browning peel. Of course, the moment you peel and slice a banana, exposing it to air, it will brown (unless you treat it with citric acid of citrus!). The bananas "in" the pudding gets covered by the vanilla pudding keeping them from being completely brown and slowing the process. To keep the "garnish" top layer of banans prime for serving, just keep one unpeeled banana on hand and add those slices right before serving!
How to make quick and easy pudding for southern banana pudding
Now, you can't have a southern banana pudding without a good pudding! Did you know that the pudding isn't banana flavor? The only banana flavor this dessert gets is from the actual banana slices...who knew? The over-arching flavor is vanilla, but when the dish is fully assembled and allows to "marinate" that's when the banana flavor infuses throughout the entire dish. It's even more pronounced if you go with the baking method.
Vegan Vanilla Pudding:
- Carton Non-Dairy Milk (Something like coconut or thicker nut milk will work; whatever you typically buy at the store for your family. You can use sweetened or unsweetened. If you use sweetened, you can cut down on the additional sweetener used in the pudding).
- Granulated Sweetener
- Cornstarch OR Arrowroot Starch (if you can't do corn)
- Pure Vanilla Extract
Super simple ingredients for a dairy-free and egg-free pudding (I was shocked too!). Bring it all to a boil on the stove, then simmer it for a good 10ish minutes until it thickens up (whisking it frequently). Let it cool a bit before cooling it completely in the fridge. This allows it to thicken up even more, so don't be worried if your pudding seems a bit thin and runny. It will thicken over time.
Options for topping banana pudding
A 100% homemade banana pudding, meaning everything is from scratch, calls for some homemade whipped topping! To do that we're breaking out the sugar-free vegan marshmallow fluff recipe. This is always my go-to for a whipped topping (s'mores parfait, anyone?). However, if you don't want to use aquafaba or you don't have a good mixer, then you have some other options...
- Homemade Sugar-Free Vegan Fluff
- Homemade Whipped Coconut Topping
- Store-Bought Cocowhip (So Delicious brand)
- Store-Bought Vegan Whipped Cream (many brands and options)
What is banana pudding served in?
You have some options here. And by options, I mean you can use almost anything you have in the pantry! It all depends on how you want to serve it up. All in one: use a fancy glass trifle dish, vintage ceramic/glass square/round bakeware. Single-serve: ramekins, mason jars, or mini glass trifle or pudding dishes.
How long does banana pudding last?
Storing your finished vegan banana pudding in the fridge, covered, it should last a good 3-4 days. If you bake it and forgo our no-bake method, then quality-wise it should be eaten within 2 days (and warmed).
Gluten-Free Banana Pudding
A perfect, no-bake Southern dessert...minus the baking of homemade gluten-free vanilla wafers! These cookies are so easy to bake ahead of time, so don't worry (plus, they're only 6 ingredients!) These gluten-free "Nilla Wafers" get perfectly soft over time and soak up all the delicious fresh banana flavor. SO good! Add the slight crunch of the cookie with the soft creaminess of the bananas and vegan pudding; it's heaven!
More No-Bake Desserts:
- No-Bake Gluten-Free S’mores Parfait
- Homemade Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Skewers
- 2-Ingredient No-Bake Cupcakes
- 3-Ingredient Maple Tahini Freezer Fudge
- Vegan Ambrosia Salad
- Glorified Rice
Southern Vegan Banana Pudding
Southern Vegan Banana Pudding (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
A 100% homemade, from-scratch, Southern Vegan Banana Pudding! This gluten-free, allergy-free, sugar-free twist on the old-fashioned classic dessert is too easy not to make! A no-bake recipe with layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, vanilla pudding, and sweet creamy fluff!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 Servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 Batch of Homemade Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers
- 3 to 4 Large Ripe Bananas (sliced into discs)
- 1 Batch of Homemade Vegan Fluff
Vegan Vanilla Pudding
- 3 Cups Unsweetened Coconut Milk (not canned!)*
- ½ Cup Granulated Erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener)
- 4 TB Corn Starch
- 1 ½ to 2 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Vegan Vanilla Pudding:
- To make the vanilla pudding, combine the non-dairy milk, sweetener, starch, and vanilla together in a large sauce pot on the stove.
- Mix well to reduce lumps from the starch and bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the pot to medium-low heat and continue to mix frequently for the next 10 minutes.
- At this time the pudding shoud have thickened and you can remove the pot from the heat, allow it to come to room temperature, and then transfer the pudding to the fridge to thicken-up even more as it becomes cold (it will, don't worry!).
Assembling the Vegan Banana Pudding**:
- In your serving dish, start with a single layer of vanilla wafers, then a layer of banana slices, and then enough of the cold vanilla pudding to cover everything.
- Repeat this layering one more time (or as many times as you can!).
- To finish the banana pudding, top with the homemade fluff (or whipped topping), sprinkle some extra crushed cookies, and place on additiona banana slices.
- Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving.
Notes
*You can use any carton non-dairy milk you like. If using a sweetened kind, adjust added granulated sweetener amount to taste preference.
**This layering process will be the same for ANY size container/dish you decide to use for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Varies
Dive right in...I know you want to! Vegan banana pudding is great for serving to a crowd or just to a small few! That's the beauty of being able to make this Southern dessert in any serving vessel and/or scoop out just the amount you want to eat (which will be a lot...trust me!)
So tell me:
+ What's your favorite no-bake dessert (ice cream doesn't count!)
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Lea
I cannot wait to make this for my mother! She loves bananas and I'll bet she'll love this pudding!
Rebecca Pytell
Hope you both enjoy!
Ashleyn
I just made this but added nutmeg, rum and half a pureed banana to the custard while cooking. SO GOOD
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Interesting! Glad those additions didn't ruin the pudding consistancy!
Sarah Tevis
My husband recently went plant based with his diet. Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe that we can both enjoy! I can't wait to make it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy this sweet treat!
Sylvia
My hubby is gluten intolerant so I am pinning this to make for him! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy.
Miz Helen
Banana pudding is one of my favorites!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Debbie-Dabble
This looks so good and I am amazed that everything is made from scratch!!
Hugs,
Deb
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Safe, allergy-free cooking at its finest!
Abigail O'Neel
This looks so so yummy!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Jennifer Maune
This sounds SO good. I love banana pudding! The allergen-free twist is great, making this the perfect treat to make for a party or school function!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Serve it up in the little ramekins and it would be perfect for a party!
Katy LV
All my daughter's favourites. Gonna give it a go!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fantastic.
Toni
This is calling my name! Can't wait to make it a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Banana pudding is the best!
Christa
Banana pudding is one of my favorite deserts! I craved it SO MUCH when I was pregnant. I can’t wait to try this recipe!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it's so simple, yet SO good!
Katherine
Omg I can't get over how delicious this looks! I grew up eating banana pudding but I love that this is vegan and gluten free too! Can't wait to try it. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet you have some great family recipes then!
Cindy
Thanks for a vegan and gluten free banana pudding recipe! I’m excited to try this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you enjoy.
K.Rupp
Wow this looks amazing! Pinning this for all the holidays coming up. Thank you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A great treat for any celebration!
Indya | The Small Adventurer
This sounds and looks super delicious! I honestly don't think I've had pudding before, but I'm up for any dessert that features bananas 😋 and the fact that this is gluten free means I can share it my family too, since many of them suffer from Celiac disease.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A Southern American classic!
roxy
It's hard to go wrong with a recipe that's no-bake, vegan and yummy as all get out! I might make this over the weekend. Thanks for the delicious inspiration!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect end of summer weekend treat!
erika
Looks so yummy! I've been wanting to bake more vegan desserts. Thanks for sharing (:
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Too bad this is NO-BAKE! Ha!
Rachel R Ritlop
omg omg omg yesss! literally salivating! this looks SOOO good! can't wait to make
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you enjoy.
Camille
Wow. Just by looking at the photos make me hungry! I love bananas and I am into eating gluten-free meals so I def try this one soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Such an easy dessert to whip up and healthy enough....for breakfast when you make this one!
Claire Saul
I will definitely be trying this one Rebecca - I love the sound of the vanilla pudding and added to the bananas and biscuits, well i can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A pure Southern specialty I'm glad to bring to all!
Dorothy Reinhold
I love that I can feel great about every single ingredient! I can't wait to try the sweat cream fluff!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Pile on the homemade fluff!
Meghan
My in-laws are dairy and gluten free. Can't wait to make this next time they visit!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm sure they will love this free-from classic!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
Oh wow! This looks so delicious! I love that it's vegan too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you enjoy it!
Helen Little
This looks and sounds so yummy! I love that it's traditional to the south! I know my son will love it, he's a big banana fan.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Move over boring banana bread, eh? 😉
Amber S Battishill
This looks so good and I love how easy it is to make! We are always trying to find ways to use overripe bananas and I'll definitely be trying this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right? Even from scratch, it's still easy!
Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat.
Banana pudding is truly a Southern classic!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Mmhm! (Too bad I never had the "real" thing! Haha!)
Bella
Oh my gosh yumm this is totally up my way nice I can't eat gluten or dairy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fantastic!
Hayden
This looks amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy.
Caz / InvisiblyMe
Oh wow, this looks SOOOO good! I'm not vegan but it's great there's such a tasty option for nana pud that's vegan-friendly & gluten-free too. Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No matter your diet, this is a delicious treat!
Valentina
Wow that banana pudding sounds (and looks 😍) incredible! I love eating bananas so I have a feeling I'm gonna enjoy this! Thank you so much for sharing this great pudding recipe 😊
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you get to enjoy it soon!