This Southern-style vegan banana pudding layers sweet vanilla pudding with fresh banana, wafer biscuits, and dairy-free whipped cream. With just 10 ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep time, this simple dessert will surely impress! If you love banana cream pie, you’can you freeze banana pudding also fall in love with this dessert! In terms of looks, the pudding reminds me of a layered trifle or Vegan Tiramisu but packed with sweetness and banana.
If you’ve never tried a Southern banana pudding before, you might be confused about the fact that, surprisingly, this dessert isn’t a banana-flavored pudding. I thought I’d get that out of the way immediately since it’s a common misconception. But don’t worry, it’s still ridiculously delicious! Bananas: Use ones that are ripe but not overripe. You want them to be easily sliced through but not mushy.
Vanilla Pudding: I added a cheeky couple spoonful’s of peanut butter too, for extra flavor. Vanilla Wafer Biscuits: Small, crisp, and vanilla-infused. I love to use homemade for the perfect texture. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened and vanilla-infused.
However, you could also use vanilla meringue topping instead. Read my Ingredient Notes section for a full list of ingredient substitutes and options- including how to make a nut-free, sugar-free, gluten free banana pudding, etc. Otherwise, there are just 3 elements to prepare for this recipe and a few super-simple steps. For the full ingredients list, ingredient measurements, and nutritional information, then please read the printable recipe card below.
Prepare The Pudding First, combine all the pudding ingredients except the vanilla extract into a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk, without heat, until the cornstarch has dissolved. Then turn on the heat and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Then, once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and whisk continuously for two to three minutes. During this time, the pudding will thicken and become very creamy. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.