Vegan Banana Pudding (Southern-Style)

4.80 from 5 votes

This classic southern dessert is made with homemade vegan vanilla pudding and soft, crispy vanilla wafers.

Prep Time20

Chill Time4

Total Time20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 195kcal

In a medium sauce pot, whisk together corn starch and granulated sugar. Add ¼ cup of the soy milk. Whisk into a thick paste.
Turn the stove to medium heat. Slowly whisk in the remaining soy milk and coconut cream. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, keeping the pudding at a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Simmer until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without falling off.
Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Let cool to room temp before transferring to the fridge to cool until completely chilled. This will take 3-4 hours.

In a one quart dish, trifle dish, or 8x8-inch baking dish: Layer half of the pudding into the dish. Top with enough banana slices to cover. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with enough vanilla wafers to cover.
Repeat the process one more time. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon light brown sugar.
Just before serving, top with non-dairy whipped cream, using as much as desired. Lightly sprinkle with additional ground cinnamon. Cover and chill for 4 hours before serving.

Vanilla wafers: Natural food stores (such as Whole Foods or a co-op) are more likely to have vegan vanilla wafers. Store-brand cookies are often "accidentally vegan". Use my vegan vanilla wafers recipe if unable to find wafers in stores.
Whipped cream: I use store-bought almond whipped cream. Most major grocery stores should carry a dairy-free whipped cream.
Coconut cream: 1 cup canned coconut milk can be used in place of coconut cream but the pudding will be a little less thick.
Can I make this in advance? Yes! You can make the pudding and cookies 48 hours in advance. Assemble just before serving.
Caramelized bananas: You can really take things to the next level if you lightly caramelize the banana slices. To do this, heat one teaspoon coconut oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the sliced bananas. Sprinkle with one tablespoon light brown sugar. Cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side.