Description
This healthy banana pudding is a creamy, dreamy twist on a classic Southern dessert—without the guilt. Made with ripe bananas, natural sweeteners, and plant-based milk, it’s a no-bake, refined sugar-free treat that’s perfect for meal prep or a weekend indulgence. Great for clean eaters, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone looking for a lighter, nutrient-rich version of banana pudding.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)
3 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Optional toppings: sliced bananas, chopped nuts, crushed gluten-free cookies, shredded coconut
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the almond milk, cornstarch, honey (or maple syrup), and salt until smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once thickened, remove from heat. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined and silky.
Let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
Pour the pudding into serving jars or bowls. Optional: create layers with banana slices, gluten-free cookies, or coconut flakes.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to set and develop flavor.
Serve chilled. Garnish with fresh banana slices or toppings just before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, blend the pudding before chilling.
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Want a vegan version? Use maple syrup instead of honey.
To reduce sugar further, omit sweeteners entirely if bananas are sweet enough.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana pudding, healthy dessert, banana and pudding healthy version, no-bake banana pudding, gluten-free banana pudding, dairy-free pudding, clean banana recipe, low sugar banana dessert, vegan pudding, plant-based banana dessert