Fresh Banana Pudding (2024)

Banana pudding is one of those feel-good desserts that puts a smile on everyone’s face. But unlike the Southern version that layers vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, whipped cream, and vanilla wafer cookies, I’ve created a fresh banana pudding. Yes, using real bananas in the pudding (and not just sliced in-between).

Many traditional banana pudding recipes call for vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, bananas, and sweetened condensed milk. I have to admit, I expected that banana pudding actually meantbanana pudding,not vanilla pudding with sliced bananas.

Trouble is, you can’t cook banana pudding with real bananas because it turns an unappetizing pale gray. To get around this issue without resorting to imitation banana extract, I infused the pudding base with fresh bananas and strained them out before cooking.

Now on to the thickener. Since I don’t typically cook with cornstarch, I opted for arrowroot powder, which is a great alternative. You could also use tapioca powder, but make sure to read my notes below. The addition of egg yolks turns the pudding a soft golden hue which beats gray any day. And once I replaced the dairy with canned coconut milk, I had a sweet treasure that’s dairy-free and simple to make with a little advance planning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A few pantry staples and nut milks are all you’ll need to put together this creamy and satisfying treat!

• Bananas: Of course! Pick ones that are bright yellow with few brown spots, which means they’re firm-ripe.
• Coconut milk:Use full-fat canned coconut milk for maximum creaminess.
• Honey: Replaces the refined sugar in the pudding.
• Egg yolks: These give richness and structure to the pudding. Save the whites to use in omelets or to make my raspberry souffle.
• Arrowroot Powder: Used to thicken the pudding as it cools.
• Vanilla Extract: To get the most rich and potent vanilla flavor in the pudding, reach for pure vanilla extract.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below

How to Make Banana Pudding

If you have time, start making your banana pudding the day before you want to serve to get the maximum amount of banana flavor. Here’s what to do:

1. Infuse the coconut milk. Heat the milk to a simmer, then remove from the heat and add sliced bananas. Let sit at least 4 and up to 24 hours.
2. Cook the pudding. Strain the bananas from the milk, add the remaining ingredients, and cook until pudding starts to thicken. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. Assemble the pudding. These are fun presented as individual servings in small glass cups. For a little added decadence, top with coconut whipped cream, sliced bananas, and toasted coconut flakes. It you want to be really extra, drizzle the pudding with my salted caramel sauce.

A Few Important Tips

There’s definitely nuance when you swap cornstarch with either arrowroot powder or tapioca powder. For either flour, make sure to keep your heat on low when simmering the pudding.

• If you use arrowroot powder: It doesn’t get quite as thick or hold as firm a shape (it’s more like a thick smoothie).
• If you use tapioca flour: It will produce a slightly thicker pudding, but you have to be very careful that you don’t boil or overcook it, as it can produce a gummy and stretchy result. As soon as it starts to thicken, remove it from the heat immediately.
• Storage: You can store this pudding in the fridge for up to 3 days, though it’s best fresh.

Can You Make Banana Pudding Without Eggs?

Absolutely! You have two options:

Skip the Eggs: The pudding color will be more pale and the texture less creamy without the eggs.

Use Chia Seeds: I love using chia seeds to make all kinds of puddings like my chocolate chia pudding. Check out my post on how to make chia seed puddingfor some tips.

More Fruity Dessert Recipes

Make use of fresh, seasonal fruit with these tasty desserts.

• Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Berry Sheet Cake
• Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Bites
• Candied Orange Peel
• Strawberry Frozen Yogurt