If you’re anything like me, your cravings for sweet indulgences and your commitment to a healthy lifestyle are in a constant tug of war. But who said we have to choose sides? Imagine diving into a creamy, dreamy healthy banana pudding that ticks all the right boxes: mouthwatering and easy to make.
Let me share a secret with you: it is absolutely possible to enjoy your favorite desserts with a nutritious twist. And I’m not talking about just replacing sugar with honey. I mean transforming traditional guilt-inducing treats into nourishing delights using whole, natural ingredients.
Table of Contents
How to Make Healthy Banana Pudding
Healthy banana pudding typically refers to a version of the classic dessert that is made with wholesome ingredients and fewer calories compared to traditional recipes.
Ingredients
For the Pudding Mixture:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
3-4 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter!)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening
For the Layering:
1 cup unsweetened coconut whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
1 banana, sliced thinly for layering
A handful of crushed walnuts or pecans (optional for extra crunch)
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnishing
Instructions:
Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
In a blending jar, combine 2 cups of plant-based milk, 3 ripe bananas, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and sweetener (maple syrup or honey). Blend until you have a smooth mixture.
Pour the mixture into a large cooking pot. Mix cornstarch with a little bit of cold water and add it to the pot. This will help thicken your pudding.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently to avoid lumps until it brings to a gentle boil and thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Layer Your Pudding:
Begin with a layer of banana slices at the bottom of your serving dishes.
Pour a generous amount of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
Add a layer of coconut whipped cream on top of the pudding layer.
Repeat the layers until your serving dish is nearly full, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle the top with crushed walnuts or pecans and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for a beautiful finish.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set and flavors to meld. For the best taste, chill overnight.
Tips for Perfecting Your Healthy Banana Pudding:
Banana Selection:Â The sweetness and flavor of your pudding heavily depend on the ripeness of the bananas. Opt for those with plenty of brown spots.
Texture: For a silkier pudding, blend the banana and milk mixture until absolutely smooth before cooking.
Thickness:Â You can adjust the thickness of your pudding by varying the amount of cornstarch. Add more for a firmer pudding and less for a creamier one.
Layer Creatively: Feel free to layer your pudding in clear glasses for a visually appealing dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Customize Your Sweetness:Â Taste your pudding mixture before cooking it to adjust the sweetness. Remember, the bananas will add natural sweetness too.
What to serve with
Here are my top picks for what to serve with this luscious dessert to impress your palate and your guests:
Chai Latte: The spices in chai provide a warming contrast to the cool and creamy pudding.
Freshly Brewed Coffee:Â A bold, dark roast complements the sweetness with its slight bitterness.
Green Tea: For a more rejuvenating option, green tea can provide a refreshing balance with its earthy undertones.
Cold Beverages:
Iced Coffee or Iced Latte: A chilled, caffeinated drink pairs well for an afternoon treat.
Sparkling Water with a Twist:Â Sparkling water with a dash of lime is perfect for cleansing the palate.
Chocolate Almond Milk:Â Chocolate and banana are a match made in heaven, offering a decadent duo without the guilt.
Side Treats:
Healthy Cookies or Biscottis: Serve with almond flour cookies or oatmeal biscottis for a satisfying crunch that fits the healthy theme.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful bowl of mixed seasonal fruits like berries, kiwi, and mango can add a fresh element to the rich creaminess of the pudding.
Nuts and Dried Fruits: Offer a side of assorted nuts—like almonds, pistachios, and cashews—and dried fruits for a textural variety and added nutrients.
Toppings and Swirls:
Nut Butter Swirls: Drizzle a bit of almond or peanut butter on top of the pudding for a nutty flavor boost.
Granola or Toasted Oats: A sprinkle of low-sugar granola or toasted oats before serving ensures a little extra crunch with the first few bites.
Honey or Maple Syrup: While the pudding is already sweet, a slight drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a glossy finish and an extra touch of sweetness for those who desire it.
Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes not only add texture but also reinforce the tropical vibe of the banana pudding.
For Special Occasions:
Dessert Wines: If you’re feeling fancy, adults looking for a more indulgent pairing can enjoy a sweet dessert wine like a Riesling or Moscato.
Light Cocktails: A light rum cocktail or a banana-flavored liqueur can add a spirited touch to a weekend brunch or evening dessert.
For a Themed Dessert Night:
Mini Tropical Parfaits: Layer the Healthy Banana Pudding with other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya in small glasses for a themed dessert night.
Dairy-Free Gelato or Sorbet: A small scoop of dairy-free vanilla gelato, mango, or a passion fruit sorbet can add a delightful temperature and flavor contrast to the pudding.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Healthy Banana Pudding is as much about personal preference and dietary needs as it is about the ingredients themselves. Fortunately, this dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous substitutions to cater to various health considerations, allergies, or simply what you have on hand.
Plant-based Milk:
Original Ingredient: Unsweetened Almond Milk
Substitutes:
Coconut Milk:Â For a richer and creamier texture, though it adds a distinct coconut flavor.
Oat Milk: Offers a naturally sweet and creamy profile, excellent for those with nut allergies.
Soy Milk: A protein-rich alternative that’s relatively neutral in taste.
Cashew Milk: Its creamy texture mimics that of almond milk, minus the distinct almond flavor.
Sweetener:
Original Ingredient: Maple Syrup or Honey
Substitutes:
Agave Syrup: A vegan-friendly option with a mild, sweet flavor.
Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: This is for those watching their sugar intake. Use according to the product’s conversion rate as they tend to be sweeter than sugar.
Date Paste: A fiber-rich, whole-food option, though it might slightly alter the pudding’s texture.
Thickener:
Original Ingredient: Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder
Substitutes:
Tapioca Flour: Similar to arrowroot, offering a slightly chewy texture.
Agar Powder: A vegan gelatin substitute sourced from seaweed. Use less as it sets firmer than cornstarch.
Chia Seeds:Â For a no-cook version, additional chia seeds can thicken the pudding as it sets, though the texture will vary from the traditional smoothness.
Bananas:
Original Ingredient: Ripe Bananas
Considerations:
While bananas are central to banana pudding, choosing the level of ripeness can affect sweetness and flavor intensity. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavored, ideal for those who prefer a natural sweetness without added sugars.
Whipped Cream:
Original Ingredient: Unsweetened Coconut Whipped Cream
Substitutes:
Cashew Cream:Â Soak cashews in water or plant-based milk until smooth. Add vanilla and a sweetener.
Aquafaba (Chickpea Water): The water from a can of chickpeas can be whipped into stiff peaks with a bit of cream of tartar and sweetener, creating a light and airy topping.
Additional Flavors and Garnishes:
Original Ingredients: Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, or Nutmeg
Variations:
Almond Extract:Â A drop can add depth to the flavor profile.
Cardamom or Allspice:Â For a unique twist on spice, cardamom or allspice can be interesting alternatives.
Cacao Powder or Mini Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey variant, sprinkle some on top or incorporate it into layers.
Nuts:
Original Ingredient: Walnuts or Pecans
Substitutes:
Almonds or Hazelnuts: Toasted for added flavor and crunch.
Seeds: Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Banana Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a statement that delicious can also be nutritious. It’s a testament to the fact that with a bit of creativity, you can transform traditional recipes into wholesome treats.
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
3-4 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter!)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening
For the Layering:
1 cup unsweetened coconut whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
1 banana, sliced thinly for layering
A handful of crushed walnuts or pecans (optional for extra crunch)
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnishing
Instructions
Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
In a blending jar, combine 2 cups of plant-based milk, 3 ripe bananas, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and sweetener (maple syrup or honey). Blend until you have a smooth mixture.
Pour the mixture into a large cooking pot. Mix cornstarch with a little bit of cold water and add it to the pot. This will help thicken your pudding.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently to avoid lumps until it brings to a gentle boil and thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Layer Your Pudding:
Begin with a layer of banana slices at the bottom of your serving dishes.
Pour a generous amount of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
Add a layer of coconut whipped cream on top of the pudding layer.
Repeat the layers until your serving dish is nearly full, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle the top with crushed walnuts or pecans and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for a beautiful finish.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set and flavors to meld. For the best taste, chill overnight.
Driven by a desire to not only delight the palate but also to educate and inspire others, I began documenting dessert recipes. My writing style is infused with warmth, humor, and a genuine love for food.
