Lightened-Up Coconut Banana Pudding
Indulge in this guilt-free version of classic banana pudding that’s both creamy and delicious, thanks to the use of unsweetened coconut milk and a blend of natural sweeteners. This delectable dessert is enriched with pureed bananas, yielding a naturally sweet flavor and smooth texture without the added calories of traditional recipes. Sweetened with stevia, sugar, and a touch of maple syrup and applesauce, this version is perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without the extra guilt. Chill it to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, and serve it layered with fresh banana slices, crispy vanilla wafers, or graham crackers for an elegant and refreshing treat any time of year. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stevia
1/2 cup (None)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (None)
Cornstarch
1/3 cup (None)
Unsweetened Coconut Milk
3 cups (None)
Bananas
2 (Pureed)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Maple Syrup
1 tablespoon (None)
Applesauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the stevia, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk them together until they are well mixed.
2
Gradually pour in the coconut milk while whisking continuously to ensure the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
3
Add the pureed bananas to the mixture, stirring continuously over medium heat until the pudding thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
4
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and applesauce until well blended.
5
Allow the pudding to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for approximately 8 hours to set properly.
6
When ready to serve, garnish the pudding with sliced bananas, crumbled vanilla wafers, graham crackers, whipped cream, toasted coconut, or any other delightful toppings.
Nutrition Information
1.67g
Fat
20g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened-Up Coconut Banana Pudding?
It is a guilt-free, creamy version of classic banana pudding that uses unsweetened coconut milk and natural sweeteners like stevia and maple syrup.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 100 calories per serving.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, it uses unsweetened coconut milk instead of traditional dairy milk.
What sweeteners are used in this pudding?
The recipe is sweetened with a combination of stevia, sugar, maple syrup, and applesauce.
How long does the pudding need to chill?
The pudding should be chilled for approximately 8 hours to set properly.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While coconut milk provides the intended flavor and texture, other plant-based milks can be used, though the taste profile will change.
Should the coconut milk be sweetened?
No, the recipe specifically calls for unsweetened coconut milk to keep the calorie count low.
What is used to thicken the pudding?
Cornstarch is used as the thickening agent for this recipe.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the base pudding is vegan. Just ensure your garnishes, like vanilla wafers, are also vegan-friendly.
What are the best garnishes for this dessert?
Recommended toppings include fresh banana slices, crumbled vanilla wafers, graham crackers, whipped cream, or toasted coconut.
What is the total fat content?
Each serving contains approximately 1.67g of fat.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
There are 5g of sugar per serving.
Is the pudding gluten-free?
The pudding itself is gluten-free as it uses cornstarch, but ensure your garnishes like wafers or crackers are gluten-free if needed.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Why does the recipe include applesauce?
Applesauce is used to add natural sweetness and contribute to a smooth, creamy texture without extra fat.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas as long as they are thawed and pureed before being added to the mixture.
How long will this stay fresh in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I replace stevia with regular sugar?
Yes, but keep in mind that replacing stevia with sugar will significantly increase the calorie and sugar content.
How should the bananas be prepared?
The bananas should be pureed to ensure a smooth and consistent texture throughout the pudding.
Can I omit the maple syrup?
You can omit it, but it adds a nice depth of flavor and natural sweetness to the dish.
Is this considered a healthy dessert?
Yes, it is considered a healthy alternative because it is low-calorie, low-fat, and uses natural sweeteners.
How do I prevent lumps in the pudding?
Whisk the dry ingredients first, then gradually pour in the coconut milk while whisking continuously.
Can I use a different thickener like flour?
Cornstarch is preferred for a clearer, smoother finish, but flour can be used if you adjust the measurements and cooking time.
Can I make this into a chocolate version?
Yes, you can whisk in a bit of cocoa powder along with the dry ingredients for a chocolate-banana flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Its sweet and creamy nature makes it a great treat for children.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A medium-sized saucepan is ideal for mixing and heating the ingredients.
Can I serve this warm?
While it can be eaten warm, it is designed to be a chilled dessert to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey is an excellent substitute for maple syrup in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients, this pudding is naturally cholesterol-free.
What is the fiber content?
There is 1g of fiber per serving.