5 Easy Banana Pudding Recipes without Cream Cheese

Are you craving a delightful, creamy, yet light banana pudding but find yourself without cream cheese? No worries! Here's your guide to whipping up 5 easy banana pudding recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without needing cream cheese. Perfect for those looking for a simple and quick dessert or for anyone with dietary restrictions!

Recipe 1: Classic Vanilla Banana Pudding

This is a timeless recipe with a twist. Instead of cream cheese, we’ll use heavy cream for that rich texture:

• 1 cup sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Ripe bananas, sliced
• Vanilla wafers

Here's how you can make it:

1. Combine sugar, flour, and milk in a saucepan, whisking until smooth.
2. Add egg yolks and whisk over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
3. Cool the pudding base slightly then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and fold into the pudding mix.
5. Layer the pudding with slices of bananas and vanilla wafers in a dish, repeating layers.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Recipe 2: Custard Style Banana Pudding

This pudding recipe brings back the essence of traditional custard but with an easy preparation:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup corn starch
• 3 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Bananas, sliced
• Nilla wafers

Preparation steps:

1. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Heat milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
3. Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding some of the hot milk, whisking continuously.
4. Add this mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thick.
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and allow to cool.
6. Fold in the whipped cream and layer as described above.
7. Chill and serve chilled.

Recipe 3: Chocolate Banana Pudding

For chocolate lovers, this variant adds a layer of decadent chocolate flavor:

• 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Ripe bananas, sliced
• Chocolate sandwich cookies

Making it is simple:

1. Prepare the chocolate pudding as per package instructions using the milk.
2. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in the whipped cream with the pudding mix.
4. Add in melted chocolate chips for an extra boost of flavor.
5. Layer with bananas and cookies.

Recipe 4: No-Bake Banana Pudding

Ideal for those hot summer days when you don’t want to use the oven:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Bananas, sliced
• Vanilla wafers

Follow these steps:

1. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and water until blended.
2. Add pudding mix, whisk again until smooth.
3. Whip the cream and fold it into the pudding mixture.
4. Layer the pudding with bananas and wafers, chill, and serve.

Recipe 5: Coconut Banana Pudding

Adding a tropical twist to the classic recipe:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
• Bananas, sliced
• Vanilla wafers

Here's how to make it:

1. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Stir in coconut milk and cook over medium heat until it thickens.
3. Temper the egg yolks with a bit of the hot mixture and add back to the saucepan.
4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool.
5. Layer with bananas, toasted coconut, and wafers.

Each of these recipes provides a unique take on banana pudding, offering various flavors and textures to suit different palates. Whether you're looking for a classic taste, a chocolate indulgence, or a no-bake treat, there's a recipe here for everyone. These banana pudding recipes highlight how versatile and simple banana pudding can be, even without cream cheese. With their luscious taste and easy preparation, they are bound to become staples in your dessert rotation!

Can I use non-dairy milk for these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute cow’s milk with almond, coconut, or soy milk, though the texture and flavor might slightly change. Coconut milk works particularly well in the Coconut Banana Pudding recipe.

How long will these banana puddings last in the fridge?

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They can last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the bananas might start to brown after a couple of days.

Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?

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It’s best to use fresh bananas for pudding to maintain texture. Frozen bananas could release too much water as they thaw, affecting the pudding’s consistency.

Related Terms:

• Easy no bake banana pudding
• How to make pudding
• Baked Banana pudding
• No bake banana recipes