Banana Parfait

This homemade vegan Banana Parfait is made of luscious layers of creamy vegan banana pudding, crunchy vegan cookie crumbles, and fresh banana slices. An easy, no-bake treat, it’s bursting with sweetness and freshness in each spoonful! Whip up in 10 minutes or less with budget-friendly ingredients!

What is a Parfait?

Parfait is a French word that means “perfect”! That’s an apt description of this delectable dessert, if you ask me. Parfait cream is traditionally made using cream, egg, sugar, and syrup boiled until it thickens and turns custard-like. It is then layered with fresh fruits, yogurts, nuts, ice cream, and other ingredients in a tall clear glass. Keep reading to learn how I made this parfait plant-based and just as creamy and decadent!

Vegan Banana Parfait Ingredients

You only need 8 ingredients to make this delectable dessert! Here’s the list with possible substitutions that you can use, too. However, this dessert is totally customizable, so don’t let this list stop you from unleashing your creativeness by using other fruits and goodies!

• Firm silken tofu: This Japanese-style tofu is denser than soft silken tofu but is more delicate and crumblier than regular firm tofu. If you cannot find this, you can use soft silken tofu and add more potato starch instead. Here’s a Guide to Tofu if you want to learn more about the different types!
• Ripe bananas: I used 2 whole bananas to make the pudding, and the rest were sliced into thin pieces for layering.
• Potato starch: This flavorless starch will give the pudding a thicker consistency. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a substitute.
• Lemon extract: This will instantly brighten the pudding with its fresh and citrusy flavor! You can also use the juice of one small lemon or other citrus fruits you have.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a delicate flavor and amazing aroma!
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness. You can reduce or add more depending on the natural sweetness of your bananas.
• Fat Badger Cookies: If you have not had the opportunity to try these vegan cookies, now is a great time to do so! Fat Badger Bakery offers vegan cookies of different flavors such as chocolate sea salt, classic chocolate chip, vanilla bean, cinnamon sugar, chocolate mint, oatmeal chip, sweet raspberry, and toasted coconut. Feel free to choose any flavor or combo to make your Parfait!
• Vegan whipped cream: For garnishing. This is optional but adds another layer of creaminess and fun! You can also top your Parfait with vegan ice cream or plant-based yogurt.

Optional Add-Ons and Variations

• Fruits: Aside from bananas, you can use other fruits and berries in season to layer your Parfait. Ripe mangoes, peaches, kiwis, blueberries, and strawberries are perfect for this recipe!
• Nuts: Add a crunchy layer to your Banana Parfait by using nuts like cashew, macadamia, walnuts, pecan, and pistachio.
• Nut Butter: Add a dollop of peanut butter or nut/seed butter of your choice for added flavor variation.
• Drizzles: Drizzle in some of vegan chocolate syrup or date caramel sauce to your pudding mixture for added sweetness.
• Cookie Alternatives: Aside from vegan cookies, you can also layer your vegan Parfait with crushed wafers, oats, or granola.
• Sweet Toppings: You can also top your vegan fruit parfait with grated vegan chocolates, vegan chocolate chips, or coconut shreds.

How to Make Banana Pudding Parfait from Scratch

Step 3: Next, in a jar, add a ½-inch thick layer of crumbled Fat Badger cookies. Then pour in the banana pudding on top, layered about an inch thick. Then layer with sliced bananas. Add another layer of crumbled Fat Badger cookies, banana pudding. Finally, garnish with more banana slices and vegan whipped cream!

Helpful Tips for Parfaits

• Adjust thickness: If your pudding is not thick enough to your liking, you can add more bananas or potato starch until you get the consistency you are after.
• Slice bananas fresh: Slice the bananas once you are ready to use them. Otherwise, they will turn into a brownish color. You can also use frozen banana slices.
• Use various glasses: You can also use regular tall glasses to make this recipe if you do not have mason jars. If you plan to serve them as party desserts, you can use short, stubby glasses instead.
• Enjoy leftovers: Any leftover banana pudding can be used with your morning oats or poured over a vegan pie crust and frozen to make a banana pudding pie!
• Make breakfast parfaits: If you like a parfait for breakfast, try my Yogurt Parfait made of fresh berries, granola, and plant-based yogurt.

How to Store Banana Parfaits

Fridge: Once assembled, you can place the jars in the fridge to chill for a few hours before serving.

Make ahead: You can also make the banana pudding in advance and put it in an airtight container or plastic bag. Refrigerate pudding for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 weeks.

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If you tried this banana parfait recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla