Vegan Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegan vanilla pudding mix (to fill cupcakes, use your preferred brand)
  • Vegan whipped cream or coconut whipped cream, for topping
  • Sliced bananas and crushed vegan vanilla cookies, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease with oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. Add the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup or agave nectar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  5. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a sharp knife or cupcake corer to create a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with vegan vanilla pudding.
  9. Top each cupcake with vegan whipped cream or coconut whipped cream.
  10. Optionally, garnish each cupcake with sliced bananas and crushed vegan vanilla cookies.

Nutrition Information (per cupcake, makes 12 cupcakes):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 2g

These Vegan Banana Pudding Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering all the delicious flavors you love in a convenient handheld treat. Enjoy them as a sweet indulgence for any occasion, knowing they’re made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that satisfy both your cravings and your values.