This keto sugar-free banana pudding recipe is the perfect sweet treat for anyone that has been missing bananas on low carb. With only 2 net carbs per cup, everyone will love this creamy, tasty, easy-to-make dessert!
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Bananas and pudding: two things that are not typically low carb. But, with a few simple ingredient switches, this sugar-free banana pudding recipe becomes a perfect keto treat.
Technically, this is not a true pudding recipe because it contains egg yolks. It’s more of a pudding-custard. But the result is so tasty and creamy, you won’t care what it “technically” is. You’ll just know it’s delicious!
It’s also very easy to make. Everything comes together on the stove, and then the pudding chills until it's ready.
Plus, it’s much healthier than the sugar-free pudding snacks you’ll find at the store, which are made with Splenda or aspartame. They also tend to use high-carb thickeners that need to be avoided on a keto diet.
But this sugar-free banana pudding recipe uses only natural ingredients for a super yummy dessert that’s ready in just a few steps. Plus, it tastes so much better than those instant pudding mixes.
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the ingredients you'll need if you want to make my easy keto banana pudding.
Cream
Use heavy whipping cream to thicken the pudding. You can use half and half, but it won't be as thick or taste as rich.
Egg Yolks
The egg yolks bind everything together and make it even thicker.
Sweetener
I used a sweetener blend with erythritol and monk fruit to sweeten the pudding. I found it was a perfect balance. However, you can use a third cup of any one-for-one sugar substitute.
Xanthan Gum
You need some sort of thickener. My favorite one is xanthan gum, but you can use guar gum as a 1:1 replacement.
Banana Extract
This is how you keep the pudding low in carbs - don't use real bananas. The extract infuses the pudding with banana flavor - and there are no carbs.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Quick Tips
- To make an easy low-carb chocolate pudding instead, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa to the sweetener mixture. When you remove the pudding from heat, substitute vanilla extract for the banana extract.
- Or, if you’re craving a vanilla pudding, just use vanilla extract in place of the banana extract.
- You could even make two batches of pudding, one chocolate and one banana, and then layer them for a super tasty chocolate-banana low carb pudding!
Instructions
This low-carb banana pudding comes together on the stove in just a few steps.
Remember, all the exact steps are in the printable recipe card just a little bit further below.
Heat The Cream And Water
First, heat the cream and water in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
Prepare The Other Ingredients
Beat the egg yolks with a fork until well blended and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the sweetener, and xanthan gum. Then, set aside.
Temper The Egg Yolks
Once the cream mixture is hot, we’ll temper the egg yolks.
Simply add 1 tablespoon at a time of the cream mixture into the egg yolks, stirring quickly with a fork after each addition, until you’ve added about 4 tablespoons.
Next, pour the yolk mixture slowly back into hot cream while whisking quickly. Reduce the heat to low, then continue whisking while you sprinkle in the sweetener mixture.
Cook The Pudding
Cook for another 3-4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in the banana extract.
Spoon the keto friendly banana pudding into 3 individual serving dishes and cover each with plastic wrap. You want the plastic wrap to lightly touch the top of the pudding to prevent skin from forming.
Finally, chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve!
️ SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This is a light dessert that is wonderful after a full meal. Enjoy it with another light dessert like keto shortbread cookies.
The pudding also tastes delightful with a hot cup of bulletproof coffee. Or, use it as filling inside your favorite low-carb pie crust!
FAQs
Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make low-carb banana pudding. If you don't see your question below, please leave it in the comments.
Which is better - xanthan gum or guar gum?
Most homemade pudding recipes use cornstarch as the thickener, making them high carb. So to create this keto banana pudding recipe, I needed to find a low-carb thickener with the right texture.
I’ve found both xanthan gum and guar gum work well in this recipe. I’ve even tried mixing them together with good results. The texture may seem slightly on the “gummy” side compared to traditional pudding, but I hardly notice the difference. The pudding holds together very well.
Some people have strong opinions on whether they prefer xanthan gum or guar gum. I’ve found either (or both) to work for this recipe, so it’s entirely a matter of preference.
How many carbs are in banana pudding?
I’m happy to say that this recipe yields a very low-carb banana pudding.
You may be wondering how, since bananas are not low carb. The secret is that this keto banana pudding doesn’t use any bananas.
Instead, it uses banana extract! This is how we achieve amazing banana flavor without all the carbs and sugar.
For a full cup (which is double the size of a Snack Pack pudding cup), there are 3 grams of total carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber. This means there will be 2 net carbs per serving.
Not too bad for a satisfying, low carb, and sugar-free treat!
What keto desserts can you make with banana pudding?
This sugar-free banana pudding is delicious on its own. Personally, I like to top it with a keto-friendly whipped cream layer and dive in. It tastes just like a banana cream pie!
It’s also great to use as part of a more elaborate dessert! For example, a low-carb banana pudding trifle would make an excellent dessert for any party or family gathering.
Simply replace traditional vanilla wafers with my cream cheese cookies or keto sugar cookies. Then layer cookies, keto banana pudding, and whipped cream to complete a trifle that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Just leave out the high carb banana slices!
Another tasty idea is a low-carb banana poke cake. Start by making my yellow snack cake, but skip the frosting step. Instead, once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the cake. Then, spread the low-carb banana pudding over the cake, so it seeps into the holes.
What a delicious, guilt-free indulgence!
Do you have any other ideas for keto dessert recipes you’d make with this low-carb banana pudding? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Related Recipes
Looking for other easy, low-carb, sugar-free desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out these other favorites:
- Keto Peanut Butter Fudge is made with cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture. It’s one of the best low carb and sugar free fudge recipes ever!
- Mascarpone Cream Mousse Dessert is a quick keto dessert made with only three ingredients. Serve with berries for an easy red, white, and blue treat.
- Creamy Keto Coconut Pudding is made with coconut milk and cream cheese for a pudding that is super creamy and satisfying.
- Easy Keto Strawberry Fluff whips up in a blender for a super quick and delicious low carb treat.
- Sugar Free Keto Chocolate Pie combines a flaky almond flour crust, smooth chocolate, and a sweet whipped cream topping to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth!
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Recipe
Keto Sugar Free Banana Pudding
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup water
- 3 egg yolks
- ⅓ cup low-carb sweetener more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon banana extract
Instructions
- Heat cream and water until hot but not boiling. Meanwhile, beat egg yolks with a fork until well blended. Set aside. Mix sweetener and Xanthan Gum in a separate small bowl and set aside.
- When cream is hot, slowly add about 4 tablespoons to egg yolks, stirring quickly with fork after each small addition.
- Pour yolk mixture slowly into hot cream while whisking quickly. Reduce heat to low, then gently sprinkle sweetener mixture over pudding and whisk until smooth.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes or until thickened, then remove from heat. Stir in banana extract. Spoon into 3 individual serving dishes. Cover each with plastic wrap directly on pudding so skin won’t form. Chill. Serve with sugar-free whipped cream.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
Originally published: September 4, 2010... Last Updated: December 14, 2021
Cindy rey
Could I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?
Lisa MarcAurele
Coconut cream is usually fine as a one-for-one heavy cream substitute. However, I haven't tested it in this recipe and it does tend to get hard when chilled.
Donna
How much erthrotol is used in this banana pudding?
Lisa MarcAurele
It depends on the one-for-one sugar substitute you use. Many have erythritol in them but others do not. Lakanto White has 4g of erythritol in every teaspoon.
Odilia
More of a slime consistency. Disappointing as my dear hubby loves banana flavor. Wasn't a win for us.
Lisa MarcAurele
Sorry it didn't work out. Xanthan gum can be a bit slimy if too much is used. You could try using glucomannan in place of the xanthan gum.
ANN COSTELLO
Can this be made with unsweeten almond milk instead of heavy cream
Lisa MarcAurele
You'll likely need to add more thickener of you use almond milk.
Kat
Can't wait to try this! I want to make a banana cream pie out of it!
Jessica
I made this today. It’s delish. I made a coconut vanilla flavour. I love pudding. One of my fav desserts. Thank you!
Bettie
Ohhhh Lisa! When I saw BANANA pudding, I thought "No Way" low carb! BUT, I am so excited not only to have the taste of a Banana Pudding but the Chocolate and Vanilla as well. Thank you so much...I forget about all the flavorings available now....Thanks so very much for sharing,
Lisa
I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do!
Lisa
I hope you enjoy the pudding!
Barb
Can xantham gum be used in paleo recipes. And why does it get so lumpy when I use it.
These custard recipes are amazing
Lisa
It's unclear if it's really paleo. Lately, I prefer using glucomannon instead which is paleo friendly.
Peachy
Tip: xanthan gum needs to be mixed with some type of fat before adding to recipes. Mixing it with fat removes any clumps and keeps it from clumping up in your mixture.
Vernie
Hi, could I use Knox unflavored gelatin instead of xanthan gum? I've see it used in another low carb pudding recipe but not often and wonder why most low carb recipe use xanthan gum?
Lisa
You can, you'll just need to be careful not to use to much.
Rachel
Thank you so much! I've been missing pudding and I'm so glad I found this recipe! I'm going to make it as soon as I have all of the ingredients. I have one question...is the powdered erythritol sweetener necessary or can a granulated sweetener be substituted for it? I see that you have both granulated and powdered and wondered if maybe the powdered one helps with the thickness or texture of the pudding? I like to use the Pyure granulated sweetener but not the powdered as it has maltodextrin in it. I'd have to track down some Swerve if powdered is necessary. Thanks!
Lisa
I like Pure granular and it should work well in this recipe. I used to get erythritol in powder form, but it's not needed for this pudding.
Kchick
What is the purpose of using both Swerve and stevia? Both are sweeteners. In addition, what sweetener would you recommend for those of us who have digestive issues with sugar alcohols? I use Splenda in my other cooking. Is there something better?
Lisa
I find too much Swerve bothers me and I'm not sure if it's the fiber sweetener or erythritol that does it. I don't have any issues with stevia extracts. For me, a erythritol/stevia blend is best. Mixing sweeteners gives a better taste and you can reduce amount.
Angela
Hi, I'm new to low carb cooking, and see Swerve mentioned alot. Can Stevia be substituted 1:1 for Swerve?
Lisa
Angela - It depends on the brand of stevia used. I like to use Pyure All Purpose stevia blend which is twice as sweet as sugar so only half the amount is needed to replace Swerve. I am able to buy Pyure All Purpose organic stevia blend at my local Walmart for about $7 a bag.
santoshbangar
very yummy and nutritious
Medifast Coupons
Thanks for the pudding recipe and thanks for the options of different flavors. Banana would be my favorite and not something I have been able to have in so long, not knowing how to make it.
fooddreamer
You gave the xanthan gum a try! Great job. Looks like the pudding came out very, very well.
Lisa
It worked well in the pudding. I need to try it in the muffins next.
Alisa
I saw your blog from the foodie blog roll and I like what you have here.Your recipes will be a great help for making meals for my husband who has diabetes.