Banana Pudding Cake

Moist, fluffy, and filled with nostalgic Southern charm, this Banana Pudding Cake is a dreamy dessert that brings two classic favorites together: banana pudding and soft vanilla cake. With layers of creamy banana pudding, fresh banana slices, and whipped topping nestled between tender cake layers, this dessert is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent & Creamy – Rich pudding and whipped topping make each bite melt in your mouth.
• Easy to Make – Starts with a boxed cake mix for simplicity.
• Full of Banana Flavor – Real bananas and pudding infuse every layer.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Even better when chilled overnight.
• Great for Gatherings – Serves a crowd and looks beautiful on a platter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Banana Pudding Filling:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
• 1¾ cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped topping (or whipped cream)
• 2 large ripe bananas, sliced

For the Topping:

• 1½ cups whipped topping (or whipped cream)
• ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers
• Banana slices for garnish (optional)
• Whole vanilla wafers for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Serrated knife (if layering)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan(s).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, until smooth and fluffy.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Banana Pudding
7. In a medium bowl, whisk together banana cream pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
8. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
9. Chill the pudding mixture in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake
10. If using a 9×13 pan, gently poke holes in the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.
11. Spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
12. Arrange sliced bananas over the pudding layer.
13. Spread 1½ cups of whipped topping evenly over the top.
14. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers generously over the whipped topping.

Step 4: Garnish & Chill
15. Garnish with additional banana slices and whole vanilla wafers just before serving.
16. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to set and blend.

Tips for Success

• Use Ripe Bananas – Spotty bananas are sweet and perfect for this recipe.
• Chill Before Serving – Letting the cake rest in the fridge improves flavor and texture.
• Keep It Creamy – Don’t over-whip the pudding or topping; keep it light and fluffy.
• Layer Option – For a show-stopping layered cake, slice round cakes in half horizontally and layer with pudding and bananas in between.
• Make It From Scratch – If desired, bake a homemade vanilla cake and prepare fresh whipped cream for a fully from-scratch version.

Serving Suggestions

• With Extra Banana Slices – A fresh garnish adds color and flavor.
• A Drizzle of Caramel – For a sweet twist, add a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
• On a Dessert Bar – Slice into squares for an easy-to-serve party treat.
• Alongside Coffee or Tea – A comforting combination for afternoon enjoyment.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.

Freezing:

• Not recommended due to the bananas and pudding texture, but cake layers alone can be frozen and assembled fresh.

Reheating:

• This cake is served cold—no reheating necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s actually better when made a day in advance. The flavors meld, and the cake becomes even more moist.

2. Can I use homemade banana pudding?
Yes! If you have a favorite from-scratch banana pudding recipe, feel free to substitute it.

3. What’s the best way to keep bananas from browning?
Add them just before serving or lightly toss in lemon juice to slow oxidation.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix and confirm your pudding mix is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Banana Pudding Cake is the best of both worlds—a fluffy, tender cake combined with the creamy, comforting flavors of banana pudding. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dessert will become a go-to for holidays, potlucks, and birthdays. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.

So grab those ripe bananas and start baking—you’re just a few steps away from pure dessert bliss.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 340mg

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