Description
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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Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 box yellow cake mix
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1 cup water
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½ cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Banana Pudding Filling:
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1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
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1¾ cups cold milk
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1 cup whipped topping (or whipped cream)
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2 large ripe bananas, sliced
For the Topping:
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1½ cups whipped topping (or whipped cream)
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½ cup crushed vanilla wafers
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Banana slices for garnish (optional)
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Whole vanilla wafers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan(s).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, until smooth and fluffy.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American