Banana Pudding Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The banana-infused cake layers provide a rich, moist base that complements the creamy pudding and fresh bananas.

• Layered Delight: Each bite offers a combination of textures—from the soft cake to the creamy pudding and crunchy wafers.

• Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and making it convenient for busy 

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the Banana Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

  • 3 large eggs

  • ¾ cup water

  • ⅓ cup vegetable 

• For the Pudding Layer:

  • 1 box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

  • 2⅔ cups whole 

• For the Banana Layer:

  • 7 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced

• For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 2½ cups heavy cream

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup vanilla wafers, 

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, mashed bananas, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.

3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions, typically 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.

5. Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.

6. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, poke holes evenly across the surface using the handle of a wooden spoon. Pour the prepared pudding over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

7. Add Banana Slices: Layer the sliced bananas evenly over the pudding.

8. Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream and granulated sugar together until stiff peaks form.

9. Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream over the bananas. Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers on top.

10. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to 

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Chill time: 2 hours

• Total time: 2 hours 

Variations

• Chocolate Banana Pudding Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a richer flavor.

• Banana Cream Cheese Frosting: Incorporate cream cheese into the whipped cream topping for added tanginess.

• Nutty Banana Pudding Cake: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the banana layer for extra crunch.

• Vegan Version: Use a vegan cake mix, plant-based milk, and coconut cream for the whipped 

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as butter or spice cake, to create unique variations.

How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

To prevent browning, you can toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it the day before serving and refrigerate overnight.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the whipped cream topping?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping as a substitute for heavy cream.

Can I add other fruits to this cake?

Certainly! Adding berries or sliced peaches can provide additional flavors and textures.

How can I make the cake more moist?

Incorporating sour cream or buttermilk into the cake batter can enhance its moisture.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can use homemade vanilla pudding; just ensure it’s thickened before pouring over the cake.

How can I make the cake more festive?

Decorate the top with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for a celebratory touch.

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of vanilla wafers?

Yes, you can use shortbread cookies or graham crackers as an alternative.

Is this cake suitable for special diets?

This recipe contains dairy and eggs. For vegan or gluten-free versions, use appropriate substitutes.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the beloved flavors of banana pudding in a layered cake form. Its moist cake layers, creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped cream topping make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With various variations and make-ahead options, it’s a versatile treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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