Banana Pudding Cake is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: classic banana pudding and moist, flavorful cake. When it comes to desserts, few combinations are as timeless and satisfying as banana pudding and cake. This Banana Pudding Cake elevates these classic flavors into a show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfectly moist cake infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and a luscious whipped cream topping create an unforgettable treat. Whether for a family gathering, a party, or just a weekend indulgence, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds.
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What is Banana Pudding Cake?
Banana Pudding Cake is a creative twist on the traditional Southern banana pudding. It incorporates layers of cake infused with banana flavor, creamy pudding, fresh banana slices, and vanilla wafers for texture. The result? A dessert that’s rich, satisfying, and visually stunning.
To learn more about the history of banana pudding and its place in Southern cuisine, check out this Wikipedia page. You’ll see how this iconic dessert has evolved over time and inspired countless variations like the Banana Pudding Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a Southern lady who knows the joy of sharing good food with friends and family, this Banana Pudding Cake is bound to become a staple in your recipe box. Here’s why this dessert will win your heart (and everyone else’s):
A Sweet Chat About Banana Pudding
Last summer, while visiting my grandmother in the South, I found myself sitting on her front porch, a slice of banana pudding cake in hand. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow on the fields, and the air was filled with the scent of sweet magnolias. My best friend, Emma, joined me, balancing her own plate of dessert.
“You know,” she said, taking a bite, “this is the first time I’ve had banana pudding in cake form. I didn’t even think it was possible to make it better, but here we are.”
I chuckled. “Right? It’s like the perfect mix of everything good in life—bananas, cake, pudding, and those vanilla wafers.”
She nodded, savoring another forkful. “This reminds me of when I was a kid. My mom would make banana pudding for every family gathering. It wasn’t fancy—just pudding, bananas, and some wafers—but it was the highlight of every barbecue. I’d sneak into the kitchen and eat the wafers straight out of the box.”
“Same here!” I laughed. “Except I’d always try to steal the last piece of pudding before my siblings could get to it. My grandma would catch me every time and say, ‘If you want more, you better learn how to make it.’”
Emma grinned. “Well, I’d say you learned pretty well. This cake is incredible.”
“It’s all about combining the best parts of the original recipe,” I said, pointing to the cake. “But honestly, I think the memories attached to banana pudding are what make it taste even better.”
We sat there, reminiscing about childhood and family, letting the sweet flavors of banana pudding cake bring us back to simpler times. In that moment, it wasn’t just about the dessert—it was about the love, tradition, and connection it symbolized.
- A Fusion of Beloved Flavors: Imagine the creamy, nostalgic taste of classic banana pudding layered with the tender, fluffy texture of a homemade cake. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, offering a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a church potluck, celebrating a grandchild’s birthday, or enjoying a Sunday dinner with family, this cake fits the bill. Its delightful presentation and comforting flavors make it a hit at any gathering.
- Effortlessly Elegant: This recipe is easy to prepare, blending store-bought shortcuts like instant pudding mix with a touch of homemade magic. You’ll save time in the kitchen without compromising that special, made-from-scratch taste everyone loves.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to seasoned dessert enthusiasts, everyone at the table will adore this cake. The layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers make it irresistibly delicious and fun to eat.
- Tradition Meets Modern Convenience: This dessert honors the rich culinary heritage of the South while embracing modern convenience. It’s a nod to the recipes your mama and grandma made but with just enough shortcuts to fit your busy schedule.
So, grab your apron and prepare to create a dessert that’s as much about love and family as it is about flavor. This Banana Pudding Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s a Southern celebration in every bite!
Banana Pudding Cake
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 2 large ripe bananas mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 1 box 5.1 oz, XL size instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 2/3 cups whole milk
- For the Fresh Banana Layer
- 7 large ripe bananas peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vanilla wafer cookies crushed
Instructions
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Cake
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mashed bananas, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
- Mixing the Batter
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Banana Pudding Cake Bake
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk the vanilla instant pudding mix with the whole milk.
- Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Poke the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface. Space the holes about 1 inch apart to ensure even distribution of the pudding.
- Add the Pudding Layer
- Take the chilled pudding out of the refrigerator and pour it over the cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure the pudding fills the holes completely. This step ensures the cake remains moist and flavorful.
- Layer the Bananas
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on top of the pudding. Cover the entire surface to create a beautiful, even layer of fresh fruit.
- Layer the Bananas
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar.
- Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. This process should take 3-5 minutes.
- Gently spread the whipped cream over the banana layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Step 5: Add the Final Touch
- Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafer cookies over the whipped cream. This topping adds a delightful crunch and enhances the presentation of the dessert.
Video
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence.
Chocolate Banana Pudding Cake: Swap the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate pudding to create a rich chocolate-banana combination.
Layered Trifle Style: Assemble the cake in a trifle dish, alternating layers of cake pieces, pudding, bananas, whipped cream, and crushed cookies.
What’s the secret to making the ultimate Banana Pudding Cake with the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture?
Choosing between yellow cake mix and Swans Down cake flour depends on your priorities and the type of dessert you want to create. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:
Yellow Cake Mix: Convenience and Consistency
Pros:
- Quick and Easy: Cake mix is pre-measured and pre-mixed, saving you time and effort. Simply add the wet ingredients and bake.
- Flavorful and Reliable: Yellow cake mix is formulated to produce consistent results with a sweet, buttery flavor that works perfectly for banana pudding cake.
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for those with less baking experience or when you’re short on time.
- Balanced Texture: Produces a moist, tender cake that complements the creamy pudding and bananas.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: The flavor and texture are predetermined by the mix.
- Artificial Ingredients: Many cake mixes contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and stabilizers.
Swans Down Cake Flour : Customization and Quality
Pros:
- Finely Milled for Light Texture: Swans Down cake flour is softer and produces a finer crumb, making the cake lighter and more delicate.
- Control Over Ingredients: Using cake flour allows you to customize the recipe to your liking (e.g., adjusting sweetness, adding spices, or tweaking banana flavor).
- Better for Scratch Recipes: Cake flour is ideal if you want a homemade cake base that pairs beautifully with the pudding layer.
Cons:
- Takes More Effort: You’ll need to measure and mix all ingredients from scratch, which is more time-consuming.
- Less Moisture by Default: Cakes made with cake flour can sometimes be less moist than those made from a mix unless extra care is taken to include moisture-rich ingredients (e.g., mashed bananas, sour cream).
Which Is Better for Banana Pudding Cake?
- Yellow Cake Mix: If you’re short on time, want simplicity, or need a foolproof recipe, stick with a quality yellow cake mix. It complements the pudding and banana layers perfectly with minimal effort.
- Swans Down Cake Flour: If you value a lighter, homemade cake and enjoy baking from scratch, Swans Down cake flour is the better choice. Just ensure you add enough moisture (e.g., mashed bananas, buttermilk) to prevent dryness.
Recommendation:
For a classic Banana Pudding Cake that’s quick and reliable, go with a yellow cake mix. If you want a more refined, bakery-style version and don’t mind the extra work, Swans Down cake flour is worth the effort. Both options will yield delicious results, so it ultimately depends on your time and preference!
The Role of Cooking Oil in Banana Pudding Cake
Cooking oil is a key ingredient in this recipe because it contributes to the cake’s moisture, texture, and flavor balance. Unlike butter, which adds richness and a distinct flavor, oil keeps the cake light, soft, and tender, ensuring it pairs well with the creamy pudding and fresh bananas.
For more details on choosing the best cooking oil for your recipes, consult our full article here.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (12 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fats: 15g
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of Southern flavors. With its creamy pudding layer, moist banana-infused cake, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it’s a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Start baking and enjoy the smiles this dessert brings to your table!
For more inspiration, explore the History of Banana Pudding and discover the charm behind this iconic dish.
How is a pudding cake different from a regular cake?
A pudding cake is unique compared to a regular cake because it incorporates pudding (either as a separate layer or within the batter). Here’s how they differ:
Texture: Pudding cakes are incredibly moist and often have a creamier texture due to the addition of pudding or custard layers.
Flavor: The pudding intensifies the flavor, creating a richer and more indulgent dessert.
Presentation: Many pudding cakes, like banana pudding cake, have visible layers of pudding, cake, and toppings, making them visually appealing.
Method: While regular cakes are straightforward, pudding cakes often include steps like poking holes to fill the cake with pudding, giving them their distinctive layers.
This combination of cake and pudding elevates the dessert, making it a hybrid that’s both comforting and luxurious.
When making banana pudding, how do you keep the bananas from turning brown?
Bananas tend to brown due to oxidation, but you can prevent this in your banana pudding with these tips:
Acidic Coating: Lightly coat banana slices with lemon juice, lime juice, or pineapple juice. The acidity slows the oxidation process.
Immediate Assembly: Add banana slices to the pudding just before assembling the dessert. Cover them with pudding or whipped topping to block air exposure.
Use Fresh Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but firm. Overripe bananas brown faster.
Refrigeration: Keep the banana pudding refrigerated as soon as it’s assembled to slow down the browning process.
These steps ensure that your banana pudding stays fresh-looking and delicious for your guests!
Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of milk for pudding?
Yes, you can use sweetened condensed milk in pudding recipes, but some adjustments are necessary:
– Dilution: Sweetened condensed milk is much thicker and sweeter than regular milk. Mix it with water or plain milk (1 part condensed milk to 1 part water) to achieve the proper consistency.
– Adjust sugar: Since condensed milk is very sweet, reduce or eliminate additional sugar in the recipe.
– Rich flavor: Using condensed milk will result in a creamier, richer pudding, making it a luxurious alternative.
For example, many banana pudding recipes already incorporate condensed milk for its flavor-enhancing properties. Just ensure the consistency fits your specific pudding preparation.
How is pudding made from scratch?
Making pudding from scratch is simpler than it seems. Here’s a basic method for homemade vanilla pudding:
Ingredients:
2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Steps:
Mix dry ingredients: Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan.
Add milk gradually: Slowly whisk in milk to avoid lumps.
Cook on medium heat: Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to boil gently.
Temper the eggs: Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture to the yolks to warm them up, then pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
Cook until thickened: Continue cooking on low heat for 1-2 minutes until the pudding reaches your desired consistency.
Flavor and cool: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and cool the pudding before using.
What can you use in banana pudding instead of wafers?
While vanilla wafers are traditional, there are several alternatives you can use in banana pudding:
– Shortbread cookies: These buttery cookies add richness to the dessert.
– Graham crackers: Their light sweetness pairs well with the bananas and pudding.
– Biscoff cookies: For a spiced flavor, try these caramelized biscuits.
– Ladyfingers: Often used in tiramisu, they create a soft and elegant texture.
– Oatmeal cookies: For a chewy, hearty option, oatmeal cookies work beautifully.
What happens when you add pudding mix to cake batter?
Adding pudding mix to cake batter is a popular baking hack that enhances both the texture and flavor of the cake. Here’s what happens:
Moisture Boost: The pudding mix adds extra moisture, resulting in a cake that is soft, rich, and less likely to dry out.
Enhanced Flavor: Using a flavored pudding mix, such as banana or vanilla, deepens the flavor profile of the cake, making it more indulgent.
Better Structure: The pudding mix adds density, giving the cake a firmer yet tender texture that holds its shape well for layering or decorating.
Improved Shelf Life: Cakes made with pudding mix tend to stay fresh longer due to the added moisture and stabilizers in the mix.
This simple addition can elevate a boxed cake mix to feel and taste like a homemade creation!
I highly recommend watching these videos to see the step-by-step preparation of this delicious Banana Pudding Cake. You’ll love the tips and techniques shared to make the perfect dessert!
Here is a second video
