Banana Pudding Cake is the perfect blend of creamy, indulgent flavors and soft, fluffy cake. Layers of moist cake are paired with a luscious homemade banana pudding, topped off with a generous amount of whipped cream and sliced bananas.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Banana Pudding Cake
Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for the best flavor. However, avoid overly ripe bananas, as they can turn mushy in the cake. If you want to prevent the banana slices from browning, you can lightly sprinkle them with lemon juice.
Cake Texture: For an extra moist cake, consider replacing the water with milk or adding a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter. This will enhance the richness and tenderness of the cake.
Pudding Layer: Use cold milk to prepare the pudding for a thick, creamy texture. If you prefer a firmer pudding layer, reduce the amount of milk slightly or use half-and-half instead of regular milk.
Make-Ahead: This Banana Pudding Cake can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge. This gives it even more time for the flavors to develop, and it’s perfect for busy cooks!
Variations of Banana Pudding Cake
Banana Pudding Cake is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. Here are some ideas to switch up the recipe:
- Chocolate Banana Pudding Cake: Add a layer of chocolate pudding between the cake and banana slices for a decadent twist.
- Banana Caramel Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake after adding the whipped cream for a sweet, rich flavor.
- Coconut Banana Pudding Cake: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter or sprinkle some on top of the whipped cream for a tropical touch.
- Nilla Wafer Alternatives: If you want to shake things up, you could substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers or even crushed shortbread cookies.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cake
Banana Pudding Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and is best served chilled. You can cut it into squares or scoop out a portion with a large spoon. For an added touch, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top. It’s an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, barbecues, or any special occasion.
How to Store Banana Pudding Cake
To keep your Banana Pudding Cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It should be kept refrigerated to prevent the bananas from browning and to maintain the creamy texture of the pudding and whipped topping. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix? Yes, you can use homemade pudding for an even richer flavor. However, instant pudding is often preferred for its quick preparation and creamy texture.
Can I freeze Banana Pudding Cake? Freezing Banana Pudding Cake is not recommended as the bananas may become mushy and the pudding layer could separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cake without the pudding and topping, then assemble it later.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free? You can make Banana Pudding Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on your pudding mix and vanilla wafers.
How do I make the cake less sweet? If you want to reduce the sweetness of the dessert, you can cut down on the amount of sugar in the whipped topping or use a sugar-free pudding mix.
Banana Pudding Cake
Banana Pudding Cake is the perfect blend of creamy, indulgent flavors and soft, fluffy cake. Layers of moist cake are paired with a luscious homemade banana pudding, topped off with a generous amount of whipped cream and sliced bananas.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 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 Pudding Layer:
- 5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (XL box)
- 2 2/3 cups whole milk
For the Banana Layer:
- 7 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the bottom of a 9x13-inch Pyrex baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, mashed bananas, eggs, water, and oil. Whisk until smooth with a few banana chunks.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready! Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Pudding: While the cake cools, make the pudding. In an electric mixer, combine the instant pudding mix with the milk. Beat for 2 minutes to thicken it up (you’re using slightly less milk for a thicker texture).
- Layer It Up: Once the cake is cool, spread the pudding evenly over the top. Arrange the banana slices on top of the pudding layer.
- Whip the Cream: In the same stand mixer bowl, beat the heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. This means the whipped cream should hold its shape when you stop mixing. Spread it over the bananas, covering them completely.
- Finish with Vanilla Wafers: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for that classic crunch. Cover the dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Yield
24Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 283Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 54mgSodium 253mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 1gSugar 24gProtein 4g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Pudding Cake is an easy, yet luxurious dessert that will elevate any meal or occasion. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out one of the variations, this treat is sure to be loved by everyone who tries it. With its layers of moist cake, creamy pudding, and fresh bananas, it’s a perfect dessert that will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your love for comforting, nostalgic flavors. Happy baking!
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