Description
This Banana Pudding Cake is a decadent Southern dessert combining moist yellow cake with creamy banana pudding and whipped cream, layered with crunchy vanilla wafers and garnished with fresh bananas. Perfectly sweet and luscious, it’s an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
Banana Pudding Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers, crushed or whole
- 1 ripe banana, sliced (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mashed bananas, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Banana Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Place the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes to set.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled banana pudding mixture to create a light and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the banana pudding and whipped cream mixture evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers.
- Add Second Layer and Garnish: Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the top layer. Garnish with more vanilla wafers, banana slices, and dollops of whipped cream as desired.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the sweetest and most flavorful cake.
- To prevent banana slices from browning, toss them lightly with lemon juice before garnishing.
- This cake can be layered trifle-style in a large glass bowl or dish for a different presentation.
