Banana Pudding Cake Recipes

Banana pudding cake is a luscious dessert that blends the moistness of banana cake with the creamy indulgence of classic banana pudding, topped with fluffy whipped cream.

This irresistible combination offers layers of flavor and texture that delight every palate. Whether you’re preparing for a casual family gathering or a special celebration, mastering this recipe will elevate your baking skills and impress your guests.

Beyond just mixing ingredients, understanding how to select ripe bananas, prepare smooth pudding, and achieve the perfect whipped cream topping is key to success. This guide covers everything you need for a flawless, crowd-pleasing banana pudding cake.

Ingredients Checklist

To ensure your banana pudding cake turns out perfectly, gather all these essential ingredients, thoughtfully categorized for convenience:

For the Banana Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (provides structure and crumb)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (leavening agent for rise)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda (reacts with banana acidity for softness)

• ½ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor balance)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (adds moisture and richness)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetness and texture)

• 2 large eggs (binding and richness)

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (natural sweetness and moisture)

• ¼ cup sour cream (tenderizes cake and adds moisture)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (flavor enhancer)

For the Pudding Layer:

• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix (quick base for pudding)

• 2 ½ cups cold milk (activates pudding mix)

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (for whipping and creaminess)

• ¼ cup powdered sugar (sweetens whipped cream)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (aroma and flavor boost)

Step-by-Step Instructions

With the right ingredients ready, here is a clear, easy-to-follow process to build your banana pudding cake layer by layer.

Preparing the Banana Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

6. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Pudding Layer:

1. In a large bowl, whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.

2. In a separate chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to stiff peaks.

3. Gently fold whipped cream into the pudding to create a rich, fluffy layer.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the cake.

3. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining pudding mixture on top.

4. Optionally, garnish with sliced bananas, crushed vanilla wafers, or toasted coconut flakes for texture and presentation.

5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set.

Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving an exceptional banana pudding cake involves attention to detail. Here are essential tips to ensure flawless baking and assembling:

• Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.

• Sifting dry ingredients: This step prevents lumps and ensures even mixing, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

• Room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temperature for smoother batter and better rise.

• Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can develop gluten in flour, making the cake dense and tough.

• Whipping cream: Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping cream to achieve stiff peaks quickly and avoid graininess.

• Pudding consistency: Make pudding fresh and fold whipped cream gently to keep it airy and not watery.

• Cooling cakes: Ensure cakes are fully cooled before assembling to prevent pudding from melting or becoming runny.

• Storage: Cover the cake tightly in plastic wrap or a cake dome and refrigerate to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Banana pudding cake is versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance the eating experience. Here are some creative ideas:

• Fresh fruit: Add a vibrant touch with berries, kiwi slices, or pineapple chunks, offering a refreshing contrast.

• Caramel or chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce or melted chocolate adds decadence.

• Crunchy toppings: Crushed nuts, toasted coconut flakes, or crumbled vanilla wafers provide a pleasing crunch.

• Ice cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or banana-flavored ice cream for an indulgent treat.

• Beverage pairing: Complement the dessert with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk.

Final Thoughts

Banana pudding cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing masterpiece that combines moist banana cake, creamy pudding, and luscious whipped cream in perfect harmony.

By carefully selecting ripe bananas, mastering the pudding texture, and following precise assembly steps, you can create a cake that dazzles both in flavor and presentation.

Whether you are a novice baker or an experienced enthusiast, this recipe delivers a delightful and satisfying experience every time.

Keep the cake refrigerated to maintain its freshness, and don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings to make this classic your own signature dessert. Enjoy the timeless charm of banana pudding cake at any gathering, knowing you’ve crafted something truly special.