Old School Banana Pudding Cake

This Old School Banana Pudding Cake is a nostalgic dessert that brings together layers of soft yellow cake, creamy banana pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Topped with fresh banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat! The combination of cake and pudding makes it irresistibly moist, and the chilled whipped cream adds the perfect finishing touch.

This Old School Banana Pudding Cake brings the flavors of a classic banana pudding dessert into a soft, fluffy cake. With layers of moist yellow cake, creamy banana pudding, and light whipped cream, it’s the ultimate nostalgic comfort dessert. The added texture of crushed vanilla wafers on top makes it even more irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this cake is sure to become a favorite!

INGREDIENTS

• Yellow cake mix: 1 box, to make the fluffy cake base.
• Water: 1 cup, for the cake batter.
• Vegetable oil: ½ cup, to add moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: 3 large, to provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor in the cake.
• Cold milk: 2 cups, to make the banana pudding.
• Instant banana pudding mix: 1 package (3.4 oz), for the creamy banana layer.
• Whipped cream: 1 cup, folded into the pudding for extra creaminess.
• Ripe bananas: 2-3 sliced, for the banana flavor throughout the cake.
• Heavy whipping cream: 1 cup, for the whipped cream topping.
• Powdered sugar: 2 tablespoons, to sweeten the whipped cream.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to flavor the whipped cream.
• Additional banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers: For garnish on top of the cake.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 3:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 4:

In a medium bowl, whisk cold milk and instant banana pudding mix for about 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.

Step 5:

Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork. Spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the cake. Top with sliced bananas and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the pudding layer.

Step 6:

In a bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the banana pudding layer.

Step 7:

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with additional banana slices and more crushed vanilla wafers.

Serving and Storage Tips

• This cake should be stored in the refrigerator due to the whipped cream and banana layers. It can be kept covered for up to 3 days, but is best eaten within 1-2 days for the freshest flavor.
• For added crunch, garnish with extra vanilla wafers just before serving to prevent them from getting soft in the refrigerator.

Helpful Notes

• If you want to save time, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of making homemade whipped cream.
• For a more intense banana flavor, you can use banana extract in the cake batter in place of vanilla extract.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Many chefs recommend using ripe bananas for the best flavor in banana desserts. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be.

Why You’ll Love This Old School Banana Pudding Cake

This Old School Banana Pudding Cake is the ultimate nostalgic dessert, combining the creamy richness of banana pudding with the light fluffiness of yellow cake. The addition of whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers gives it a delicious texture, while the fresh banana slices add a pop of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a comforting treat, this cake is sure to bring back fond memories of classic banana pudding desserts.

Creative Variations for Your Banana Pudding Cake

If you’re looking to switch things up, you can try adding a layer of caramel sauce between the cake and pudding for a caramel-banana twist. You can also experiment with adding other fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, for a fresh fruity variation. For a chocolate version, drizzle chocolate sauce over the whipped cream topping or add chocolate chips to the cake batter!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake and prepare the banana pudding layer a day in advance. Assemble the cake and keep it in the refrigerator. Add the whipped cream and garnishes just before serving.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla cake mix or even white cake mix for a different flavor. You can also make a homemade yellow cake if you prefer.

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can use vanilla or even chocolate pudding mix for a different flavor combination. Just make sure to pair it with complementary garnishes like chocolate chips or berries.

Can I freeze this cake?

It’s best not to freeze this cake, as the banana slices and whipped cream won’t hold up well after thawing. However, you can freeze the cake layers before assembling if needed.

Summary

This Old School Banana Pudding Cake combines the flavors of traditional banana pudding with soft layers of yellow cake, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. With its creamy banana pudding layer and light whipped cream topping, this cake is both nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for anyone who loves a classic Southern dessert!