Grandma’s Cozy Old School Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this classic banana pudding cake that weaves nostalgic memories into every delectable bite.

Grandmothers whispered sweet secrets about layering creamy textures and rich flavors across generations.

Soft vanilla cake mingles with ripe bananas, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Creamy pudding swirls between tender cake layers, promising indulgence with each forkful.

Vanilla wafers add delightful crunch, breaking through smooth custard landscapes.

Comfort settles into every slice, connecting you with cherished family traditions.

Wake up your taste buds and dive into this irresistible Southern classic that promises pure, blissful delight.

FAQs

• What makes the banana pudding cake different from other desserts?

This cake combines the classic flavors of banana pudding with a traditional cake, creating a nostalgic and creamy dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

• Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Yes, you can experiment with other pudding flavors like vanilla or cheesecake to create a unique twist on the original recipe.

• Is this dessert good for potlucks or parties?

Absolutely! The cake is easy to transport, serves multiple people, and has a crowd-pleasing combination of flavors that everyone loves.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

Not at all. This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic mixing and assembly skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels.

Banana Pudding Cake Throwback

• Whip Up Nostalgia: Dive into a classic dessert that brings back memories of grandma's kitchen with layers of creamy banana goodness and crunchy vanilla wafers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where everyone craves a slice of sweet, familiar happiness.
• Super Simple Showstopper: Requires minimal baking skills and uses convenient ingredients like instant pudding mix and cake mix, making it a stress-free dessert for home cooks of all levels.
• Texture Treasure: Combines soft cake, smooth pudding, crispy wafers, and fresh banana slices for a delightful mix of textures that dance on your taste buds.

Pudding Cake Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient mix that provides the foundational structure for the banana pudding cake.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients and provide richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Instant Banana Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, banana-flavored filling that defines this classic dessert.
• Cold Milk: Activates the pudding mix and creates a smooth consistency.
• Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and extra creaminess to the pudding layer.

• Bananas, Sliced: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and classic banana flavor.
• Vanilla Wafers, Crushed: Provides a delightful crunch and traditional banana pudding texture.
• Heavy Cream: Used to create a fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the whipped cream topping.

Baking Banana Pudding Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 350°F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease and flour to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Base

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Whip Up Banana Pudding

In a medium bowl, blend cold milk with instant banana pudding mix.

Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Gently fold in whipped cream until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Transform the Cake

Use a fork to create numerous holes across the cooled cake surface.

Carefully spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the entire cake.

Layer with fresh banana slices and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers generously.

Step 6: Create Fluffy Topping

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until stiff peaks form.

Spread the creamy topping over the banana pudding layer.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Before serving, garnish with additional banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for extra crunch.

Tips For Vintage Pudding Cake

• Toss sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent quick discoloration.
• Use overripe bananas in the pudding layer for a more intense, natural banana taste.
• Toast vanilla wafers briefly in the oven to enhance their flavor and maintain crispness under the creamy layers.
• Let cake cool completely before adding pudding to prevent soggy consistency and ensure clean, distinct layers.
• Chill mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream for faster, fluffier peaks that hold their shape better.

Ways To Switch Up Banana Cake

• Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Banana Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use dairy-free milk, and coconut whipped cream for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Banana Treat: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free pudding mix, and reduce overall sugar content.
• Chocolate Banana Remix: Add cocoa powder to the cake mix, use chocolate pudding instead of banana pudding, and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.

Serving Banana Pudding Cake

• Dessert Island Paradise: Top it with extra sliced bananas for a fresh, colorful burst of flavor that screams tropical delight.
• Crunch Celebration: Sprinkle additional crushed vanilla wafers just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and add delightful crunch.
• Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream to complement the banana pudding cake's rich, smooth profile.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the visual appeal and add subtle depth to the dessert.

Storing Pudding Cake

• Store the banana pudding cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's moisture and creamy texture.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the whipped cream and pudding layers for the best flavor and texture.

Old School Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets dessert magic in this classic banana pudding cake that weaves nostalgic flavors into every delightful slice. Creamy layers and sweet banana essence promise a delectable journey through Southern baking traditions you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 2–3 ripe bananas (sliced)
• 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

Topping and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional banana slices (for garnish)
• Crushed vanilla wafers (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing and dusting with flour. Set oven temperature to 350F (175C).
2. Create cake batter by mixing cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth consistency.
3. Transfer batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring a clean toothpick test indicates complete cooking. Allow cake to cool entirely.
4. Craft pudding mixture by whisking cold milk with instant banana pudding mix for approximately 2 minutes until thickening occurs. Gently incorporate whipped cream for a uniform texture.
5. Use a fork to create multiple holes across the cooled cake surface. Distribute banana pudding evenly over entire cake. Layer sliced bananas and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers atop pudding.
6. Prepare whipped cream by combining heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form. Carefully spread whipped cream over banana pudding layer.
7. Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours to set. Before serving, garnish with additional banana slices and extra crushed vanilla wafers for enhanced visual appeal and texture.

Notes

• Adapt the cake mix for gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before adding to the cake, which helps maintain their fresh appearance.
• Create a lighter version by using sugar-free pudding mix and replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt for reduced calories.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding layer, which complements the banana’s natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg