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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing and dusting with flour. Set oven temperature to 350F (175C).
- Create cake batter by mixing cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth consistency.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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