Banana pudding cake is a delicious dessert that brings the comforting flavors of classic banana pudding into a moist and fluffy cake form. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake will impress everyone with its creamy texture and rich banana flavor. In this article, we will walk you through the process of making this cake from scratch, ensuring that you can create the perfect banana pudding cake in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Pudding Cake
Before we start making the cake, it’s important to gather all the ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (you can use a homemade recipe for cake batter if you prefer)
- 1 ½ cups of milk
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
For the Pudding Filling:
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 package (5.1 oz) of instant banana pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 bananas (sliced)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers (optional for a crunchy topping)
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
The first step in making a banana pudding cake is to bake the cake itself. While you can make a homemade cake batter, using a store-bought yellow cake mix is an easy and quick option.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat up.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes, until it is smooth and well-combined.
Prepare the baking pan: Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick while baking.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Filling
While the cake is cooling, you can start preparing the banana pudding filling. This part will give your banana pudding cake its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Mix the pudding: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and whole milk. Continue whisking for 2 minutes until the pudding thickens.
Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and sugar. This will enhance the flavor and make the pudding even more delicious.
Slice the bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds. Set them aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely and the pudding filling is ready, it’s time to assemble your banana pudding cake.
Layer the cake: Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. This will help the pudding soak into the cake, making it even more flavorful and moist.
Add the pudding: Pour the banana pudding filling over the cake. Spread it evenly across the entire surface, ensuring that the pudding fills the holes you made with the fork.
Add the bananas: Arrange the banana slices over the pudding. Try to distribute them evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Topping
The final step is to prepare the topping for your banana pudding cake. The creamy topping will add a light and fluffy finish to the dessert.
Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Spread the whipped cream: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the banana pudding and bananas, creating a smooth layer.
Optional topping: If you’d like to add a bit of crunch to your dessert, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the whipped cream. This will give your banana pudding cake that familiar crunchy texture found in traditional banana pudding.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Now that your banana pudding cake is assembled, it’s time to let it chill and set before serving.
Chill the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Chilling the cake helps the flavors meld together and allows the pudding to set properly.
Serve: After the cake has chilled, cut it into squares and serve. Each bite should be a perfect combination of moist cake, creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped cream.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Pudding Cake
Use ripe bananas: For the best flavor, use ripe bananas that are sweet and slightly speckled. They will add more natural sweetness to the cake.
Homemade cake: If you prefer homemade cake, substitute the store-bought cake mix with your favorite yellow cake recipe. Make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Add a bit of flavor to the cake: You can enhance the flavor of the cake by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. This will give it a warm, spicy flavor that complements the bananas.
Layer the cake creatively: Instead of layering the bananas directly on top of the pudding, try layering some banana slices into the cake batter before baking. This will infuse the cake with banana flavor.
For a lighter version: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this cake, you can use reduced-fat pudding mix and whipped topping. The flavor will still be delicious!
Conclusion
Banana pudding cake is a simple, yet indulgent dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana pudding and cake into one irresistible treat. With its creamy pudding filling, moist cake, and fresh bananas, it’s perfect for any occasion. By following these easy-to-understand steps, you can make a delicious banana pudding cake that will be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe will deliver a dessert that everyone will love.
Related topics
