Description
Banana Pudding Cake is a creamy, layered dessert that combines moist vanilla cake, rich banana pudding, fresh bananas, fluffy whipped cream, and classic vanilla wafers into one irresistible treat. Perfect for a quick dessert, easy party recipe, holiday gathering, potluck favorite, or comforting family dessert, this chilled banana pudding cake delivers nostalgic flavor in every bite. This easy recipe is ideal for dessert lovers looking for simple food ideas that feel bakery-worthy without complicated steps. The combination of soft cake layers, creamy pudding filling, and fresh bananas creates a refreshing dessert that tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 boxes instant banana cream pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
4 cups cold whole milk
1/2 teaspoon banana extract
4 ripe bananas sliced
1 box vanilla wafers
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for whipped cream
1/4 cup crushed vanilla wafers for garnish
2 banana slices for garnish
2 tablespoons caramel drizzle optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling the dessert.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
6. Stir in the banana extract and refrigerate the pudding for 5 minutes.
7. Slice the bananas evenly and prepare the vanilla wafers.
8. Spread a layer of banana pudding over the cooled cake.
9. Add a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of vanilla wafers.
10. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used.
11. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
12. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top layer.
13. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers, banana slices, and caramel drizzle if desired.
14. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
15. Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy.
Notes
Use ripe bananas with yellow peels and brown spots for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
Chilling the dessert overnight creates the best consistency and allows the vanilla wafers to soften perfectly.
Add fresh banana slices on top just before serving to keep the garnish looking fresh and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: banana pudding cake, easy dessert, banana dessert, layered pudding cake, vanilla wafer dessert, chilled dessert, easy recipe, party dessert