This Banana Pudding Cake is the perfect combination of moist banana cake and creamy banana pudding, all finished with a light, fluffy topping. It tastes just like classic banana pudding—but in cake form. Soft, rich, and packed with real banana flavor, this is the kind of dessert people ask you to bring again and again.
It’s ideal for potlucks, holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
-
Butter, softened – 2 sticks
-
Granulated sugar – 1¾ cups
-
Eggs – 3 large
-
Egg whites – 2
-
Vanilla extract – 3 teaspoons
-
All-purpose flour – 3 cups
-
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
-
Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
-
Salt – ½ teaspoon
-
Ripe bananas, mashed – 1½ cups
-
Buttermilk – 1 cup
Banana Pudding Layer
-
Instant banana pudding mix – 1 (5.1 oz) box
-
Cold milk – 2 cups
Topping
-
Whipped topping, thawed – 1 (8 oz) container
-
Crushed vanilla wafers – 1½ cups
-
Banana slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs and egg whites, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the mashed bananas and buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
3. Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
5. Assemble
Spread the prepared pudding evenly over the cooled cake.
Top with whipped topping, smoothing it gently across the surface.
6. Finish
Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top. Add banana slices if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture and flavor.
Recipe Details
-
Prep Time: 20 minutes
-
Cook Time: 40 minutes
-
Chill Time: 2 hours
-
Total Time: About 3 hours
-
Servings: 12–15
Tips & Variations
-
Use extra-ripe bananas for the best flavor
-
Swap banana pudding for vanilla pudding if needed
-
Add a layer of sliced bananas between the pudding and whipped topping
-
Keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days