Introduction

Banana Pudding Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Southern dessert, combining moist yellow cake with creamy banana pudding and fresh bananas. Topped with whipped cream and vanilla wafers, this cake is perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any day.

The image shows a close-up of a square piece of creamy dessert with three layers. The bottom layer is a soft, yellow sponge cake with a light, airy texture. The middle layer is a thick, smooth, pale yellow custard that looks rich and slightly runny, blending a bit with the sponge below it. The top layer is a thick, white whipped cream, spread evenly with a slight texture from the spreading knife. A single round vanilla wafer cookie is placed vertically at the back edge of the whipped cream layer. The dessert sits on a shiny white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (prepared according to package directions with 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs)
5.1 ounces instant banana-flavored pudding

3½ cups whole milk (cold)
2 to 3 bananas (peeled and sliced very thin, no more than ¼-inch thick)

8 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping (thawed)
12 vanilla wafers (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baker’s spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, vegetable oil, eggs, and dry cake mix. Whisk by hand for 1 minute until smooth with no lumps.
Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 4: Remove the cake from the oven and, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the warm cake. Let it cool slightly on the counter.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk the banana pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until combined. Do not let it sit for 5 minutes as directed on the package—keep it pourable.
Step 6: Pour half of the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Use the back of a large spoon to gently press the pudding into the holes.

Step 7: Pour the remaining pudding evenly over the cake and smooth out the surface.
Step 8: Arrange the thin banana slices in an even layer over the pudding.
Step 9: Spread the thawed Cool Whip over the bananas evenly. Garnish with vanilla wafers, placing one in the center of each serving.

Step 10: Refrigerate the cake for at least 12 hours or overnight before slicing and serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid browning and sogginess inside the cake.
Substitute homemade banana pudding for a fresher flavor if preferred.

For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts between the pudding layers.
Vanilla wafers can be crushed and sprinkled on top for a different garnish style.

Storage

Store banana pudding cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the whipped topping’s texture. When ready to serve again, enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for a softer cake. Do not freeze, as the pudding may separate.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square slice of a layered dessert on a white plate, showing three distinct layers: a bottom layer of light, fluffy yellow cake with a soft texture, a middle layer of creamy, smooth pale yellow pudding slightly oozing into the cake, and a top layer of thick, white whipped cream that looks soft and fluffy. On top of the whipped cream, there is a single round, light brown cookie standing upright. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake benefits from resting in the refrigerator overnight to allow the pudding to soak into the cake and the flavors to blend.

What can I use if I don’t have banana-flavored pudding?

If banana-flavored pudding is unavailable, vanilla pudding works as a good substitute, though it will alter the banana-forward flavor slightly. Adding extra sliced bananas helps maintain the banana taste.