Banana Pudding Cake

All the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding baked into one creamy, dreamy cake!
If you’re a fan of classic Southern banana pudding, prepare to fall in love with its cake-style cousin. This Banana Pudding Cake combines soft yellow cake, creamy banana pudding, fresh banana slices, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy vanilla wafers for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s cool, creamy, and bursting with banana flavor in every bite—perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a sweet dose of comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 5.1 oz box instant banana-flavored pudding mix
- 3½ cups whole milk
- 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 12 vanilla wafers, crushed (plus extra whole wafers for garnish, if desired)
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or as directed on your cake mix box).
Prepare the yellow cake batter according to package instructions. Pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely—this is important for the pudding layer to set properly.
2. Prepare the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and 3½ cups of cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to finish setting.
3. Assemble the Layers
Once the cake is cool, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface.
Pour the banana pudding over the cake, using a spatula to smooth it evenly and gently push it into the holes.
Top with a generous layer of sliced bananas.
4. Add the Toppings
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the banana slices, covering the whole cake.
Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers on top for a sweet, crunchy finish. Garnish with whole wafers or extra banana slices for a picture-perfect presentation.
5. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving so everything sets beautifully and the flavors come together. Serve chilled and enjoy that irresistible blend of soft, creamy, and crunchy!
Quick Tips
- Use ripe (but not overripe) bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Want a tropical twist? Add a few crushed pineapple bits into the pudding layer.
- Make it ahead! This cake tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
Servings: 12
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