The Banana Pudding Cake brings the timeless flavor of creamy banana pudding into a beautiful, layered masterpiece. Sweet banana slices, silky vanilla pudding, and fluffy cake come together with buttery frosting and a crunchy Nilla Wafer crust to create a show-stopping dessert.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or cozy Sundays, this cake captures the comfort of Southern banana pudding in every bite. It’s a fun twist on a classic, blending nostalgic flavors with bakery-level beauty. Every forkful is a taste of sunshine and Southern charm.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
-
1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla pudding mix
-
2 cups cold milk
-
1/2 cup Cool Whip
-
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
-
5 cups powdered sugar
-
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
-
Pinch of kosher salt
-
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp heavy cream
-
2 bananas, sliced
-
1 cup crushed Nilla Wafers
-
Whole Nilla Wafers, for garnish
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 9″ round cake pans with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray.
-
Prepare cake mix as per box instructions. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
-
For the pudding: In a large bowl, mix vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thick, about 5 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip and set aside.
-
For the buttercream frosting: Beat softened butter with 3 cups powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy. Add remaining sugar and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.
-
Assembly: Level cake layers by slicing off the domes. Place one cake layer on a stand and spread pudding on top. Add sliced bananas (reserve a few for garnish). Top with the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake with buttercream, saving about 1 cup for piping.
-
Press crushed Nilla Wafers around the sides. Pipe decorative swirls on top and garnish with banana slices and whole Nilla Wafers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 575 kcal | Servings: 10 servings
Why Banana Pudding Cake is So Popular
Part of what makes this cake so beloved is how it marries texture and flavor in a perfect symphony. You get the light, moist vanilla cake layered with smooth, luscious banana pudding and airy whipped topping. Add the buttery crunch of Nilla Wafers on the sides, and you’ve got a combination that hits every sensory note: creamy, crunchy, soft, sweet, and a little salty.
It’s also a dessert that appeals to nearly everyone. Children love the banana flavor and soft textures, while adults appreciate the nostalgic value and unique presentation. It feels familiar yet fresh—a reimagining of a dessert that many grew up loving.
The Southern Roots Behind the Cake
Banana pudding has long been a staple in Southern cuisine. It’s traditionally served in glass dishes layered with sliced bananas, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and vanilla wafers. The Banana Pudding Cake takes all those comforting layers and transforms them into something that can hold its own at a dinner party or celebration.
The South is known for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes, and this cake is a perfect example. What starts with basic pantry items becomes a rich and satisfying dessert, thanks to thoughtful assembly and a bit of culinary creativity.
What Makes This Cake Stand Out
There are plenty of banana cakes out there, but the Banana Pudding Cake brings something truly special to the table. One key standout is the use of pudding between the layers. This not only keeps the cake incredibly moist but also brings that signature banana pudding flavor to the forefront.
Another defining feature is the buttercream frosting. While traditional banana pudding doesn’t involve frosting, the cake version leans into indulgence with a velvety buttercream that complements the pudding beautifully. The frosting also acts as the perfect canvas for decorating with crushed Nilla Wafers, banana slices, and piped swirls.
It’s also visually appealing. With its pale yellow hues and textured sides from the crushed cookies, it draws attention without being overly fussy. It looks homemade in the best way possible—charming, rustic, and inviting.
Occasions That Call for Banana Pudding Cake
This cake isn’t just for banana lovers. It’s ideal for birthdays, family reunions, Easter celebrations, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you want a dessert that’s memorable but not overly complicated. It travels well, makes a beautiful centerpiece, and has the kind of universal appeal that means it’ll likely be one of the first things to disappear from the dessert table.
In fact, many people find that it becomes their go-to dessert once they’ve made it for the first time. It’s not only delicious, but it also feels special without being pretentious.
Tips for Success
Although the recipe is relatively straightforward, a few tips can help ensure that your Banana Pudding Cake turns out perfectly every time:
1. Don’t overfill with pudding. It’s tempting to go heavy on the pudding between layers, but too much can make the cake unstable. Keep it light and spread it evenly for the best results.
2. Let the cakes cool completely. If you try to layer or frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting and pudding can melt and slide. Make sure the cake is cool before assembling.
3. Use ripe bananas. The banana flavor in the pudding layer will shine best when you use bananas that are fully ripe—yellow with brown speckles but not mushy.
4. Garnish just before serving. If you’re garnishing with banana slices, wait until just before serving to avoid browning. A light brush with lemon juice can help keep them fresh-looking.
5. Refrigerate before slicing. Giving the assembled cake some time in the fridge helps it firm up and makes slicing much easier and cleaner.
Customizing the Cake to Your Preferences
Like many great desserts, the Banana Pudding Cake can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. Want to add a chocolate twist? Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers or drizzle chocolate ganache on top. Prefer a lighter version? Use a whipped Greek yogurt topping instead of full buttercream.
You can also play around with the type of cake mix—yellow cake, butter cake, or even homemade vanilla cake all work well. If you’re avoiding processed ingredients, make the pudding and whipped topping from scratch. It takes a bit more effort, but the results are worth it.
This cake is also easy to scale. Make a towering three-layer version for a celebration, or halve the recipe and prepare it as a two-layer or sheet cake for casual dinners. You can even create banana pudding cupcakes using the same components, perfect for party-friendly portions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Banana Pudding Cake stores well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the cake moist and the banana slices fresh.
If you’re prepping for a big event, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. The pudding and frosting can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Assemble the cake the day of your event for the best presentation and freshness.
A Crowd-Pleaser Worth Repeating
What’s truly magical about the Banana Pudding Cake is how it brings people together. It evokes feelings of comfort and warmth while still delivering that “wow” factor. It doesn’t rely on trendy ingredients or complex techniques—just a thoughtful combination of simple, beloved components.
The experience of eating this cake is pure joy. Each bite offers something different: the soft crumb of the vanilla cake, the creamy sweetness of the pudding, the richness of buttercream, and the unexpected crunch from those Nilla Wafers. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor.
Conclusion: A New Classic in the Making
The Banana Pudding Cake is more than just a fun twist on a traditional Southern dessert—it’s a testament to how powerful flavor memories can be. It captures the essence of banana pudding in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone looking to try something new, this cake is approachable, delightful, and unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a cake that brings comfort, creativity, and celebration into one delicious package, Banana Pudding Cake is the recipe to try. It’s bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation—and one that your guests will request time and time again.