Easy Banana Pudding Cake

It’s hard to resist a slice of Easy Banana Pudding Cake when the aroma of freshly baked cake fills your kitchen. I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering—it was an instant hit! The creamy layers and the sweet taste of ripe bananas always remind me of those warm summer evenings spent on the porch with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a memory maker that brings people together. Whenever I have ripe bananas sitting on the counter, I can’t help but think of this delightful treat. It’s so simple to whip up and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy family dinner. The best part? You get to enjoy it chilled, making it a refreshing dessert even on warm days.

Everything You Need for Easy Banana Pudding Cake

Creating the perfect Easy Banana Pudding Cake starts with the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing this dish to life. The star here is the yellow cake mix, which serves as a delightful base. The bananas add sweetness and moisture, while the Cool Whip and instant pudding mix create a creamy, luscious frosting that makes this dessert truly special. Let’s take a look at the essential ingredients:

• 1 (approx 15 ounce box) yellow cake mix: This is the foundation of the cake, providing sweetness and structure.
• 1 cup milk: Adds moisture to the cake and helps create a fluffy texture.
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed): These not only add flavor but also keep the cake moist and tender.
• 3 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the cake its structure.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
• 1 (18 ounce) container Cool Whip: Used in the frosting for a creamy and light texture.
• 1 (13.4 ounce) box instant banana pudding mix: Adds flavor and thickness to the frosting.
• Bananas and vanilla wafers for garnish (optional): These are great for topping your cake and adding a decorative touch.

How to Make Easy Banana Pudding Cake

Making Easy Banana Pudding Cake is a delightful experience. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a gorgeous cake ready in no time!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises well. While the oven is heating, take a 9×13-inch pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, ¾ cup of milk, the mashed bananas, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a whisk or a hand mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well-blended. You’ll notice the beautiful banana aroma filling your kitchen as you mix.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Make sure to spread it evenly for uniform baking. Place it in the oven once it’s ready and let it bake for about 25 to 32 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—the toothpick should come out clean when the cake is done.
4. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is critical as it allows the cake to set and makes frosting easier.
5. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In another bowl, combine the Cool Whip, the remaining ¼ cup of milk, and the instant banana pudding mix. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed and creamy. This frosting is light and fluffy, making it the perfect topping for your cake.
6. After the cake has cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. You can use a spatula to make it smooth and even. This is where the cake starts to come to life!
7. For a decorative touch, garnish with additional slices of banana and crushed vanilla wafers. This not only looks amazing but also adds extra flavor and texture.
8. Once garnished, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. This cake stays delicious for up to three days when covered properly.

Customization Ideas

If you’re looking to personalize your Easy Banana Pudding Cake, there are a multitude of options to consider. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake without the banana decoration for up to a month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of pudding mix for the frosting, like chocolate or vanilla.
• Adding Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the cake.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

What Goes Well With This Easy Banana Pudding Cake

• Ice Cream: Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or berries complement the flavors nicely.
• Coffee or Tea: Perfect for an afternoon treat with a cup of your favorite brew.
• Picnics: This cake is an excellent option for summer picnics; it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Celebrations: Great for birthdays, family gatherings, or any festive occasion.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Banana Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of cake and pudding in one delicious treat. Its moist texture and creamy frosting make it truly special. I encourage you to try making this cake; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Experience the joy of sharing it with friends and family—it’s a recipe that creates not just a dessert, but memories to cherish.

Easy Banana Pudding Cake

The ultimate comfort food, this Easy Banana Pudding Cake is creamy, light, and simply delightful. With layers of moist cake and luscious frosting, it's perfect for any occasion. Make it tonight for a sweet treat that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 box yellow cake mix approx 15 ounces
• 1 cup milk
• 2 pieces ripe bananas mashed
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 container Cool Whip 18 ounces
• 1 box instant banana pudding mix 13.4 ounces
• 1 banana Bananas for garnish, optional
• 1 packet Vanilla Wafers for garnish, optional

Instructions

 

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, ¾ cup of milk, the mashed bananas, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
• 3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• 4. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
• 5. In another bowl, mix together the Cool Whip, remaining ¼ cup milk, and instant banana pudding mix until creamy.
• 6. Frost the cooled cake with the prepared frosting.
• 7. Garnish with slices of banana and crushed vanilla wafers if desired.
• 8. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can use any kind of milk or nondairy milk for this recipe.
• Tip 2: For Cool Whip Frosting, you can use any flavor pudding mix.
• Tip 3: Store cake in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tip 4: Bananas will darken, so remove them from the decoration when storing.
• Tip 5: Cake can be frozen (without banana decoration) for up to a month.

Keyword Banana Dessert, Banana Pudding Cake, Comfort Food, Easy Cake Recipe