The Best Banana Pudding Cake Recipe to Wow Every Crowd

Banana pudding cake recipe is more than just dessert—it’s a family tradition in my kitchen. I’m Helen, the home cook behind Easy Tasty Kitchen, and this cake takes me back to childhood memories of cooking beside my mom and sharing cozy meals with loved ones. Over the years, I’ve perfected this creamy, flavorful, and ultra-moist cake to make it simple enough for any home baker. Whether you’re hosting or craving comfort, this cake brings everyone to the table. Let’s bake something special together!

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Understanding Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

What is Banana Pudding Cake?

This banana pudding cake recipe blends the nostalgic creaminess of traditional banana pudding with the light, tender crumb of a perfectly baked cake. It’s made with instant pudding, ripe bananas, moist cake layers, and often topped with whipped cream and vanilla wafers. This dessert is rich, nostalgic, and perfect for any gathering.

Difference Between Banana Cake and Banana Pudding Cake

While banana cake uses mashed bananas baked into the batter, banana pudding cake includes pudding mix and layered fresh bananas. Banana cake is typically frosted and served warm, while banana pudding cake is chilled, creamier, and often layered with cookies or whipped topping.

Feature	Banana Cake	Banana Pudding Cake
Banana Flavor	Mashed bananas	Pudding + banana slices
Texture	Light and fluffy	Creamy and moist
Topping	Frosting	Whipped cream
Layers	Single or double cake	Pudding, bananas, cake

Looking for more banana dessert ideas? Don’t miss our family-favorite banana nut bread recipe—a classic that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Why Add Pudding to Cake Mix?

What Happens When You Add a Box of Pudding to a Cake Mix?

In a banana pudding cake recipe, adding a box of instant pudding makes the cake extra moist and flavorful. It enhances the banana flavor while creating a soft, rich texture that stays fresh longer. It’s a simple trick that gives bakery-level results using everyday ingredients.

The Science Behind Moist Texture in Pudding Cakes

Instant pudding mix contains starches that lock in moisture and emulsifiers that create a smoother, denser crumb. This means your cake comes out tender, moist, and full of flavor—perfect for a banana pudding cake that needs to hold up under creamy layers.

Key Ingredients for a Moist Banana Pudding Cake

Core Ingredients in Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

To create the perfect banana pudding cake recipe, you need a balance of flavor, texture, and moisture. These core ingredients ensure your cake captures the essence of traditional banana pudding while delivering a rich, bakery-style finish.

• Ripe Bananas – Essential for a bold banana flavor. Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and help bind the batter in the banana pudding cake recipe.
• Yellow Cake Mix – A reliable base that keeps the recipe easy and consistent every time.
• Instant Banana or Vanilla Pudding Mix – The heart of this banana pudding cake recipe. It brings in moisture, enhances banana flavor, and gives the cake its pudding-like richness.
• Eggs – Help with structure and add richness to the overall cake.
• Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter – Keeps the cake tender and prevents it from drying out.
• Milk or Water – Activates the pudding mix and ensures a smooth batter.
• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip or homemade) – Perfect for layering and topping to create that signature creamy finish.
• Vanilla Wafers – Crushed or whole, they bring classic banana pudding texture and crunch to your banana pudding cake.

These ingredients work together to create a banana pudding cake recipe that’s not only soft and moist but packed with nostalgic flavor in every bite.

Optional Add-ins for Flavor and Texture

Want to customize your banana pudding cake and make it even more memorable? These add-ins give your recipe a unique twist while staying true to the comforting banana pudding vibe:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Adds tang and richness, helping the cake stay moist even longer.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg – Warm spices that complement the banana flavors beautifully.
• Sweetened Cream Cheese Layer – A swirl or layer of cream cheese takes the decadence of your banana pudding cake recipe up a notch.
• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts – Add a crunchy contrast that plays well with the soft cake and pudding.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – A gourmet touch for extra depth of flavor.
• Fresh Banana Slices – Layered between the pudding and cake, they bring freshness and elevate the authenticity of the banana pudding cake recipe.

With these ingredients and variations, you can keep your cake classic or give it a personalized twist while ensuring every version stays true to the delicious heart of the banana pudding cake recipe.

Step-by-Step Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

Preparing the Batter: Techniques and Tips

Creating a flawless banana pudding cake recipe starts with the batter. Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish or two 9-inch round pans.
2. Mash 2–3 very ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the stronger the flavor.
3. In a large bowl, combine 1 box yellow cake mix, 1 small box (3.4 oz) of instant banana or vanilla pudding mix, 3 eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup milk (or water), and the mashed bananas.
4. Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the batter is smooth and thick. Don’t overmix—this helps maintain a tender crumb.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s), smoothing out the top with a spatula.

This banana pudding cake batter will be thicker than traditional cake batters—that’s a good thing. The pudding helps create a rich, dense cake that holds up beautifully under creamy layers.

Baking and Cooling: How to Get It Just Right

Once your batter is ready, it’s time to bake your banana pudding cake to perfection:

• Bake for 30–35 minutes if using a 9×13 pan, or 25–30 minutes for round pans.
• The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
• Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack. A cool cake ensures your pudding and whipped layers won’t melt or slide off.

After cooling, you can move on to assembling your banana pudding cake layers. If you’re using a 9×13, you’ll add the pudding and toppings directly in the pan. For layer cakes, you can slice the cakes horizontally and add pudding, banana slices, and whipped topping between each layer.

Best Pudding Types and Banana Layering Techniques

Choosing the Right Instant Pudding Mix

For the best banana pudding cake recipe, go with instant banana cream pudding for bold banana flavor or vanilla pudding for a classic twist. Both add moisture and richness, but banana cream brings a nostalgic pudding taste that really shines.

How to Layer Bananas Without Turning Brown

To keep bananas fresh in your banana pudding cake, slice just-ripe bananas and dip them lightly in lemon or pineapple juice. This slows browning. Fully cover each layer with pudding or whipped cream to seal in freshness and prevent discoloration.

Frosting and Topping Options

Homemade Whipped Cream vs. Store-Bought

A key element in a great banana pudding cake recipe is the creamy, fluffy topping—and you’ve got two solid choices:

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Made with heavy cream, a touch of sugar, and vanilla extract, it’s rich, fresh, and has a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the pudding layers. Whip it until soft peaks form for a light, airy finish.
• Cool Whip or Store-Bought Whipped Topping: Super convenient, stable, and easy to spread. It holds up well in the fridge and is great for make-ahead cakes.

Both work beautifully—just choose what fits your time and taste.

Creative Garnishing Ideas: Cookies, Nuts, and More

Top your banana pudding cake recipe with fun, flavorful garnishes that bring crunch and visual appeal:

• Crushed Vanilla Wafers – A classic banana pudding touch that adds crunch and nostalgia.
• Whole Wafers Lined Around the Edge – Great for presentation at parties or potlucks.
• Sliced Bananas (add just before serving) – Adds freshness and reinforces the banana theme.
• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts – For a crunchy, nutty contrast.
• Drizzle of Caramel or Chocolate Sauce – Adds richness and flair.
• Crumbled Nilla Wafers or Graham Crackers – Sprinkle just before serving to keep the crunch.

Your banana pudding cake doesn’t just have to taste amazing—it can look the part too!

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Instructions

Can You Freeze Banana Pudding Cake?

Freezing a banana pudding cake recipe is possible, but there are a few things to consider:

• Freeze the Cake Layers Only: If you’re planning ahead, bake the cake layers first, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling with pudding and bananas.
• Avoid Freezing Fresh Bananas and Pudding Layers: Fresh bananas tend to turn mushy when frozen, and pudding can separate. Assemble the cake fresh for the best texture and taste.

If you must freeze the entire cake, do it in individual slices and be sure to wrap them well. It won’t be as perfect in texture, but it’ll still taste delicious!

How Long Does It Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

A fully assembled banana pudding cake stays fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator:

• Store it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
• Keep it chilled to maintain the whipped topping and banana freshness.
• Banana slices may start to brown after 2 days, so if appearance is important, layer them close to serving time.

Tip: Add crushed wafers just before serving to keep them crisp.

Variations of Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

Southern Style Banana Pudding Cake

This version of the banana pudding cake recipe layers banana slices, vanilla wafers, pudding, and soft cake—sometimes topped with whipped cream or meringue. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake and Cupcakes

• Poke Cake: Poke holes in a baked cake, pour banana pudding over it, and chill. Top with whipped cream and crushed wafers.
• Cupcakes: Fill banana-flavored cupcakes with pudding and frost with whipped topping. Decorate with banana slices or mini wafers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Banana Pudding Cake

Overbaking or Under-Mixing Issues

A perfect banana pudding cake recipe starts with properly mixed and baked batter. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overbaking: This can dry out your cake—even with pudding in the mix. Always check for doneness a few minutes early using a toothpick test.
• Under-mixing: Leads to uneven texture and lumps. Mix until just combined and smooth, but don’t overbeat or the cake can become dense.

Stick to recommended baking times and keep an eye on your oven—it’s key to a moist, fluffy result.

Mistakes with Pudding and Banana Layering

Poor layering can ruin the experience of your banana pudding cake recipe. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Adding pudding while the cake is still warm: This can cause the pudding to melt or separate. Always cool the cake completely first.
• Slicing bananas too far in advance: They brown quickly. Slice just before layering, and coat with lemon juice if needed.
• Skipping full pudding coverage: Bananas exposed to air will brown. Ensure pudding or whipped topping fully covers them to keep things fresh.

Avoiding these common errors means a prettier, tastier cake that holds together perfectly and stays delicious for days.

Conclusion

This banana pudding cake recipe is the ultimate blend of nostalgic comfort and irresistible flavor. From selecting the right pudding mix to layering bananas like a pro, you’ve now got all the tools to bake a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy and unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a party or just because, this cake brings smiles, conversation, and second servings every time.

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FAQs About Banana Pudding Cake Recipe