The Banana Pudding Cake is a luscious dessert that combines the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the rich, moist texture of a layered cake. This cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a comforting and indulgent treat. Here’s how to make this delicious cake from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Banana Cake Layers:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Banana Pudding Filling:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
• Sliced bananas (optional)
• Whole vanilla wafer cookies (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana Cake Layers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the mashed bananas and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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2. Prepare the Banana Pudding Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
2. Fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
3. Cover and refrigerate the pudding filling until you are ready to assemble the cake.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Assemble the Banana Pudding Cake:

1. Level the tops of the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife if necessary to ensure even layers.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of banana pudding filling over the top, then add a layer of sliced bananas.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down to level. Repeat the process with another layer of pudding filling and sliced bananas.
4. Place the third cake layer on top and gently press down to level. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.

5. Garnish and Serve:

1. Decorate the cake with crushed vanilla wafer cookies around the bottom edge and on top. You can also add whole vanilla wafer cookies and additional banana slices for a decorative touch.
2. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set.
3. Slice the cake with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for clean slices.
4. Serve and enjoy this delightful Banana Pudding Cake!

Tips:

• For a more intense banana flavor, you can add a teaspoon of banana extract to the cake batter.
• If you prefer a more traditional banana pudding flavor, consider adding a layer of vanilla wafer cookies between the cake layers.
• The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion:

The Banana Pudding Cake is a comforting and indulgent dessert that combines the best of banana pudding and cake into one delightful treat. With its moist banana cake layers, creamy pudding filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy every bite of this nostalgic and delicious cake!