Are you ready for a ridiculously easy and unbelievably delicious dessert that's guaranteed to be a hit? This Banana Pudding Cake recipe went viral on Facebook for a reason – it’s simple, comforting, and tastes like pure happiness. Forget complicated baking; this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Nilla wafers or graham crackers, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake will slide right out when it's done.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and pudding mix. This is where the magic starts! The pudding mix adds incredible creaminess.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, oil, milk, and mashed bananas to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes – ovens vary!
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. This allows the pudding to set beautifully. Once cooled, top with whipped cream and Nilla wafers or graham crackers.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Banana Pudding Cake:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. The riper, the better!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cooling Time is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the whipped cream and crackers. This prevents the cream from melting.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon would all be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Chocolate Banana Pudding Cake: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent chocolate twist.
- Spiced Banana Pudding Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm and inviting flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, without whipped cream and crackers):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
This Banana Pudding Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy pudding, and the sweetness of bananas. It's an easy recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks. Enjoy!