Banana Pudding Cake – A Southern Classic with a Sweet Twist!

Moist Cake, Creamy Pudding, and Caramel Drizzle Dreams

Hey hey, sweet tooth crew! 👋
Today we’re talking about a cake that’s more than just dessert—it’s an experience. Say hello to the showstopper that turns heads, steals the spotlight at every potluck, and makes people say, “Wait… you made this?”
Yep, we’re diving into the rich, nostalgic layers of Banana Pudding Cake—with a sweet twist that takes this Southern classic to next-level delicious.

This cake brings back memories of lazy Sunday dinners, family reunions, and folding chairs pulled around picnic tables. And the best part? That first bite where everything just melts together—the creamy pudding, the soft cake, the silky frosting, the little crunch from the Nilla wafers. It’s a moment.

So if you’re ready to create a dessert that delivers big flavor and big smiles, grab your apron. Let’s make this magic happen!

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💛 Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Cake

Let’s be real—banana pudding is already iconic. But turning it into a layer cake? That’s where the fun starts. Here’s why this cake is a fan favorite:

• Moist vanilla cake that’s light but rich

• Luscious banana pudding filling (with a secret creamy twist)

• Fluffy homemade vanilla frosting that’s pure velvet

• Toasted coconut + caramel drizzle for added texture and flair

• Nilla wafers on top for that classic Southern crunch

It’s one of those desserts that makes people close their eyes after the first bite. Yep—that good.

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🛒 Let’s Get Baking: Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the layers fool you—this cake is surprisingly simple. A little mixing, a little layering, and a lot of licking the spoon.

👩‍🍳 For the Cake Layers:

• 2 boxes French Vanilla cake mix

• 6 eggs

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup oil

• 2 cups toasted coconut (optional but highly recommended!)

• Caramel sauce, for topping

• Nilla wafers, for garnish

🎂 Cool Chef Tip: French vanilla cake mix adds richness, but if you only have classic vanilla or yellow cake—go for it!

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🍌 For the Banana Pudding Filling:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix

• 2 cups milk

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 container Cool Whip (8 oz)

This filling is creamy, dreamy, and packed with banana flavor—but the cream cheese? That’s the secret weapon. Adds depth and balance to the sweetness.

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🍦 For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 3 cups unsalted butter, softened

• 6 cups powdered sugar

• 3 tsp vanilla extract

• 5–7 tbsp heavy whipping cream (depending on your preferred texture)

This frosting is rich, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. If you’ve never made buttercream from scratch—don’t worry, it’s easier than you think and so worth it.

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🔥 Let’s Bake This Beauty: Step-by-Step Directions

Time to transform these ingredients into a layered masterpiece. Take your time, have fun, and remember—perfection isn’t the goal. Delicious is.

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🔹 Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans (or line them with parchment rounds).

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mixes, eggs, water, and oil according to the box directions. Beat until smooth, then fold in your toasted coconut if using.

Divide the batter evenly between the three pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🧁 Cool Chef Hack: Want extra banana flavor in the cake? Add a mashed ripe banana to the batter—it’ll make things even more moist and magical.

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🔹 Step 2: Make the Banana Pudding Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and milk until thick.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.

Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the Cool Whip. Chill until ready to assemble.

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🔹 Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and pale.

Add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, mixing on low to avoid the sugar cloud.

Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is thick, fluffy, and easy to spread.

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🔹 Step 4: Level, Layer, and Build

Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if needed.

Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge of the first layer—this is your pudding dam to hold in that delicious filling.

Spoon a thick layer of banana pudding inside the frosting ring. Top with the second cake layer and repeat. Finish with the third layer on top.

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🔹 Step 5: Frost & Decorate

Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the cake and chill for 20 minutes (this helps the final coat go on smoother).

Frost the entire cake with the remaining vanilla frosting. Use an offset spatula to get it silky-smooth—or keep it rustic and swirly.

Drizzle caramel sauce around the edges so it gently drips down the sides. Press a ring of Nilla wafers around the bottom or arrange some artfully on top.

Sprinkle extra toasted coconut across the top for that golden crunch.

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🔹 Step 6: Chill & Serve

Pop the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the pudding set and the flavors meld.

Then slice, serve, and watch it disappear.

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🍰 Serving Tips & Storage

This Banana Pudding Cake is rich and indulgent—perfect for big gatherings or a special occasion. Serve it with:

• Hot coffee or iced vanilla lattes

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

• Fresh banana slices on the side for bonus flair

🧊 Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the second day!

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📋 Recipe Recap

• Prep Time: 30 mins

• Cook Time: 30 mins

• Chill Time: 4 hours

• Servings: 12

• Calories: ~1276 kcal per slice

Yes, it’s indulgent. Yes, it’s worth every bite.

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❤️ Final Thoughts from Chef C

There’s something so special about a cake like this. It’s nostalgic, but it’s also bold. It reminds you of family dinners and potluck tables, but it’s also totally extra in the best way.

This Banana Pudding Cake is everything we love about Southern comfort and sweet creativity rolled into one stunning dessert. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because it’s Tuesday and you want something sweet—you need this in your life.

And don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dish. People will ask for it again. And again. And again.

Until next time,
Keep it sweet, keep it classic, and always bake with love.

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