If you’ve ever wished your favorite banana pudding could meet a soft, chocolatey cake, this Chocolate Swirl Banana Pudding Cake is the dream come true. It’s creamy, rich, and bursting with banana flavor in every bite. This recipe takes a simple banana box cake and turns it into something spectacular, perfect for weekend baking or a sweet surprise for family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist, fluffy texture with creamy banana pudding layers.
- Easy to make with yellow cake mix and simple pantry staples.
- Gorgeous chocolate swirl that looks bakery-made but takes minutes.

Ingredients
Let’s gather what you need for this heavenly banana pudding cake recipe with yellow cake mix. Each ingredient has a delicious job to do!
- 1 box yellow cake mix : The perfect base for that light and moist crumb.
- 3 ripe bananas : Bring natural sweetness and deep banana flavor.
- 1 cup milk : Keeps your cake tender and creamy.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil : Adds moisture so your cake never feels dry.
- 3 eggs – Bind everything together for a fluffy finish.
- 1 package instant banana pudding mix : The secret to that smooth, pudding-like texture.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder : For the luscious chocolate swirl.
- 1 cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream) For that cloud-like banana pudding icing finish.
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers : Adds crunch and a nostalgic Southern touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan with butter and a sprinkle of flour.
- In a large bowl, mix yellow cake mix, banana pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk, and mashed bananas until smooth.
- Pour two-thirds of the batter into the pan. Mix cocoa powder into the remaining batter to make your chocolate swirl.
- Spoon chocolate batter over the plain one, then use a knife to gently swirl them together. Don’t overmix, just a few figure-eights will do.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before icing.
- Spread whipped topping or banana pudding icing over the cooled cake. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for crunch and charm.

Mistakes to Avoid
When making banana pudding cake with yellow cake mix, here’s what to watch out for:
- Don’t over-swirl, your chocolate layers will disappear.
- Avoid overbaking; it can dry out your banana flavor.
- Never frost a warm cake the icing will melt right off.
If you love creamy desserts like this, you’ll also enjoy my Chessmen Banana Pudding and Paula Deen Chocolate Banana Pudding — both are instant Southern favorites!
Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or warm caramel. For a lighter twist, pair it with a spoon of Banana Bread Chia Pudding or my Southern Banana Pudding Recipe with Condensed Milk. Perfect with coffee, brunch, or as a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Chocolate Swirl Banana Pudding Cake
Equipment
- Bundt Pan
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 package instant banana pudding mix
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder for swirl
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan with butter and a sprinkle of flour.
- In a large bowl, mix yellow cake mix, banana pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk, and mashed bananas until smooth.
- Pour two-thirds of the batter into the pan. Mix cocoa powder into the remaining batter to make your chocolate swirl.
- Spoon chocolate batter over the plain one, then use a knife to gently swirl them together. Don’t overmix.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before icing.
- Spread whipped topping or banana pudding icing over the cooled cake. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top.
Notes
- Make it a day ahead for even creamier texture.
- Don’t over-swirl or overbake. Always cool before icing.
FAQs
How to make banana pudding cake extra moist?
Use ripe bananas and don’t skip the oil! These two ensure that your cake stays soft and moist, even after chilling. Cover your cake when storing to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make banana pudding cake ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually tastes better the next day. The pudding sets in overnight, making the texture creamier. Just refrigerate it and frost before serving.
What’s the best icing for banana pudding cake?
A light banana pudding icing made with whipped topping and banana pudding mix is perfect. It’s fluffy, creamy, and enhances the Southern comfort flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Swirl Banana Pudding Cake blends the richness of chocolate with the comfort of homemade banana pudding. Whether you use it as your next banana bread recipe box cake or a quick southern banana pudding cake for Sunday dinner, this treat will be a family favorite. Don’t forget to save or pin this recipe for later — it’s one you’ll want to make again and again!