There’s nothing quite like a soft, creamy Banana Pudding Cake with Vanilla to make any day feel special. Imagine the fluffy texture of yellow cake soaked in sweet banana cream pudding, layered with Vanilla Wafers for a bit of crunch, and finished with a smooth cloud of whipped topping. It’s comfort in every bite, and your Pinterest friends will want to pin it right away!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients, no fancy tools needed.
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend cravings.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this dreamy Banana Pudding Cake. Each ingredient plays a delicious role:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: the soft base that holds the pudding layers.
- 3 large eggs: give structure and moistness to the cake.
- 1 cup milk: helps activate the pudding mix and keeps the cake tender.
- 1 box Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz): adds creamy vanilla flavor.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: bring that sweet natural banana flavor.
- 1 box Banana Cream Pudding (3.4 oz): the star for that signature banana taste.
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk: to prepare the pudding layers.
- 1 cup whipped topping: for that light, airy finish.
- 1 cup crushed Vanilla Wafers: adds a crunchy surprise in every bite.
Need more banana dessert ideas? Try this Moist Banana Pudding Cake Recipe next.
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake mix by combining the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, and mashed bananas. Beat until smooth.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool slightly.
- Poke holes all over the warm cake using the handle of a wooden spoon. This is what makes it a classic Banana Pudding Poke Cake.
- Mix the puddings by whisking together the vanilla pudding mix and banana cream pudding with cold milk. Pour this over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers for texture.
- Chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together before serving.
For another twist on this treat, explore Trisha Yearwood’s Banana Pudding Cake.
Pro Tips

- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Chill the cake overnight for the best texture.
- Add a few slices of fresh banana on top right before serving.
- Crush your Vanilla Wafers lightly to keep some crunch.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Banana Pudding Cake with Vanilla

- Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake will become dense.
- Avoid using instant pudding that’s not set properly; the consistency matters for layering.
- Don’t skip cooling time, as it helps the Banana Cream Pudding soak perfectly into the cake.
- Never use unripe bananas; they’ll make the flavor bland instead of rich and sweet.
If you love creamy desserts like this, check out these Creamy Banana Pudding Crunch Bars for another crowd-pleaser!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake chilled, straight from the fridge. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also layer it in individual jars for a fun Recette Patisserie Facile style dessert that’s perfect for parties or gifts.

Banana Pudding Cake with Vanilla
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- electric mixer
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
Pudding Layer
- 1 box Vanilla Pudding Mix 3.4 oz
- 1 box Banana Cream Pudding 3.4 oz
- 1.5 cups cold milk
Toppings
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup Vanilla Wafers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, and mashed bananas. Beat until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm cake.
- Whisk together vanilla and banana cream pudding with 1.5 cups cold milk until smooth. Pour over cake and allow it to fill the holes.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the cake and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers.
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, use ripe bananas.
- Chill overnight for a firmer texture and more developed taste.
- Lightly brush banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning if adding on top.
FAQs
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown in the pudding cake?
Lightly brush sliced bananas with lemon juice before adding them to the cake. This helps slow oxidation without affecting taste.
Can I make this Banana Pudding Cake ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day! The pudding has time to soak into the cake, making it moist and full of flavor.
Can I use different pudding flavors?
Absolutely. Try mixing Banana Cream with French Vanilla or White Chocolate pudding for a fun twist. You can also swap the pudding for Banana Cream Pie filling if you want an even richer texture.
Conclusion
A slice of this Banana Pudding Cake with Vanilla feels like a hug in dessert form. The creamy pudding, soft cake, and little bursts of vanilla crunch come together like a dream. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this recipe will never fail you. Save it to your Pinterest board today and make your kitchen smell like sweet banana heaven!