Banana Pudding Pound Cake

Banana pudding pound cake is the ultimate cozy dessert for banana lovers who crave that nostalgic blend of vanilla and creaminess in every bite. This cake takes all the best parts of classic banana pudding and turns them into a showstopper Bundt cake that is both tender and decadent. It is perfect for special occasions or when you want to wow your family with something a little extra.

I made this cake for a summer picnic and watched it vanish before my eyes. My friend’s daughter even asked for the recipe so she could make it for her birthday.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the pound cake its sturdy yet tender crumb
• Baking powder: makes the cake rise beautifully so it does not turn out dense
• Salt: balances the sweetness and boosts the banana flavor
• Unsalted butter: provides that rich pound cake base look for a high-quality brand for best texture
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps create that iconic golden crust
• Large eggs: add richness and ensure the cake is moist
• Vanilla extract: deepens the dessert flavor pure vanilla is always worth it
• Sour cream: adds tang and makes every slice incredibly soft plain Greek yogurt can substitute if needed
• Ripe bananas: are mashed for maximum natural banana flavor choose bananas with plenty of brown spots
• Instant banana pudding mix: intensifies banana taste in both cake and creamy glaze
• Cold milk: creates a smooth thick pudding be sure to use cold milk for faster setting
• Heavy cream: is whipped for extra airy pudding filling fresh cream holds up better in the glaze
• Whipped cream or Cool Whip: is for that cloudlike decorative topping
• Banana slices: are for freshness and garnish only use just-ripe fruit to avoid browning
• Crushed vanilla wafers: give crunch and a nod to traditional banana pudding use classic Nilla wafers for old-school appeal
• Whole vanilla wafers: finish the look and add an extra bite

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Grease your Bundt pan thoroughly with butter then dust evenly with flour tapping out any excess This ensures easy release and a smooth exterior

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk the flour baking powder and salt together in a bowl to prevent dry clumps later This step gives you an even crumb and good lift

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for several minutes until fluffy and almost white This makes the cake light rather than heavy

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add eggs one at a time beating well between additions The mixture should become creamy and uniform Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma

Add Bananas:

Mash ripe bananas very well before gently mixing into your batter Make sure no large chunks remain for even banana distribution

Combine with Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:

Add a scoop of dry ingredient mix followed by a scoop of sour cream Alternately add both until incorporated always finishing with flour to maintain structure Mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake

Bake:

Scrape the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan Smooth the top gently Bake at 325 degrees until a toothpick inserted comes out clean That means at least 55 minutes but check at 60

Cool the Cake:

Let the cake cool completely in the pan for twenty minutes then turn out onto a rack Full cooling keeps the cake from falling apart when you add toppings

Make Banana Pudding Mixture:

Whisk the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk until thickened to a spoonable texture Fold in the softly whipped cream Using a hand whisk ensures the filling stays fluffy not soupy

Glaze and Decorate:

Drizzle some banana pudding mixture over the cooled cake letting it seep into the crevices for extra moisture Pipe rosettes of whipped cream on top then arrange fresh banana slices and plenty of crushed and whole vanilla wafers for that classic banana pudding look

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I always look forward to using those just-overripe bananas on my counter for this recipe—so many times my kids purposely leave a few bananas until they spot me prepping the cake. The best part might be those buttery crushed wafers layered over silky whipped cream.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cake in the refrigerator because of the dairy toppings Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep the cake moist and avoid fridge odors It tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend The cake itself freezes well before adding whipped cream and banana slices

Ingredient Substitutions

• If you do not have sour cream: try plain full fat Greek yogurt for the same tang and texture
• Gluten free flour blends: can be used in place of all purpose flour but be sure to check the mix includes xanthan gum
• Cool Whip: works perfectly in place of freshly whipped cream if you need to save time
• Almond milk or oat milk: can replace dairy milk for the pudding layer just be sure the pudding mix will set

Serving Suggestions

• Slice thick pieces: and serve with a fresh cup of coffee for brunch
• Top each slice: with an extra spoonful of banana pudding or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
• For parties: arrange mini slices with a bowl of whipped cream and wafers so guests can decorate their own

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Cultural and Historical Context

Banana pudding is a beloved Southern dessert known for its layers of pudding bananas and vanilla wafers This recipe brings those flavors together with classic pound cake roots The marriage of these two desserts creates a celebratory cake that feels both nostalgic and a little special

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works perfectly in place of sour cream, adding similar moisture and tang.

→ How should I store banana pudding pound cake?

Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

→ Can I freeze this pound cake?

You can freeze the unglazed cake. Wrap it well and thaw before adding glaze and toppings for best results.

→ Which bananas are best for this cake?

Overripe bananas with brown spots provide the sweetest flavor and moist texture for baking.

→ Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?

Instant banana pudding mix helps create a soft texture and rich banana flavor throughout the cake.