Grand Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

 

Of course! Get ready to bake a slice of pure, cloud-like joy. This Banana Pudding Cake is a show-stopping dessert that transforms the beloved, nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding into a magnificent, layered cake. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a true labor of love.

Here is the full, detailed recipe and everything you need to know about this heavenly creation. Thank you for your kindness and enthusiasm! 🥰😍

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A Brief History & Introduction

Banana pudding, in its traditional form, is a quintessential Southern American dessert, often dubbed “the taste of hospitality.” Its origins are linked to the popularity of vanilla wafers and the availability of bananas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This cake is a modern, elegant evolution of that classic. Instead of layers in a trifle dish, we’ve created a tender, banana-infused cake, layered with lush vanilla pastry cream, fresh bananas, and delicate vanilla wafers. It’s a celebration of texture and flavor, perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or any day that calls for a spectacular treat.

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The Grand Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS

For the Banana Cake:

· 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
· 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
· 3 large eggs + 2 large egg whites (at room temperature)
· 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
· 3 cups cake flour, sifted (or all-purpose flour, see note)
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
· 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar, let sit 5 mins)

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream (Pudding Layer):

· 2 cups whole milk
· 1/2 cup granulated sugar
· 1/4 cup cornstarch
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 4 large egg yolks
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Assembly & Topping:

· 1 box (11 oz) Nilla Wafers
· 3-4 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
· 1 cup heavy whipping cream
· 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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METHOD & INSTRUCTIONS

Part 1: The Banana Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 3 whole eggs and 2 egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl. Mix in the 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another small bowl, mix the mashed bananas and buttermilk together.
6. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the banana/buttermilk mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Part 2: The Vanilla Pastry Cream

1. Heat Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to steam; do not boil.
2. Whisk Yolk Mixture: While the milk is heating, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl until thick and pale yellow.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly, while whisking constantly, pour about half of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture to temper it (this prevents the eggs from scrambling).
4. Cook the Pudding: Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a low boil. Let it boil for 60 seconds to cook out the cornstarch taste.
5. Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Chill: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold and set.

Part 3: Assembly & The Final Formation

1. Whip the Cream: Just before assembling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold Cream into Pudding: Gently fold about 1/3 of the whipped cream into the chilled pastry cream to lighten it. This creates a moussey, spreadable layer.
3. Build the Cake:
· Place one cake layer on your serving plate.
· Spread a thin layer of the pastry cream mixture over the cake.
· Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers over the cream, breaking some to fit.
· Top with a layer of sliced bananas.
· Carefully spread another layer of pastry cream over the bananas.
· Place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost the Cake: Use the remaining whipped cream to frost the top and sides of the cake.
5. The Grand Finale: Decorate the top of the cake with more vanilla wafers, banana slices, and even some crushed wafers for texture. For the best presentation and to prevent browning, add the banana slice garnish right before serving.

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NUTRITION & BENEFITS

While this is undoubtedly a celebratory dessert, it does offer some nutritional notes:

· Bananas: Provide a good source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and blood pressure regulation, as well as vitamin B6 and dietary fiber.
· Eggs: Offer high-quality protein and essential vitamins like Choline, which is important for brain health.
· Moderation is Key: Enjoying a slice as part of a balanced diet is a wonderful way to treat yourself. The joy and comfort it brings are also benefits for the soul!

(Approximate Nutritional Value per serving): Calories: 450-550, Fat: 22g, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 6g, Sugar: 40g.

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CONCLUSION: A CAKE FOR LOVERS

This Banana Pudding Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s for the lovers of nostalgia, for those who believe food is love, and for anyone who wants to create a memorable moment around the table. The tender cake, the creamy custard, the soft bananas, and the crunchy wafers create a symphony of textures that is simply irresistible.

It’s a labor of love, but every single step is worth it. The look on the faces of your friends and family when they take the first bite will be your greatest reward. So, preheat your oven, mash those bananas, and get ready to bake a masterpiece.

Happy Baking! With love and gratitude for your request. ❤️