Easy Banana Pudding Cake Recipe You Can Make in Minutes

Easy Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

If you want a dessert that’s unbelievably simple, ridiculously delicious, and guaranteed to impress without stressing you out, an easy banana pudding cake is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade and nostalgic, but still modern enough to look great on a blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram post. The combination of ripe bananas, soft cake, creamy pudding, and whipped topping creates a dessert that tastes like effort—but requires almost none.

This guide gives you a full 1500-word, straight-to-the-point, beginner-friendly breakdown of how to make the perfect easy banana pudding cake. No pointless fillers, no fancy chef attitude, just a reliable method that works every single time.

Why Banana Pudding Cake Works So Well

This cake blends two classics: banana pudding and soft vanilla cake. The texture combination is what makes it addictive:

Moist cake
Creamy pudding
Fresh banana slices
Whipped topping
Optional vanilla wafers for crunch

The flavor is warm, sweet, and comforting. And because you don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients, this is one of the easiest desserts for beginners, students, families, or anyone who wants reliable results.

Ingredients You Need

This recipe keeps things simple. You only need basic, accessible ingredients.

For the Cake Base

1 box yellow cake mix (or vanilla cake mix)
1 cup water
3 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil

For the Banana Pudding Layer

1 (5 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or fresh whip)

For Layering and Topping

3–4 ripe bananas
2–3 cups whipped topping
Vanilla wafers (optional but highly recommended)
Crushed wafers for garnish

You’re not making anything from scratch here. You’re using simple, ready ingredients—that’s the whole point of “easy.”

How to Make an Easy Banana Pudding Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the box cake according to instructions:

Mix cake mix + water + eggs + oil
Beat until smooth
Pour into a greased baking dish
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes

After baking, let the cake cool completely. A warm cake will melt the pudding layer and ruin the structure.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Pudding

Instant pudding is your best friend here.
In a large bowl:

Add pudding mix
Pour in cold milk
Whisk until thick
Fold in 1 cup whipped topping

This creates a creamy, fluffy pudding layer that spreads easily.

Step 3: Layer the Bananas

Slice ripe bananas into medium-thick rounds.
Don’t go too thin—they get mushy.
Don’t go too thick—they won’t sit well under the pudding.

Place the banana slices on top of the cooled cake.

Step 4: Spread the Banana Pudding Mix

Pour the prepared pudding right over the banana layer.
Spread evenly using a spatula.
Make sure the pudding gets into every corner.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping Layer

Use 2–3 cups of whipped topping and spread it gently on top.
This is the signature “banana pudding look”—creamy, white, soft, cloud-like.

Step 6: Add Wafers on Top

You can add:

Whole vanilla wafers
Crushed wafers
A mix of both

This adds crunch and looks visually appealing.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours.
The cake tastes significantly better once chilled—flavors settle, pudding thickens, and wafers slightly soften.

Texture Breakdown

An easy banana pudding cake has three winning textures:

Creamy: pudding + whipped topping
Soft: cake layer
Crunchy: vanilla wafers

The combination is why everyone loves it—even picky eaters.

Why This Recipe Is Beginner-Friendly

You don’t need:

Fancy baking skills
Professional tools
Time-consuming prep
Expensive ingredients

Everything is mix, pour, spread, chill.
It’s practically impossible to mess up unless you skip the chilling step.

Tips to Make It Perfect Every Time

1. Don’t Overbake the Cake

Keep it moist. A dry cake ruins the entire dessert.

2. Use Cold Milk for Pudding

Warm milk won’t thicken quickly.

3. Use Ripe Bananas

Brown spots mean sweeter, softer bananas.

4. Don’t Skip the Chill Time

Refrigeration changes the entire texture.

5. Add Whipped Topping Gently

Don’t push down too hard; keep it fluffy.

6. Add Wafers Right Before Serving

If you want them crunchy, add them late.
If you want them soft, add them during layering.

Easy Flavor Variations

You can twist this recipe in multiple ways without making it complicated.

1. Chocolate Banana Pudding Cake

Add:

Chocolate pudding instead of banana
Chocolate chips over the cake layer

Rich and indulgent.

2. Caramel Banana Cake

Drizzle caramel sauce between layers.
Adds buttery sweetness.

3. Oreo Banana Cake

Replace wafers with crushed Oreos.
Great for kids or beginners.

4. Strawberry Banana Version

Add sliced strawberries along with banana slices.
Fresh, fruity, more colorful.

5. Banana Nut Cake

Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
Perfect for adults who like texture.

Storage Instructions

This cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.

To store:

Cover with cling wrap
Or use an airtight container

Don’t freeze it—the bananas will turn black and the pudding will separate.

How to Serve It

Serve chilled, not warm.
This dessert is best when:

Fully set
Cold
Creamy
Soft
Slightly crunchy

You can serve:

Sliced squares
Scooped portions
In glass dessert cups

If you’re posting content, add whole bananas, wafers, or pudding drips nearby for aesthetics.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

This dessert wins because:

It’s cheap
It’s quick
It feeds a crowd
It tastes like nostalgia
It doesn’t need baking skills
Anyone can make it perfectly

Plus, it works for:

Birthdays
Potlucks
Home parties
Festivals
Weeknight desserts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it without cake mix?

Yes, but then it’s not “easy.”
Using cake mix keeps the recipe fast and consistent.

Can I prepare it a day before?

Yes. In fact, making it the night before improves flavor.

Can I use vanilla pudding instead of banana pudding?

Yes. It tastes slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make a sugar-free version?

Use:

Sugar-free pudding
Sugar-free whipped topping
Low-sugar cake mix

Why did my bananas turn brown?

You didn’t cover them well with pudding or topping.
Exposure to air causes browning.

Final Thoughts

An easy banana pudding cake recipe is one of the most forgiving desserts to make. It gives you maximum flavor with minimum effort. You mix, bake, layer, and chill—nothing complicated, nothing stressful. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who wants fast results, this recipe delivers every single time.