This old-fashioned Banana Pudding Cake is a true showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is to serve. Three tall layers of moist vanilla cake are filled with creamy banana pudding, then frosted generously with fluffy whipped cream. Finished with a garnish of classic vanilla wafers and chilled until set, this banana pudding layer cake delivers all the flavors of traditional banana pudding in a simply glorious dessert.

Easy Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

In the South, banana pudding isn’t just a dessert, it’s a cherished tradition. You’ll find it on tables at Sunday suppers, church potlucks, family reunions, and holiday gatherings, often served in a well-loved casserole dish and layered with ripe bananas, creamy pudding, and vanilla wafers.

This Southern Banana Pudding Cake takes everything we love about that classic dessert and transforms it into a stunning layer cake. From the familiar flavors to the comforting, homemade feel, it captures the heart of old-fashioned Southern banana pudding while adding a celebratory twist that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas, or any special occasion.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Banana Pudding Cake. (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Cake Layers – This cake is designed as a 3-layer cake using my Old Fashioned Butter Cake recipe. To make the cake batter you’ll need all purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, butter, vanilla and almond extract, whole eggs and buttermilk.
Fresh Bananas – Choose firm not overripe bananas for layering in the cake.
Liquid for the Filling – Half and half adds a creamy texture to the filling.
Whipped Topping Mix – Dry whipped topping mix i.e. Dream Whip stablizes the filling and gives it a super fluffy texture.
Instant Pudding – Instant vanilla pudding mix flavors the easy filling giving it classic banana pudding flavor.
Flavoring – Vanilla extract amps up the flavor.
Cream Cheese – Cream cheese adds to the taste and binds the flilling ingredients.
Frosting – This cake is frosted with frozen whipped topping i.e. Cool Whip or similar.
Garnishes – Vanilla wafers to decorate the top of the cake.

How to Make the Best Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

Bake the Cake Layers – Prepare the Old Fashioned Butter Cake layers per the directions in the oven and cool completely.
Whip the Dream Whip – Whip together both packets whipped topping with half and half until firm peaks form. Add both packages of instant pudding, cold half and half and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until thickened. Add cream cheese and whipping until fully combined and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake Layers – Place one cake round on a cake platter. Spread half of the filling over the bottom layer of cake. Top with cubed bananas. Repeat layers ending with cake.
Frost the Cake – Frost top and sides with whipped topping and garnish with vanilla wafers.
Refrigerate – Chill for at least 6 hours, slice and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Old Fashioned Banana Cake

Stand mixer or hand mixer.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Large bowl and medium bowl.
Three 8-inch cake pans.
Offset icing spatula.
Cake pedestal.
Cutting board and knife.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Whipped Topping Mix – What is Dream Whip? It’s a dry whipped topping mix that forms volume, flavor and a stabilizer for the cake filling. You can find it on the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
Instant Pudding Mix – You can use one vanilla pudding mix and one banana pudding mix for extra banana flavor.
Half and Half – You can replace the half and half with whole milk or heavy cream.
Frosting Options – Fresh whipped cream can be used in place of Cool Whip for the frosting. Please note, should you choose to do so, it’s not as stable and will need to be frosted the day you plan on serving the cake. For this cake, Cool whip works best. You may also opt to frost the cake with a homemade Vanilla Buttercream or my recipe for 7 Minute Frosting.
Cake Layers – You can adapt this cake making a smaller version using a butter flavored cake mix for a two layer cake. Should you choose a shortcut using a cake mix, keep in mind that boxed cake mixes continue to dwindle in size. In that case, you’ll only need to prepare half of the filling should you choose to go that route.
Chocolate and Caramel – Chocolate isn’t a classic addition to banana pudding but you could add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel between the layers, if desired.
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding – If you’d like to make your own pudding for the layers, checkout my recipe for Old Fashioned Banana Pudding Recipe.
Allow Ample Chill Time – After filling the cake layers, it’s important to allow ample time for the cake to chill until set for even slicing.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tip – To save time, the cake layers can be baked up to 2 days in advance, cooled completely and then wrapped in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator until assembling.
Leftovers – When made per the recipe, this cake will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If using fresh whipped cream, the shelf life decreases.
Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

More Southern Layer Cake Recipes to Make

There are so many spectacular ways to bake with bananas and beyond. Checkout these recipes for more special occasion layer cake inspiration:

Boston Cream Layer Cake is a supreme dessert option.
Easy Strawberry Layer Cake is delicious to the last crumb.
Pig Pickin’ Cake is a potluck favorite.
My Italian Cream Cake is a fan favorite year after year.
Completely made from scratch Coconut Layer Cake.
Classic Hummingbird Cake recipe.
Banana Rum Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from The Slow Roasted Italian.

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