The Ultimate Guide to Making Banana Pudding Cake: A Delicious Recipe Unveiled

Banana Pudding Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich flavors of bananas with the comforting sweetness of cake. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a decadent dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from preparing the cake layers to decorating with creamy frosting and garnishes. Get ready to elevate your baking game and delight your taste buds with this irresistible Banana Pudding Cake recipe.

Ingredients for the Cake:

To start off, gather all the necessary ingredients for the cake layers:

• 1 box of Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
• 1 large over-ripe banana

Baking the Cake Layers:

1. Prepare the cake mix: Follow the instructions on the Duncan Hines box to prepare the yellow cake mix. Incorporate one large over-ripe banana into the mix for added flavor and moisture.
2. Bake the cake: Divide the cake batter evenly into two 9-inch round cake pans. Bake according to the instructions on the box until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool and refrigerate: Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool completely. Wrap them tightly and refrigerate overnight to ensure they set well for decorating.

Making the Filling:

The filling is what gives this Banana Pudding Cake its luscious texture and intense flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoons banana extract
• Pinch of kosher salt

1. Simmer the milk and cream: In a medium saucepan, bring the whole milk and heavy cream to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
2. Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking vigorously to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
4. Thicken the custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low-medium heat until it thickens to a custard consistency, stirring constantly.
5. Add flavorings: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, banana extract, and salt.
6. Chill the custard: Strain the custard to remove any clumps, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely chilled.

Assembling the Cake:

Now it’s time to bring all the components together to create a stunning Banana Pudding Cake:

• Box of Nilla wafers
• Ripe banana

1. Anchor the bottom layer: Use a spoonful of custard to anchor the bottom cake layer to the serving platter.
2. Layer with custard, bananas, and wafers: Spread three-fourths of the custard over the bottom cake layer, then layer with sliced bananas and Nilla wafers in an alternating pattern.
3. Add the top layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
4. Chill the cake: Return the assembled cake to the refrigerator for an hour to allow it to chill and set.

Decorating with Frosting:

The frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to this Banana Pudding Cake. Here’s how to make it:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add the remaining ingredients: Incorporate the powdered sugar, instant vanilla pudding, and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Frost the cake: Liberally coat the entire cake with the frosting, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
4. Garnish with Nilla wafers: Press crushed Nilla wafers onto the sides of the cake for added texture and visual appeal.
5. Chill before serving: Return the cake to the refrigerator for an hour to allow the frosting to set.

Adding Final Touches:

For an extra special presentation, consider adding stabilized whipped cream and decorative toppings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• Packet of Whip It stabilizer or unflavored gelatin

1. Make stabilized whipped cream: Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and stabilizer until stiff peaks form.
2. Decorate the cake: Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a #21 tip. Pipe decorative swirls along the edges of the cake and on top.
3. Garnish with bananas: Place sliced bananas and whole Nilla wafers on top of the cake for a beautiful finishing touch.

Enjoy your Banana Pudding Cake as a delectable dessert for any occasion! Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for optimal freshness.