If you’re searching for a dessert that wraps up all your favorite southern flavors into one sensational treat, the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. This layered masterpiece brings together moist banana cake, creamy cheesecake, and luscious vanilla pudding, all crowned with fluffy whipped cream and fresh bananas. Imagine each bite bursting with sweet banana goodness amplified by the richness of cheesecake and that classic pudding texture. It’s perfect for any celebration or whenever your sweet tooth needs a heartfelt hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake Recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. The simplicity of these pantry staples makes the recipe approachable, while their unique contributions guarantee a delightfully layered dessert experience.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the banana cake layers and ensures a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the cheesecake layers perfectly.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the texture of both cake and cheesecake.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out the warm, comforting flavors in every layer.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb in the cake.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star flavor, lending natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base for the cheesecake filling, adding tangy richness.
- Sour cream: Enhances the cheesecake’s texture with a silky finish.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Quick and easy base for the luscious banana pudding layer.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to create the fluffy, dreamy topping that ties it all together.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream topping.
- Fresh banana slices: For a fresh, inviting garnish that boosts banana flavor.
- Vanilla wafer cookies (optional): Adds a nostalgic crunch and charming texture contrast.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Bases
Start by preheating your oven and greasing your cake pans to ensure a smooth release later. Next, mix your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—completely so that every bite rises evenly and tastes fresh. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—that’s the secret to an airy cake texture! Add eggs one by one, then fold in your vanilla and mashed bananas carefully to keep the batter light.
Step 2: Bake Your Banana Cake Layers
Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with milk for the perfect batter consistency. Split this evenly between your prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This patience will reward you with moist, tender cake layers that are full of banana flavor while holding their shape beautifully for the next steps.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
While your cakes cool, blend the cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth—no lumps here! Slowly add eggs and then the vanilla and sour cream, making sure everything is well mixed but not overworked, which keeps the cheesecake perfectly creamy and rich without cracking.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Layer on Top
Pour your cheesecake mixture over the cooled banana cake layers and return it to the oven at a slightly lower temperature. Baking it slowly lets the flavors meld while keeping that signature soft, creamy texture. Wait patiently for the top to turn lightly golden and set; this signals that your cheesecake layer is ready to cool.
Step 5: Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer
While the cake layers chill, whisk together the instant pudding mix with cold milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Letting it chill until thickened creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth pudding layer that perfectly complements the cake and cheesecake layers.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Start with one cake layer on your serving platter and spread banana pudding evenly on top. Add the second cake layer, then top with the remaining pudding. This layering creates that classic banana pudding cake effect that looks as divine as it tastes.
Step 7: Finish with Whipped Cream Topping
Whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form—this airy topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and softness to balance the denser layers beneath. Spread or pipe it over the pudding layer for a gorgeous finish, then garnish with fresh banana slices and vanilla wafer cookies to elevate every forkful.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh banana slices make this cake pop visually and enhance the fresh banana flavor throughout. Vanilla wafer cookies add a nostalgic crunch that’s fun to munch alongside each forkful. You can even lightly dust with cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an extra dimension of texture and spice.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich enough to be a star on its own, but pairing it with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes for a lovely, well-rounded dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk also pairs wonderfully with the creamy, sweet layers of this recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions layered in clear glass jars or cups to show off the beautiful layers as an elegant party treat. You could also top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a wafer cookie for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to four days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the pudding’s creamy texture and prevents the whipped topping from wilting.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the cake layers and cheesecake separately, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. However, the pudding layer does not freeze well, so it’s best to assemble shortly before serving. When thawed, the texture will be just as delightful as fresh, especially if you add fresh topping right before serving.
Reheating
Because this cake is served cold and has pudding and whipped cream layers, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors without sacrificing texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of the instant mix?
Absolutely! Homemade banana pudding can add a wonderful fresh element, but be aware it might be slightly softer than the instant mix, which could affect the cake’s layering. If you substitute, chill it well so it’s firm enough to spread.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and ensuring the instant pudding mix is gluten-free, you can make a delicious gluten-free version while keeping all the flavors intact.
What’s the best way to slice this cake?
Use a sharp knife dipped briefly in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This technique helps you get clean slices without the layers sliding or the whipped topping smudging.
Is it okay to substitute regular sugar with brown sugar in the cake batter?
You can substitute brown sugar which will add a mild caramel note to the banana cake, but it may slightly change the texture, making it a touch denser. Both options taste fantastic, so it’s a personal preference.
Can I prepare the banana pudding layer ahead of time?
Yes! The pudding can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to assemble. Just make sure it’s fully set for easier spreading and keep it chilled to maintain its consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake Recipe that brings smiles and makes any occasion feel a little more special. From the moist banana cake base to the rich cheesecake and creamy pudding layer, every bite is a celebration of comforting flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try making this in your kitchen and share the joy it brings with your loved ones. Once you do, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake combines the rich flavors of banana pudding with the creamy texture of cheesecake layered over moist banana cake. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and optional vanilla wafer cookies, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a luscious, multi-layered treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh banana slices for garnish
- Vanilla wafer cookies (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Cake Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing gently until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops for even baking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Bake Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled cake layers. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, until set and lightly golden on top. Let cool completely.
- Make Banana Pudding: Whisk together the instant pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cheesecake cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of thickened banana pudding on top. Add the second cake layer and spread the remaining banana pudding over it.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream atop the banana pudding layer.
- Garnish and Chill: Decorate with fresh banana slices and vanilla wafer cookies if desired. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before adding the cheesecake mixture to prevent cracking.
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Chill the cake well to help the pudding layer set properly and enhance flavors.
- Vanilla wafer cookies add texture and a nostalgic touch but can be omitted for a smoother finish.
- For easier slicing, run a warm knife through the cake layers between cuts.
