A dessert that combines the comforting flavors of homemade banana pudding with the delicate texture of a moist cake, this banana pudding cake is a Southern staple, beloved for its rich, creamy layers and nostalgic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
3 large eggs, ideally at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar (for pudding layer)
⅓ cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt (for pudding layer)
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pudding layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for pudding layer)
2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
2 cups whipped cream (for topping)
1 box vanilla wafers, crushed
Additional banana slices for garnishing
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well-mixed.
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the mashed bananas, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no dry flour remains.
Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat until it begins to thicken.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and temper them with a small amount of the hot milk mixture, then return it all to the saucepan.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving platter, spreading half of the banana pudding over it, and adding a layer of sliced bananas.
Place the second cake layer on top, then spread whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake.
Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers on top and garnish with additional banana slices.
