Banana Pudding Cake (Hold the Bananas): Creamy, Velvety, and Southern Dessert Comfort – Black Foodie Finder

Soft, Sweet, and Soaked in Banana-Pudding Bliss

This Banana Pudding Cake—made without bananas—wraps all the nostalgic banana-pudding flavor around a warm, tender yellow cake. It’s creamy, velvety, and irresistibly smooth, perfect for anyone who loves the taste of banana pudding but prefers a plush, melt-in-your-mouth bite without actual banana pieces.

Every slice is soaked in a silky pudding mixture that settles into the warm cake, giving it a moist, custard-like texture that feels like a hug from every Southern auntie at the cookout. Layered with whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this dessert brings all the energy of a classic Black family gathering—easy, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear first.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• Oil (amount according to cake box)
• 3 large eggs

For the Creamy Pudding Layer

• 3 oz banana pudding mix
• 3 oz vanilla pudding mix (or double banana pudding)
• ½ can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ block cream cheese (optional, softened)
• 1 cup Cool Whip (optional for extra creaminess)

For the Topping

• Vanilla wafers, crushed
• Additional sweetened condensed milk (for drizzling)
• Reserved pudding mixture

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

• Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the box instructions.
• Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then let cool for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Pudding

• Whisk together the banana and vanilla pudding mixes following package directions.
• Set aside to thicken.

3. Make the Creamy Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine ½ can sweetened condensed milk, ½ block cream cheese, and 1 cup Cool Whip.
• Mix until smooth, then fold into the prepared pudding.

4. Reserve Some Pudding

• Scoop out a small portion of the pudding mixture and set aside for drizzling later.

5. Poke the Cake

• Using a wooden spoon handle or skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake.

6. Pour the Filling

• Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to sink into the holes.

7. Add the Toppings

• Top with crushed vanilla wafers.
• Drizzle the reserved pudding mixture and a little condensed milk over the top.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve warm for a gooey, melty dessert, or chill for a firmer, layered slice.

Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions

• Let the cake cool slightly before adding pudding so it absorbs properly without sinking.
• Want stronger banana flavor without actual bananas? Use all banana pudding mix.
• For a richer topping, swap Cool Whip for stabilized whipped cream.
• Choose wafer texture:
  • Lightly crushed = softer topping
  • Finely crushed = cleaner, neater finish
• Serve chilled for a classic pudding feel or warm for peak comfort.

About the Creator

This recipe is by Shaa Leonard, known on Instagram for her bold, comforting desserts and Southern-inspired sweets that always deliver flavor and personality. She brings humor, soul, and creativity to every dish she shares.

Shaa Leonard | @shaaleonard_