If you love classic Southern banana pudding, this Banana Pudding Lush Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. It brings together everything people adore about banana pudding including soft yellow cake, creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy Nilla wafers all layered into one easy, crowd pleasing dessert. Starting with a boxed yellow cake mix keeps things simple while the pudding soak turns the cake into an ultra moist, bakery style treat that tastes completely homemade. This is the kind of dessert that disappears fast at family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, and birthdays, and it is just as perfect for a cozy weekend treat when you want something comforting, nostalgic, and irresistible. Every bite is creamy, light, and packed with classic banana pudding flavor.

What Is This Recipe

Banana Pudding Lush Cake is a layered dessert that combines the soft texture of yellow cake with the creamy richness of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream. After baking, the cake is poked with holes and soaked with pudding so every bite is moist, tender, and packed with flavor. Sliced bananas are layered throughout, then the cake is finished with a thick layer of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers for that classic banana pudding crunch. It is essentially banana pudding and poke cake combined into one easy, sliceable dessert that tastes nostalgic, comforting, and completely irresistible.

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If you love classic Southern banana pudding, this Banana Pudding Lush Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. It takes everything we adore about traditional banana pudding and turns it into an easy, crowd friendly cake that slices beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Soft yellow cake is soaked with creamy vanilla pudding, layered with fresh bananas, topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream, and finished with crushed Nilla wafers for that nostalgic banana pudding flavor everyone knows and loves.

This is one of those desserts that disappears fast. It is light but rich, sweet without being overwhelming, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want a guaranteed hit. Every bite is creamy, moist, and full of banana pudding goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake has all the flavors of classic banana pudding but in an easy to serve cake form.
It uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
The pudding soaks into the cake making it incredibly moist and tender.
It can be made ahead of time which makes it perfect for entertaining.
It is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for both kids and adults.
The layers look beautiful when sliced, making it great for parties and holidays.

When To Serve Banana Pudding Lush Cake

This is a perfect dessert for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings.
It is ideal for spring and summer events when you want something light and refreshing.
It makes a great holiday dessert for Easter, Mother’s Day, or Thanksgiving.
It is also a fun alternative to traditional birthday cake for banana lovers.

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Storage Tips

Banana Pudding Lush Cake should be stored covered in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to three days.
The bananas may darken slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.
For best results, add extra banana slices right before serving if making ahead.

This is one of those recipes that you can’t believe how purely delicious it actually is!

Budget Breakdown

• Yellow cake mix and required box ingredients: $3.50
• Vanilla pudding mix two boxes: $3.00
• Milk: $1.25
• Heavy whipping cream: $4.00
• Granulated sugar: $0.25
• Vanilla extract: $1.00
• Fresh bananas: $2.00
• Nilla wafers: $3.50

Estimated Total Cost: $18.50
Estimated Cost Per Serving: about $1.85 per slice based on ten servings

This dessert is very budget friendly compared to bakery cakes and serves a crowd while using simple pantry staples.

Personal Kitchen Notes

This is one of those desserts that instantly feels comforting and nostalgic, and it is always a hit with my family. My husband loves anything banana pudding related, and this cake disappears quickly whenever I make it. I especially love how easy it is to put together while still feeling special enough for company. The pudding soaking into the cake makes it incredibly moist, and the whipped cream topping keeps it light instead of heavy. It is the kind of dessert that works just as well for a casual family night as it does for holidays or gatherings, and it is always one people ask me to make again.

Variations and Add In Ideas

This Banana Pudding Lush Cake is delicious as written, but it is also easy to customize based on what you have on hand or the flavors you love most.

• Swap the yellow cake mix for vanilla or butter cake for a slightly richer base
• Add a layer of caramel drizzle over the pudding for a banana caramel twist
• Fold a few crushed Nilla wafers directly into the pudding layer for extra texture
• Top with additional banana slices just before serving for a fresher presentation
• Sprinkle white chocolate shavings or mini white chocolate chips over the whipped cream
• Add a thin layer of cream cheese frosting under the whipped cream for a richer dessert
• Use banana flavored pudding instead of vanilla for an even stronger banana flavor

These simple variations let you change things up while keeping that classic banana pudding flavor everyone loves.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Banana Pudding Lush Cake

Banana Pudding Lush Cake is a layered dessert made with a baked yellow cake base that is soaked with vanilla pudding and topped with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and crushed Nilla wafers. It takes all the flavors of traditional banana pudding and transforms them into a sliceable cake that is easy to serve and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why do you poke holes in the cake

Poking holes in the cake allows the pudding to soak directly into the cake layers instead of just sitting on top. This step creates a super moist texture and ensures every bite is infused with creamy vanilla flavor rather than having dry cake underneath.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of boxed pudding mix

Yes you can use homemade vanilla pudding if you prefer, but boxed pudding mix works especially well because it sets thick and evenly soaks into the cake. If using homemade pudding, make sure it is fully cooled and thickened before spreading it over the cake to avoid a runny texture.

How ripe should the bananas be

Use ripe bananas that are yellow with a few small brown spots. Bananas that are too green will lack sweetness and flavor while overly ripe bananas can become mushy and watery once layered into the cake.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown

The bananas are mostly protected by the pudding and whipped cream layers which helps slow browning naturally. If you want extra protection, you can lightly brush the banana slices with lemon juice or pineapple juice, but this step is optional if the cake will be served within twenty four hours.

Can I make Banana Pudding Lush Cake ahead of time

Yes this cake is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours because the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How long does Banana Pudding Lush Cake last

When stored tightly covered in the refrigerator, this cake will keep for up to three days. After that point the bananas may soften too much and the whipped cream can begin to lose its structure.

Can I freeze Banana Pudding Lush Cake

Freezing is not recommended for this dessert. The pudding, bananas, and whipped cream do not thaw well and can become watery or grainy once frozen and defrosted.

Can I use store bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream

Yes you can substitute store bought whipped topping if needed. However homemade whipped cream gives the cake a fresher flavor and lighter texture that really elevates the dessert overall.

What size baking dish works best

A nine by thirteen inch baking dish works best for this recipe. It allows enough surface area for the pudding to soak evenly and creates clean layers that slice nicely.

Can I use a different cake flavor

Yellow cake works best because it complements the banana pudding flavors without overpowering them. Vanilla or butter cake also work well, but chocolate cake is not recommended for this recipe.

How do I crush the Nilla wafers

Nilla wafers can be crushed by placing them in a zip top bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin or by pulsing them briefly in a food processor. A mix of fine crumbs and small pieces gives the best texture.

Is this dessert very sweet

This dessert is rich but well balanced. The whipped cream is lightly sweetened and the bananas add natural sweetness which keeps it from becoming overly sugary.

Can I add extra banana layers

Yes you can add extra banana slices between layers if you like a stronger banana flavor. Just avoid overloading the cake so it still slices cleanly.

Is Banana Pudding Lush Cake good for parties

Absolutely. This dessert is always a crowd favorite, serves a large group, and can be made ahead which makes it perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations.

Final Thoughts

If you love classic banana pudding, this Banana Pudding Lush Cake is a must try. It takes everything people love about traditional banana pudding and transforms it into an easy, sliceable cake that is creamy, moist, and full of flavor. The combination of soft cake, vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, whipped cream, and Nilla wafers creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent without being complicated. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just because, this is one of those recipes that never disappoints and always leaves everyone coming back for another slice.

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