Name: Banana Pudding Cake
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas); 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk; 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 ½ cups cold milk; 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Crushed vanilla wafer cookies; Banana slices (add just before serving)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
1 cup buttermilk or whole milk

For the Vanilla Pudding Filling

1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold milk

For the Frosting

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

Crushed vanilla wafer cookies
Banana slices (add just before serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Lightly flour the sides and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This creates a soft, moist cake base.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Bananas

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mashed bananas, mixing until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 5: Finish the Batter and Bake

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Notes

Ripe bananas are essential. The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake. Allow cake layers to cool completely before assembling to prevent the pudding from melting.