Banana Pudding Pound Cake – Moist Southern Cake with Vanilla Wafer Flavor

Introduction

Banana Pudding Pound Cake is a rich, comforting dessert that combines two Southern favorites into one unforgettable cake. It has the dense, buttery texture of a classic pound cake paired with the nostalgic flavor of banana pudding—sweet ripe bananas, vanilla, and that familiar creamy warmth everyone loves. Every slice tastes like comfort, tradition, and homemade goodness.

What sets this cake apart from regular banana bread or banana cake is its structure. Pound cake is known for its tight crumb and rich mouthfeel, which makes it perfect for carrying banana flavor without becoming soggy or crumbly. The addition of vanilla pudding mix enhances moisture and softness while adding that signature banana pudding taste.

This cake is ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and bake sales. It stores beautifully, slices cleanly, and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. If you love banana pudding and classic Southern cakes, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.

Ingredients
For the Pound Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened

2 ¾ cups granulated sugar

6 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)

½ cup whole milk or heavy cream

Optional Add-Ins

1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Glaze

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan thoroughly, making sure all crevices are well coated.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and beat for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a soft, tall pound cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Bananas

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gently beat in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Finish the Batter

On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in crushed vanilla wafers if using. Mix just until combined.

Variation

Banana Pudding Bundt Cake: Drizzle with vanilla glaze and top with wafer crumbs.

Cream Cheese Banana Pound Cake: Replace ½ cup butter with cream cheese for extra richness.

Chocolate Chip Version: Add mini chocolate chips for a twist.

Mini Loaves: Bake in loaf pans for gifting.

No-Glaze Option: Dust with powdered sugar instead.

Cooking Note

Bananas add natural moisture, so avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can make the cake dense. Always use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Banana Pudding Pound Cake sliced with whipped cream, fresh banana slices, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs perfectly with coffee, milk, or sweet tea and looks beautiful on dessert tables.

Tips

Use very ripe bananas for deep flavor.

Measure flour accurately to avoid dryness.

Let the cake cool completely before glazing.

Store tightly wrapped to keep it moist.

This cake tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

1 hour 25 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

Calories: 450

Protein: 6 g

Sodium: 200 mg

FAQs

Can I use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla?
Yes, banana pudding mix adds even more banana flavor.

Does this cake need refrigeration?
No, store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze banana pudding pound cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why is my pound cake dry?
Overbaking or too much flour are common causes.

Can I add vanilla wafers on top?
Yes, garnish with crushed wafers after glazing for presentation.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Pound Cake is the ultimate Southern comfort dessert—rich, moist, and packed with nostalgic banana pudding flavor. With its buttery crumb, vanilla warmth, and optional wafer crunch, it’s a cake that feels both familiar and special. Perfect for sharing and easy to make, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. 🍌🍰

Print