Name: Banana Pudding Pound Cake – Moist Southern Cake with Vanilla Wafer Flavor
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.

Notes

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.