Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the beloved flavors of banana pudding with the creaminess of ice cream, creating an unforgettable treat perfect for any occasion. With its layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, creamy pudding, and rich ice cream, this cake is a showstopper that will satisfy your sweet cravings. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
Why Make This Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
There’s something irresistible about the blend of flavors and textures in this Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake. The crunchy vanilla wafer crust pairs beautifully with the creamy layers of pudding and banana, while the ice cream adds a refreshing chill. This dessert is not only simple to make, but it also offers a nostalgic nod to classic banana pudding but with a modern twist. Whether for a birthday party, family gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake brings joy with every slice.
How to Make Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Begin by crushing the vanilla wafers into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or simply crushing them in a bowl. Once you have a fine crumb, spread the crushed wafers evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the base of your cake.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a separate bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Stir these together until the mixture thickens, which should take just a few minutes. This creamy pudding layer is essential for that classic banana pudding taste.
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Step 3: Adding Creaminess
Gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla extract into the thickened pudding mixture. This will create a fluffy filling that adds richness to your cake while keeping it light and airy.
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Step 4: Layering
Start assembling your cake by layering half of the pudding mixture over the crushed wafers. Then, evenly distribute the sliced bananas on top. Next, spread half of the vanilla ice cream over the bananas, ensuring every bite has that creamy goodness.
Repeat the layering process: add the remaining pudding mixture, followed by another layer of banana slices and the rest of the ice cream. This beautiful stacking of flavors and textures creates an impressive and eye-catching dessert.
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Step 5: Freezing
Cover your dish with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the freezer. For the best results, allow the cake to freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight, solidifying those delicious layers.
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Step 6: Serving
Once frozen, it’s time to slice and serve! Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting to make slicing easier.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
This cake shines as a standalone dessert at any gathering. Serve it chilled, garnished with extra banana slices or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added touch of decadence. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of extra vanilla ice cream on the side or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for those who enjoy a bit of elegance on their plate.
How to Store Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), you can cover the dish tightly and keep it in the freezer for up to two weeks. Just be sure to slice the cake before freezing for easy serving later on.
Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
- Use ripe bananas for a sweeter flavor.
- For a little crunch, consider adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the layers.
- Substitute the vanilla wafer cookies with graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
- If you don’t have whipped cream, you can use whipped topping, but ensure it’s thawed properly for the best texture.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake: Replace half of the vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding for a rich twist.
- Nutty Version: Add crushed pecans or walnuts between the layers for a delightful crunch.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in other fruits like strawberries or blueberries along with the bananas for added flavor and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Yes, you can make homemade pudding, but you may need to adjust the layering to accommodate the different texture and freezing time. - How do I make it dairy-free?
Substitute regular pudding mix with a dairy-free version, use almond milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free whipped topping. - Can I assemble the cake the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, assembling it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake to firm up. - What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?
Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even crushed Oreos can work well as substitutes for the base. - How long does this dessert last in the freezer?
It can stay frozen for up to two weeks, but for the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within a week.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of both worlds—classic banana pudding and cool, creamy ice cream. It’s easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and truly a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for this delicious experience! Your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to this sweet treat that is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
Print
Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the beloved flavors of banana pudding with the creaminess of ice cream, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by crushing the vanilla wafers and spread them in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the base.
- In a bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened.
- Gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla extract into the pudding mixture.
- Layer half of the pudding mixture over the crushed wafers, followed by sliced bananas and half of the vanilla ice cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining pudding, bananas, and ice cream.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing and serve chilled.
Notes
For a little crunch, add chopped nuts between layers. Can substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
