Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful dessert that combines two beloved treats: fragrant strawberry shortcake and creamy banana pudding! This Half Strawberry Shortcake Half Banana Pudding Cake brings together the best of both worlds, creating a show-stopping centerpiece for any gathering. Picture layers of moist vanilla cake, fluffy banana pudding, and luscious macerated strawberries, all draped in a cloud of whipped topping. It’s truly a slice of happiness that will have your friends and family begging for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Banana Pudding:
- 1 box instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping (thawed)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Assembly:
- Whipped topping for decoration
- Additional sliced strawberries and banana slices for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure a perfect release.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the banana pudding by whisking together the instant pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined, then stir in the sliced bananas and set this delicious mixture aside.
- In another bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let this mixture macerate for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally, resulting in four magnificent layers.
- Start assembling the cake by placing one layer on a serving platter. Spread half of the banana pudding mixture over the layer, then repeat this with the second layer.
- Add the third layer of cake and spread the macerated strawberries generously over it. Top with the final layer of cake.
- Cover the entire cake with whipped topping and feel free to get creative with your decorations using additional sliced strawberries and banana slices.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving to allow all those delightful flavors to meld together.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the banana pudding mixture.
- This cake can easily be made ahead of time; just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- Feel free to swap in different fruits based on your preference; blueberries or peaches would also pair beautifully!
Cooking Techniques
When baking your cakes, proper cooling is key! Ensure that they are completely cooled before slicing to avoid crumbling. To create clean layers, use a serrated knife for a gentle sawing motion. For whipping your topping, take care not to overmix; you want it light and airy!
FAQ
- Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix? Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake will work deliciously in this recipe.
- How can I store leftovers? Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this cake? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake layers separately for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap them tightly.
Conclusion
This Half Strawberry Shortcake Half Banana Pudding Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, bringing together the sweet nostalgia of childhood favorites and the joy of baking. Each bite is a celebration, layered with flavors and textures that dance on your palate. So gather your loved ones, slice up this delicious creation, and enjoy the smiles that follow!