Introduction
Deeply satisfying and utterly delightful, this Half Strawberry Shortcake Half Banana Pudding Cake combines two beloved classics into one magnificent dessert. Each bite reveals layers of moist cake, fresh strawberries bathed in sweetness, rich and creamy banana pudding, and a lovely touch of whipped cream. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat on any ordinary day, this cake promises to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning dessert:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- For the Strawberry Shortcake Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- For the Banana Pudding Layer:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two round cake pans. This ensures your cake releases easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, giving it that heavenly texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition to incorporate every bit of that rich flavor.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberry layer by tossing the sliced strawberries with ½ cup of sugar. Set them aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to develop.
- For the banana pudding layer, whisk together the milk and pudding mix in a bowl until smooth, then let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped cream into the pudding mixture, creating a luscious filling.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer onto a serving platter.
- Spread the macerated strawberries evenly over the first cake layer, allowing the juices to soak in.
- Top with a generous layer of the banana pudding mixture, placing banana slices on top for added sweetness.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the bananas.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with more whipped cream, if desired, for an added touch of sweetness.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing all the delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes or Tips
For the best results, use ripe bananas for the pudding layer as they lend more sweetness and flavor. You can also experiment with the fruits used—feel free to add blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe combines baking, macerating, and folding techniques. When baking, ensure that your oven is fully preheated to 350°F to achieve that perfect rise. Macerating the strawberries with sugar enhances their natural sweetness, turning them into a juicy topping. Folding whipped cream into the pudding is key to keeping it light and airy!
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
No problem! This cake can be prepared a day in advance; just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Can I substitute the milk in the banana pudding layer?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk or any non-dairy milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
In a world filled with desserts, this Half Strawberry Shortcake Half Banana Pudding Cake stands out as a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this layered delight will bring joy with each delicious slice. Indulge in the rich flavors, and enjoy every moment shared with friends and family around the table!