No-Bake Layered Banana Pudding Cake

Rich, ultra moist and with the right balance of flavors- this no-bake layered banana pudding cake will have you licking your spoon clean! 

There’s just something about the subtle sweetness and creaminess of bananas that makes it such a winner when it comes to desserts. If you agree, you’ve got to give this insanely delicious no-bake layered banana pudding cake a try. 

It is exactly what it sounds like- a creamy and soft pudding cake that you can dig into when you’re in the mood to indulge, or just want to treat yourself to a sweet treat after a long, hard day. 

Making a layered cake might seem like a lot of work, but this no-bake recipe is anything but that. Interested in giving it a shot? Here’s all you need to know about it. 

Ingredients For the Recipe

You’ll need two sets of ingredients for different parts of the recipe. 

For the crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 bananas
• 12 oz whipped topping
• 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
• 3 cups milk

How to make the Layered Banana Pudding Cake

Ready with all the ingredients? Here’s how to put the banana pudding cake together. 

In a big bowl add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. 

Mix everything with a spoon until the crumbs are moist and pour the mixture in a cake pan and press it into the bottom and sides as a crust

In another big bowl mix the cream cheese and the powdered sugar. 

Add the whipped topping and mix again. 

When everything is well combined, smooth it over the crust. 

Peel the bananas and slice them as you wish. I've cut them into long strips. 

Place them over the cream cheese layer of the cake. 

Mix the instant vanilla pudding and the milk together and when it is well combined, add it over the banana slices. 

Add the rest of the whipped topping on the top of the cake and leave it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. 

You can decorate it on top with banana slices.

What Else Can I Add to the Banana Pudding Cake?

Chopped nuts are an absolute no-fail addition to this creamy cake. They can bring in a bit of crunch and take your dessert to another level. Pecans are one of the best nuts you could opt for, but if you don’t have those, peanuts and walnuts can do the trick too. 

If you’re not too keen on using nuts, you could add a few toasted coconut flakes on the top, right before you serve, or as an actual layer in the cake. 

Can I Use Ready Graham Cracker Crust?

Yes! You totally can! If using a ready graham cracker crust can help you reduce your cooking time for the recipe, just go ahead and do that. 

If you’re not too sure about using a graham cracker crust, just use Nilla wafers instead, and you should be able to replicate the texture and enjoy a nice, subtle flavor in your layered banana pudding cake. 

Which Other Pudding Can I Use?

For this cake in specific, it is best to stick to vanilla or banana flavored pudding. This is because the dessert itself is a rich, creamy and subtle flavored dessert, and adding in too many flavors can ruin its original taste. 

How Long Should I Refrigerate the Cake?

As the recipe mentions, 4 hours of refrigeration is the absolute minimum you should aim for to get the perfect texture and consistency you are looking for. Overnight refrigeration is ideally the best, since it allows the flavors of the cake to develop, and also ensures that the cake will hold its shape well when it is out, ready to be served. 

How Do I Store the Leftover Layered Banana Pudding Cake?

If you do have leftovers that you want to store for later, just cover them up with a tight lid and pop them in the refrigerator. It can stay good in there for up to 3 days- anything beyond that will cause the crust to soak up all the liquid, and will turn mushy and unappetizing. 

This pudding cake, unfortunately, doesn’t do too well when frozen. Freezing this cake will cause the pudding to crystallize, and it’ll start to lose liquid and get all runny when you get it out.

Tips & Tricks to Nail the Recipe 

Ready to give this recipe a shot? Wait up! You might want to check out these additional tips and tricks which will really help you take the recipe up a notch. 

• While this layered banana pudding cake tastes divine on its own, you can still experiment with different flavor combinations and additions that complement the existing flavor of the cake. For instance, you could top the cake with peanut butter chips or chocolate chips for some added flavor. 
• You can also add a layer of chopped strawberries or crushed pineapple to this banana-flavored cake and top it with a nice drizzle of chocolate sauce to turn it into a nice, banana split style cake. 
• Not so sure about bringing in a flavor combination? Simply add a pinch or two of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture, and top the cake with some candied or buttered pecans to transform the cake into a rich, fall-inspired dessert. 
• Looking to lend this cake a nice pop of color? Top it with some fresh blueberries or a generous drizzle of Nutella- depending on what your taste buds are in the mood for. 
• Trying out this recipe during the warmer months? You can also add some lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture to enjoy a nice citrusy kick. 

Loved how this recipe turned out? Looking for some more easy dessert recipes to try out over the weekend? Here’s a quick, handpicked list of some of the best. 

• White Chocolate No Bake Layer Cake Recipe
• Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Candy
• No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe