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Banana Pudding and Strawberry Cake – Fun Dessert Recipes for Birthdays

Half Strawberry Shortcake Half Banana Pudding Cake Everyone Will Love

Half Strawberry Shortcake Half Banana Pudding Cake Everyone Will Love is the ultimate dessert mashup for parties, birthdays, and family gatherings. This fun layered cake combines the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries with the creamy, nostalgic goodness of banana pudding in one irresistible treat. With soft vanilla cake, fresh fruit, crushed wafers, and fluffy whipped topping, every bite is rich, fruity, and full of texture. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for spring and summer celebrations, this cake is made for sharing—and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Vanilla Cake
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk whole milk works best
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Banana Pudding Filling
  • 2 cups milk
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas sliced
  • 1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
For the Strawberry Layer
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • For the Whipped Cream Topping
  • 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

    Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake

    Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or use two 9-inch round cake pans.
    In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
    Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before layering.

    Step 2: Make the Banana Pudding Layer

    Pour the milk into a saucepan and whisk it together with the sugar and cornstarch over medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
    In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a little of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking to temper them. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
    Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
    Let the pudding cool slightly, then gently mix in the sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.

    Step 2: Make the Banana Pudding Layer

    Pour the milk into a saucepan and whisk it together with the sugar and cornstarch over medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
    In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a little of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking to temper them. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
    Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
    Let the pudding cool slightly, then gently mix in the sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.

    Step 3: Prep the Strawberries

    Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl and toss them with the sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so they can soften and release their juices.

    Step 4: Whip the Cream

    In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Notes

Assembling the Cake

Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the top.
Next, spoon the juicy strawberries over the pudding layer, making sure they’re spread out evenly.
Finish by adding the whipped cream on top and smoothing it all the way to the edges.
For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.

Helpful Notes

  • For a prettier finish, top with extra banana slices or fresh strawberries right before serving.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.