Half Strawberry Shortcake Half Banana Pudding Cake
A delightful dessert combining fluffy cake, sweet bananas, and fresh strawberries, topped with creamy whipped goodness, perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Banana Pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Assembly
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers, crushed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating)
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter in a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Add milk and vanilla to the butter mixture. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Banana Pudding
- Heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan.
- In another bowl, whisk cornstarch, sugar, and egg yolks. Add some warm milk to this mixture, then pour it back into the saucepan.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in vanilla. Let it cool.
Macerate Strawberries and Whip Cream
- Macerate strawberries by tossing them with sugar and letting them sit for about 15 minutes.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Layer the Cake
- Place one cake on a serving plate, add banana pudding, sliced bananas, crushed vanilla wafers, and some strawberries. Top with whipped cream.
- Place the second cake on top and repeat the layering process. Finish with whipped cream and decorate with more fruits.
Notes
Enhance flavor by adding a splash of rum or banana extract to the pudding. Customize with your favorite fruits like blueberries or peaches for different tastes. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat, especially on warm days.