Decadent Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

There’s a dessert that holds the power to make even the most disciplined dessert-dodgers weak in the knees, and it goes by the delightful name of Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake. Picture this: a luscious cake that marries the moist, milk-soaked texture of traditional tres leches with the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, complete with a cloud-like banana pudding cream topping and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for that perfect textural contrast. This show-stopping creation was born out of a dilemma – my sister couldn’t choose between banana pudding and tres leches for her birthday, so I decided to blend the best of both worlds into one unforgettable treat.

I vividly remember the last family reunion where I brought this Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake; the reactions were priceless. My usually reserved uncle went back for thirds, and my cousin, who claims to watch her sugar intake, couldn’t resist asking for the recipe while indulging in yet another slice. This dessert has a way of enchanting taste buds and bringing people together with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. So, if you’re ready to wow your guests and become the designated dessert hero at every gathering, this recipe is your golden ticket. With a little bit of patience and a whole lot of love, you’ll be serving up slices of pure bliss in no time.

Quick Benefits

• Innovative Fusion: Combines the rich, milk-soaked texture of tres leches with the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding for a unique and delightful dessert experience.
• Irresistible Flavor Profile: Impossibly moist cake with a cloud-like banana pudding cream topping that makes every bite pure heaven, creating a dessert that even disciplined dessert-dodgers can’t resist.
• Flexible Make-Ahead: Maintains delicious quality for up to 3 days, with flavors melding and improving over time. Components can be prepared separately, allowing for easy assembly when ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Fusion: Combining the rich, milk-soaked texture of tres leches with the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding creates a dessert that is both familiar and exciting.
• Moist and Flavorful: The cake is incredibly moist and flavorful due to the soaking in evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream, making each bite a delight.
• Cloud-Like Banana Pudding Cream: The topping, a mix of banana pudding and whipped cream, adds a heavenly, cloud-like texture to the cake, elevating it to dessert perfection.
• Texture Contrast: The addition of crushed vanilla wafers provides the perfect textural contrast, adding a crunchy element that enhances the overall dessert experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: It’s a dessert that impresses even the most disciplined dessert-dodgers, making it a hit at gatherings and celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dessert can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to assemble the components separately and finish the cake just before serving for a fresh presentation.
• Versatile Presentation: Serve in individual portions for a stunning visual effect, or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of elegance. It pairs perfectly with hot coffee or cold milk, enhancing the dessert experience.

Ingredients for Decadent Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

Cake Base

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 5 large eggs, separated

Tres Leches Mixture

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1-2 ripe bananas)
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Banana Pudding Topping

• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
• 1 cup cold milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

• Banana slices (optional)
• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers

How to Make Decadent Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup of granulated sugar until pale yellow and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients to Yolks

Mix the whole milk and vanilla extract into the egg yolk mixture until well combined.

Step 5: Beat Egg Whites

In a clean bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Combine Batters

Carefully fold beaten egg whites into egg yolk mixture until just combined, being cautious not to deflate them. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just incorporated.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter to the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Prepare Tres Leches Mixture

Combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and mashed bananas in a large bowl or measuring cup with a spout while the cake bakes.

Step 9: Soak the Cake

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Poke holes in the warm cake with a fork. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 10: Make Banana Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together banana pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Step 11: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Step 12: Combine Topping Mixtures

Gently fold the thickened banana pudding into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the whipped heavy cream, until smooth and combined.

Step 13: Top the Cake

Evenly spread the banana pudding topping over the soaked cake, then sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top.

Step 14: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Top with sliced bananas before serving. Chill cake, slice, and store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Storage Tips

To store the Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake, cover it securely and place it in the refrigerator. This dessert maintains its delicious quality for up to 3 days when stored properly. Interestingly, the cake actually improves in flavor after the first day as the different components meld together, creating a richer taste over time. If you plan to prepare this dessert ahead of time, consider making the cake and tres leches mixture a day in advance, soaking the cake overnight, and adding the topping just before serving for the freshest presentation.

For an optimal serving experience, you can add the crushed vanilla wafers just before serving to maintain their crunchiness. Another option is to sprinkle fresh vanilla wafers on individual slices as you serve them. This will ensure that the texture of the wafers remains intact and adds a delightful contrast to each bite of the moist and creamy Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy this dessert at its best and continue to impress your guests with its wonderful flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake recipe, you can make a few adjustments based on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert more suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, if you’re looking to lower the sugar content, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cake batter or opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

Another substitution option is for the heavy cream in the topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative or want to lighten up the topping, you can use coconut cream or whipped coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This swap will give the topping a slightly different flavor profile but will still provide a creamy and indulgent texture to complement the cake. Remember to chill the coconut cream or coconut milk in the refrigerator beforehand to help with the whipping process. These substitutions can help tailor the Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake to your preferences or dietary needs without compromising on its delicious taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake into an elegant individual dessert by layering it in clear glass trifle cups or mason jars. This presentation allows your guests to admire the beautiful layers of cake, soaking liquid, and creamy topping. For a touch of sophistication, drizzle each portion with a swirl of caramel sauce just before serving. This dessert not only tastes heavenly but also looks stunning on any dessert table.

For a fun twist, turn this Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake into a dessert bar at your next gathering. Set up a DIY station with individual components like sliced cake, soaking liquid, banana pudding topping, and crushed vanilla wafers. Allow guests to assemble their own mini trifles or parfaits, customizing each layer to their liking. It’s a playful and interactive way to enjoy this delicious dessert while adding a personalized touch to your event.

FAQs for Decadent Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

Can I make this Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake ahead of time. The cake actually improves in flavor after the first day as the flavors meld and develop. You can bake the cake and prepare the tres leches mixture up to a day ahead, soak overnight, and add the topping before serving.

How should I store the Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake?

Store the Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake covered in the refrigerator. It maintains its delicious quality for up to 3 days when stored properly. If you want to maintain the crunch of the vanilla wafers, consider adding them just before serving or sprinkle fresh batches on individual slices as you serve them.

Can I freeze the Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake?

It is not recommended to freeze the fully assembled Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake as it may affect the texture and consistency of the cake and the toppings. However, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers and prepare the toppings fresh when ready to serve for the best results.

How can I ensure the cake is evenly soaked with the tres leches mixture?

To ensure the cake is evenly soaked with the tres leches mixture, make sure to poke enough holes in the cake using a fork or skewer before pouring the milk mixture over it. This will allow the liquid to penetrate throughout the cake, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Conclusion

As you embark on your Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake baking adventure, remember that each slice of this delightful dessert is a labor of love that promises to bring smiles and joy to those who indulge. The fusion of banana pudding and tres leches creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will surely become a staple at your family gatherings and celebrations.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary escapades, this Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake is a testament to the fact that creating show-stopping desserts can be both achievable and immensely rewarding. So, bake, create, and share this delectable treat with your loved ones, and watch as their faces light up with every heavenly bite. Let the magic of this dessert weave its spell on you and your guests, making each moment spent in the kitchen truly special and memorable. Cheers to creating sweet moments and even sweeter memories with your very own Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake!