Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

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If you’re a fan of classic banana pudding and love the rich indulgence of tres leches cake, this Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake is your dream dessert come true! This moist and fluffy sponge cake is soaked in a banana-infused three-milk mixture, topped with a creamy banana pudding cheesecake layer, and finished with crushed vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices.

Why This Recipe Works

• Moist, ultra-rich texture from the tres leches soak

• Classic banana pudding flavor with a twist

• No-fail recipe for celebrations and make-ahead desserts

• Eye-catching presentation with banana slices and crushed cookies

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the sponge, light but structured.

• 1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay airy.

• ¼ tsp salt – Enhances all the other flavors.

• 5 large eggs, separated – Whipped whites keep the cake fluffy; yolks add richness.

• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided – Sweetens both yolks and whites for balance.

• ⅓ cup whole milk – Adds moisture to the batter.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk – Adds richness without heaviness.

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Intensely sweet and creamy.

• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the soak extra luscious.

• ½ cup mashed bananas – Infuses the cake with real banana flavor.

For the Banana Pudding Topping:

• 1 (3.4 oz) box banana pudding mix – Instant banana flavor and smooth texture.

• 1 cup cold milk – Helps the pudding set.

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream – Adds fluffiness and volume.

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Rich and tangy base for the topping.

• ¼ cup powdered sugar – Lightly sweetens the cream cheese.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors.

For Garnish:

• Crushed vanilla wafers – Classic crunch and nostalgic flavor.

• Banana slices (optional) – Fresh, fruity finish that complements the creamy layers.

Tips for Success

• Use ripe bananas for a more pronounced banana flavor.

• Chill thoroughly—this dessert gets better the longer it soaks.

• Make it ahead for parties—prepare up to 24 hours in advance.

• Keep banana slices fresh by tossing them in lemon juice if prepping early.

• Use full-fat dairy for best texture and richness.

Variations

• Add whipped topping: For a lighter topping, fold in whipped cream or whipped topping.

• Try Nilla Wafer crust: Press crushed wafers into the bottom of the baking dish before pouring the batter.

• Go tropical: Add crushed pineapple or coconut to the soak or topping for a Caribbean flair.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Not freezer-friendly due to the dairy content and fresh bananas.

• Add bananas fresh daily for best presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pound cake instead?
Yes, but it won’t soak up the tres leches mixture as well as a homemade sponge.

What if I don’t have banana pudding mix?
You can use vanilla pudding and add banana extract or mashed bananas to achieve a similar flavor.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Toss slices in lemon juice or add them just before serving for best appearance.

Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour

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Description

Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake – A heavenly mashup of two classics! Fluffy sponge cake soaked in a creamy banana tres leches mixture, layered with banana pudding cheesecake frosting, and crowned with vanilla wafers + fresh bananas.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 5 large eggs, separated

• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided

• ⅓ cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup mashed ripe bananas

• 1 (3.4 oz) box banana instant pudding mix

• 1 cup cold milk

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Crushed vanilla wafers

• Fresh banana slices (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in milk and vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

5. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, then fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool the cake slightly before soaking.

Step 2: Soak the Cake with Banana Tres Leches

1. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer.

2. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, heavy cream, and mashed bananas.

3. Slowly pour the banana tres leches mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb completely.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.

 Step 3: Make the Banana Pudding Cream Cheese Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).

2. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

3. Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Then fold in the heavy whipping cream until fully combined and light.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

1. Once the cake is fully chilled and soaked, spread the banana pudding topping evenly over the surface.

2. Sprinkle generously with crushed vanilla wafers.

3. Top with fresh banana slices just before serving, if desired.

Notes

This Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake is the perfect mashup of two Southern classics—moist, rich, and bursting with banana flavor in every bite. Whether you’re impressing guests or satisfying your own sweet cravings, this easy yet elegant dessert will never disappoint.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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