“When life goes bananas, make banana pudding cake!” Of course, I know that’s not how the old expression goes, but it fits. So I’m going with it!
As many of you dear friends know, this summer has been more than just a little bananas around here! (That’s why I had to take an unexpected sabbatical from blogging this summer.) Yet, despite chaotic circumstances, the Lord is faithful and good in filling us with grace, peace and joy when we keep our eyes fixed on Him.
I’m rejoicing in all He’s doing to heal my heart and sustain my health through this trial. And I’m especially rejoicing to get back to serving Him, my family, church and precious friends like you!
And that’s where this scrumptious Banana Pudding Cake comes in – so creamy, dreamy and full of lightly sweet banana goodness, it’s certain to make your family smile!
Of course, I’m not one to suggest that anyone should indulge in sweets to lift their spirits, but I think we can all agree that sometimes, a tasty treat helps us to remember to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. It’s especially uplifting when we share a special treat with family and friends! In this case, going bananas couldn’t be more enjoyable!
How to Make Banana Pudding Cake
Step One: Bake a loaf of my yummy grain-free banana bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it and transfer it to the fridge to chill.
Step Two: Follow the recipe below to make my delectable dairy-free banana pudding (which is from my Banana Cream Tart recipe in my cookbook). Then, place the pudding in the fridge to set. Once it’s cold and set, you’re ready to have fun putting this simply delicious banana pudding cake together.
Step Three: Remove the chilled banana bread from the fridge. Slice the bread into 12 slices. Arrange the slices evenly along the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. (As shown above, you may need to cut the slices into smaller pieces in order to cover the bottom of the dish.)
Next, cut the bananas into thick slices and layer them evenly across the top of the banana bread. This ensures there’s a delicious creamy banana in every scrumptious bite!
Step Four: Now you’re ready for the grand finale! Spoon the creamy banana pudding over the banana slices and use a spatula to even out the top. (If you have any extra pudding leftover, go ahead and enjoy it all by yourself. I won’t tell!)
Refrigerate the cake for one hour, then slice and enjoy! Mmm! So delicious! You’re family and friends are certain to go bananas over this simply delectable dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf GF banana bread (try my Ultimate Banana Bread recipe)
- 3 large bananas, divided
- 2 (13.5 oz) cans pure coconut milk
- 2 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin (preferably grassfed gelatin)
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup, plus 1 Tbsp honey (I prefer mild flavor honey, such as clover or sage)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bake one loaf of banana bread. Allow the bread to cool completely on the stovetop. Then, remove the bread from the loaf pan and wrap it. Transfer to the fridge until ready to use to make the cake.
- Next, mash one banana to baby food consistency and measure out a 1/2 cup. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add the coconut milk. Sprinkle the gelatin on the top of the milk. Allow the gelatin to bloom (soften) about 5–10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, honey and vanilla. Set aside.
- Once the gelatin has softened, place the saucepan over medium heat. Add the 1/2 cup of mashed banana and whisk constantly until the milk is warmed.
- Very slowly add 1/2 cup of the warm milk to the yolks, whisking constantly to combine. Slowly pour the yolk mixture into the saucepan and whisk thoroughly.
- Bring the custard mixture to a gentle simmer while whisking. Then continue to whisk for 3-5 minutes until custard begins to thicken. Once thickened, turn off the heat and pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a large glass bowl to cool.
- Once the custard is cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- When it's cold and set, whisk gently to loosen, so it’s thick and creamy like pudding. Set aside.
- Remove the chilled banana bread from the fridge. Slice the bread into 12 slices. Arrange the slices evenly along the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish as shown in the photos above. (You may need to cut the slices into smaller pieces in order to cover the bottom of the dish.)
- Next, cut the bananas into thick slices and layer the slices evenly across the top of the banana bread as shown in the photos above.
- Then, spoon the pudding over the bananas and use an offset spatula to even out the top. Refrigerate the pudding cake for one hour, then slice and enjoy! Mmm! So delicious!
Notes
To ensure your pudding sets properly, be sure to use pure (canned) coconut milk. Or if you are not dairy-free, you may substitute with whole milk. In addition, the pudding will separate over time, so it's best to enjoy this scrumptious dessert within 24 hours of making it. Enjoy!
That looks absolutely scrumptious! My mouth is watering at this moment. So glad your health is well – that’s more important than blogging any day!
Thanks for another winner recipe!
Jen
Thank you so much, Jen! I appreciate you popping over to share your kind encouragement! I look forward to checking out your blog when you’re site is back up. The name is awesome! 🙂
This looks wonderful Kelly! Can’t wait to try it.
God bless you,
Debbie
Thanks, sweet friend! I so appreciate you taking the time to leave a kind note! Blessings to you, Kelly 🙂
Can’t wait to bake the bread for this so I think I’ll just make the pudding! Thanks Kelly. So nice to ‘talk’ with you again! 🙂
Thanks so much, Dorothy. It’s so nice to be back talking to sweet friends like you! Hope you enjoy the pudding! With blessings, Kelly 🙂
One of my Mom’s fav quotes was: “The lord helps those who help themselves”. I never knew if it was from a scripture or just one of those old-fashioned sayings, but it’s still so relevant in today’s busy world. If you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot be there for everyone else. You are an inspiration to us all, you are allowed to take off as much time as needed in your personal life. This new recipe looks delish, we love anything banana ! Thank you for all your dedication. Look fwd to all upcoming fall recipes !
Thank you so much for your kind note of encouragement, Terissa. I really appreciate you! I’m so happy that the Lord uses this site to bless others. I’ve missed you all so much and am so happy to be back here sharing recipes and encouragement. Thank you again! With blessings, Kelly 🙂
Hello Kelly! So nice to see you back. 🙂 Sorry to hear you’ve been going through a trial, but so very thankful God is faithful and works all things together for the good for those that love Him. This Banana Pudding Cake recipe looks delicious!
Thank you so much, Andrea, for your kind words of encouragement and scripture! You are so right! God is so faithful and grants new mercies every morning! I know His plans are far better than mine and that He uses trials to refine us and conform us more into the image of His Precious Son! 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a kind note! Many blessings to you, Kelly 🙂
Yay!
So glad to see your post, and what a yummy looking recipe. Gotta try it!
(Ephesians 6:10)
Thank you so much, Elaine, for your kind words of encouragement and the scripture! Definitely reminded that true strength comes from our faithful, loving and gracious God. So thankful for all His loving promises and His Spirit that gives us peace and joy in Him, no matter what our circumstances. Many blessings to you, Kelly 🙂
Remembering you as you recover from your difficult summer!
Thank you so much, Melissa. I really appreciate your kindness. God is SO good and faithful to give us grace to rejoice in Him no matter our circumstances. 🙂 With blessings to you, Kelly
This looks delicious and easy to make – 2 great aspects for making a dessert 😉 Your positive spirit and joy always shine through regardless of your circumstances, Kelly – praying for all good things for you and your family!
You are so kind, Theresa! Thank you so much for your encouragement. You made my day! And I so appreciate your prayers! (James 5:16) With love and blessings, Kelly