Banana Pudding Pound Cake: A Symphony of Flavor and Texture
Prepare to embark on a journey of delectable delight with Banana Pudding Pound Cake, a decadent fusion of classic pound cake and the beloved flavors of banana pudding. This exquisite dessert promises to tantalize your taste buds with its moist, tender crumb and irresistible banana flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of crafting this heavenly treat, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the baking process. Get ready to elevate your baking skills and delight your friends and family with a dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to begin your Banana Pudding Pound Cake adventure:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted then measured
- 5.1 ounce box banana cream instant pudding mix, do not make the pudding
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delectable Banana Pudding Pound Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or coat it with baking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, banana cream instant pudding mix (dry), salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream: Mix in the mashed ripe bananas and sour cream until well combined. The bananas will add moisture and flavor to the cake, while the sour cream will contribute to its tender texture.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on the cake and adjust the baking time as needed to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Crunchy Texture: Fold chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Enhance with Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for a delightful chocolatey twist on this classic dessert.
- Drizzle with Glaze: Top the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, flavored with a touch of vanilla or banana extract.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some adaptations:
- Almond Flour Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a low-carb alternative.
- Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste.
- Low-Carb Pudding Mix: Look for sugar-free or low-carb banana cream instant pudding mix sweetened with artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or stevia.
In conclusion, Banana Pudding Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana pudding with the rich, buttery goodness of pound cake. With its moist texture and irresistible banana flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet ending to a meal or enjoying it with a cup of coffee or tea, Banana Pudding Pound Cake is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you longing for another slice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure bliss with this delightful dessert.
