Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crafting a luscious vanilla pudding cake promises pure dessert magic for anyone seeking comfort in a single slice.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, signaling something extraordinary is about to emerge.

Soft, moist layers melding creamy pudding with tender cake create an irresistible treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Humble ingredients combine into something surprisingly elegant and deeply satisfying.

Unexpected texture contrasts make this dessert stand out from standard cake recipes.

Simple techniques mean you can confidently whip up this delightful creation without stress.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Vanilla Pudding Cake That Comforts and Satisfies

  • Craft Comfort Dessert: A foolproof cake that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat for any gathering.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal kitchen skills required to create a crowd-pleasing dessert.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works for casual family dinners, potlucks, or weekend celebrations with its universal appeal and rich flavor profile.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and quick mixing technique make this cake a stress-free option for home bakers wanting a delicious homemade dessert without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Soft and Creamy Vanilla Pudding Cake

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and creamy base for the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor that complements the cake's sweetness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake texture.
Flavor Enhancer:
  • Instant Pudding Mix: Introduces extra moisture and a subtle pudding-like flavor to the cake.

How to Bake Vanilla Pudding Cake with Ease

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space

Fire up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Dry Blend

Grab a roomy mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Cream The Butter Base

In a separate bowl, transform your softened butter into a silky smooth texture.

Gradually introduce sugar and beat until the mixture becomes light, airy, and looks like fluffy clouds.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs And Flavor

Add eggs one by one, giving each a chance to fully blend into the butter mixture.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks harmonious and glossy.

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry Elements

Gradually alternate adding your dry flour mixture and milk to the butter blend.

Stir gently, stopping just when everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Introduce Pudding Magic

Fold in the instant pudding mix, ensuring it’s completely integrated into the batter for that signature creamy texture.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and test with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the cake rest and cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the rich, velvety goodness of your homemade vanilla pudding cake!

Tips to Keep Vanilla Pudding Cake Moist and Flavorful

  • Swap vanilla pudding mix with chocolate or butterscotch for a flavor twist that keeps everyone guessing.
  • Reduce sugar slightly if using sweetened pudding mix to prevent overwhelming sweetness in the final dessert.
  • Check cake doneness early by testing with a toothpick around 25 minutes to avoid potential dryness.
  • Enhance moisture by brushing warm cake with simple syrup or adding an extra egg to the batter for richer texture.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that elevates this simple dessert.

Creative Twists on Vanilla Pudding Cake

  • Chocolate Lover's Pudding Cake: Replace vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding mix for a rich, decadent chocolate version that chocolate fans will adore.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Cake: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and coconut oil in place of butter to create a creamy, lactose-free cake option for dairy-restricted diets.
  • Tropical Fruit Infusion: Add crushed pineapple or shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical-inspired pudding cake with extra moisture and exotic flavor.

Pairings That Complement Vanilla Pudding Cake Well

  • Rich espresso or cappuccino beautifully complements the sweet, soft texture of the cake, creating a delightful balance between bitter and sweet flavors.
  • A scoop of cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream adds a luxurious contrast to the warm cake, enhancing its creamy pudding-like qualities and providing a refreshing touch.
  • A light drizzle of homemade caramel sauce over each slice introduces a golden, buttery note that elevates the cake's inherent sweetness and adds a gourmet dimension.

Storage Ideas to Keep Vanilla Pudding Cake Fresh

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheating (Oven): Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slices at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning and retain moisture.
  • Microwave Method: Reheat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly, ensuring the cake remains soft and moist.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade pudding mix instead of instant pudding?

No, instant pudding mix provides the specific texture and moisture needed for this cake. Homemade pudding might change the cake’s consistency and baking results.

  • Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

  • Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Slightly reducing sugar might work, but too much reduction could affect the cake’s moisture and structure. Consider reducing by no more than 1/4 cup to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

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Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe

Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade vanilla pudding cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its creamy texture and rich flavor profile. Luscious layers of moist cake and silky pudding create a memorable sweet experience you will savor to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • whipped topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Utilize an electric mixer to whip softened butter until creamy and smooth.
  4. Gradually incorporate sugar into butter, beating until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency.
  5. Introduce eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition.
  6. Mix in vanilla extract, ensuring complete integration with the existing batter.
  7. Slowly combine dry ingredient mixture and milk into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to maintain a smooth texture.
  8. Fold instant pudding mix into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  9. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, using a spatula to create an uniform surface.
  10. Place in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and checking doneness with a toothpick.
  11. Remove from oven and let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes to stabilize and slightly cool before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
  • Gently fold pudding mix to maintain the cake’s delicate structure and prevent dense results.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour, adjusting moisture content as needed.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 328 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 186 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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