Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake is an ultra-moist dessert that combines the creamy richness of banana pudding with the soft, milk-soaked texture of classic tres leches cake.

A fluffy vanilla cake is soaked with a sweet three-milk mixture, then topped with banana cream pudding, whipped cream, crunchy vanilla wafers, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Every bite is soft, creamy, and full of nostalgic banana pudding flavor.

This dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, or whenever you want a rich Southern-inspired sweet treat that looks impressive but is still easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is incredibly moist and creamy without being heavy.

The tres leches mixture soaks into the cake and keeps it soft, while the banana pudding adds a thick, luscious layer.

Vanilla wafers provide a crunchy contrast, and caramel gives the dessert an extra sweet finish.

It is also a great make-ahead recipe because the cake gets even better after chilling.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box vanilla cake mix, 15.25 oz
• Eggs, oil, and water according to package directions
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Tres Leches Mixture

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 oz
• 1 can evaporated milk, 12 oz
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Banana Pudding Layer

• 2 boxes banana cream instant pudding mix, 3.4 oz each
• 3 cups cold milk

For the Whipped Cream Layer

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 1 box vanilla wafers, about 11 oz
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 2 bananas, sliced, optional
• Extra crushed vanilla wafers

How to Make Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions.

Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the cake batter according to package directions.

Add vanilla extract.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the cake.

Space the holes evenly so the milk mixture can soak throughout the entire cake.

Step 3: Make the Tres Leches Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Soak the Cake

Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake.

Take your time so the liquid has a chance to soak into the holes.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Make the Banana Pudding Layer

Step 5: Prepare the Pudding

Add the banana cream pudding mix to a bowl.

Pour in the cold milk.

Whisk for about 2 minutes, until thick and smooth.

Let it sit for several minutes to finish setting.

Step 6: Spread Over the Cake

Spread the banana pudding evenly over the chilled cake.

Smooth it into an even layer.

Make the Whipped Cream

Step 7: Whip the Cream

Add the heavy whipping cream to a cold mixing bowl.

Beat until it begins to thicken.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla.

Continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 8: Add the Whipped Cream Layer

Spread the whipped cream over the banana pudding layer.

Use a spatula to create soft swirls across the top.

Add the Toppings

Step 9: Add Vanilla Wafers

Crush some of the vanilla wafers into coarse pieces.

Sprinkle them generously over the whipped cream.

Add whole vanilla wafers for decoration if desired.

Step 10: Add Caramel

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.

Step 11: Add Bananas

If serving soon, add fresh banana slices.

For a make-ahead version, add bananas shortly before serving so they stay fresh and do not brown.

Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 2 more hours, preferably overnight.

This allows the cake to absorb the milk completely and gives the layers time to set.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: About 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours minimum
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 12 to 15

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

Pour the milk mixture slowly so it absorbs evenly.

Do not skip the chilling time.

Use cold milk when preparing instant pudding.

Whip the cream until firm enough to hold its shape.

Add fresh bananas just before serving if you want them to look their best.

Crush some vanilla wafers but leave others larger for better texture.

Recipe Variations

Caramel Banana Version

Add extra caramel sauce between the pudding and whipped cream layers.

Strawberry Banana Version

Add sliced strawberries with the bananas.

Chocolate Banana Version

Drizzle chocolate sauce over the top with the caramel.

Coconut Banana Tres Leches

Replace part of the whole milk with coconut milk and add toasted coconut.

Extra Creamy Version

Fold a little whipped topping into the banana pudding before spreading it over the cake.

What to Serve With Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake

This dessert pairs well with:

• Hot coffee
• Iced coffee
• Fresh berries
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

Because the cake is already rich, coffee or fresh fruit makes a great accompaniment.

How to Store the Cake

Cover the baking dish tightly.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Because the cake contains milk, pudding, and whipped cream, keep it refrigerated until serving.

Can You Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes.

This dessert is ideal for making the night before.

Prepare the cake, tres leches soak, pudding, and whipped cream layers.

Refrigerate overnight.

Add fresh bananas and a few extra vanilla wafer crumbs just before serving.

Can You Freeze It?

You can freeze the soaked cake before adding the pudding and whipped cream.

Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the toppings.

For the best texture, avoid freezing the fully assembled cake.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 470
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 61g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 44g
Sodium: 380mg

Nutrition information is approximate and will vary depending on brands and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tres leches mean?

Tres leches means “three milks.”

The cake is traditionally soaked in a mixture of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular milk.

Will the cake become soggy?

It becomes very moist, but it should not fall apart if baked properly and chilled before serving.

Can I use homemade vanilla cake?

Yes.

Any sturdy vanilla or yellow cake works well.

Can I use regular vanilla pudding?

Yes.

Banana cream pudding gives the strongest banana flavor, but vanilla pudding works too.

Do I have to use fresh bananas?

No.

The cake still has plenty of banana flavor from the pudding.

Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes.

Use about 16 oz of thawed whipped topping.

Why This Recipe Works

The vanilla cake acts like a sponge and absorbs the three-milk mixture without losing its structure.

Banana pudding adds rich flavor and a smooth creamy texture.

Whipped cream keeps the dessert light, while vanilla wafers provide crunch.

Caramel adds extra richness and ties together the banana and vanilla flavors.

The result is a dessert that combines banana pudding and tres leches cake in one irresistible dish.

Final Thoughts

Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake is a creamy, ultra-moist dessert filled with banana, vanilla, milk, whipped cream, and crunchy vanilla wafers.

It is easy enough for a family dessert but impressive enough for holidays and celebrations.

Serve it cold with a little extra caramel and crushed vanilla wafers for a rich, dreamy sweet treat.

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