Banana Pudding Cake
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/ec0b6bc3-91e3-4109-a94e-947eab2488ce
Original source: https://grandbaby-cakes.com/banana-pudding-cake/
Recipe image: https://grandbaby-cakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Banana-Pudding-Cake-1.jpeg

This Southern Banana Pudding Cake pairs layers of tender banana cake, creamy homemade custard, crunchy vanilla wafers, and luscious whipped cream!
Yield: 22
Prep time: PT180M
Cook time: PT30M
Total time: PT210M

Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp banana extract
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 3/4 cup all purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/4 cup sour cream (room temperature )
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp banana extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (optional, for stabilizing the whipped cream)
- Nilla wafers
- 2 large bananas (sliced 1/4 inch thick)

Instructions
1. [For the Homemade Banana Pudding] Add the milk and cream to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
2. [For the Homemade Banana Pudding] In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until well blended.
3. [For the Homemade Banana Pudding] Spoon a little of the hot milk over the egg mixture and whisk well. Repeat with another few spoonfuls of the hot milk, to temper the eggs (bring their temperature up without “scrambling” them).
4. [For the Homemade Banana Pudding] Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan and continue to cook over medium low heat for about 10 minutes or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If you’re still unsure, use a thermometer: it should read 170-175F.
5. [For the Homemade Banana Pudding] Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, banana extract, and salt.
6. [For the Homemade Banana Pudding] Pour the pudding through a sieve or fine mesh strainer into a container, to remove any lumps.
7. [For the Homemade Banana Pudding] Place a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper directly on top to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until completely chilled and set. Stir well before using.
8. [For the Banana Cake] Preheat the oven to 325°F. Liberally spray 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with non-stick baking spray or grease and flour.
9. [For the Banana Cake] In your mixer bowl, add oil and butter and beat for 2 minutes on high speed. Slowly add in sugar and beat on high speed for an additional 4-5 minutes until very pale yellow and fluffy. Next, add eggs, one at a time, combining well after each addition and scraping down the sides as needed.
10. [For the Banana Cake] Turn your mixer down to its lowest speed, and slowly add flour into batter in two increments then add baking powder, salt and baking soda. Be careful not to over beat.
11. [For the Banana Cake] Lastly, add sour cream, milk, vanilla extract and banana extract, then scrape down sides and mix until just combined and turn off the mixer.
12. [For the Banana Cake] Evenly pour cake batter into prepared baking pans and place in the oven to bake for 15-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes just barely clean.
13. [For the Banana Cake] Remove cakes from the oven and rest in pans for 10-15 minutes. Invert cakes from pans onto cooling racks, then allow them to cool to room temperature.
14. [For the Whipped Cream] Whip cream, sugar, vanilla and cream of tartar if using until stiff peaks (in a cold bowl with a cold whisk for best results).
15. [For the Whipped Cream] Chill until ready to use.
16. [To Assemble] Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spoon ½ of the banana pudding onto the cake and use a spatula to spread it to the edge,  leaving about a ¼ inch of space.
17. [To Assemble] Sprinkle crushed nilla wafers on top.
18. [To Assemble] Place the next layer of cake on top, then repeat the previous step.
19. [To Assemble] Add the last layer of cake on top, then proceed to frosting the cake with the premade whipped cream.
20. [To Assemble] Decorate the top of the cake with Nilla wafers and slices of banana if desired.