A Vanilla Pudding Cake is the perfect blend of soft, fluffy cake and rich, creamy pudding. This dessert is not only incredibly easy to make but also offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just indulging in a homemade treat, this guide will provide everything you need to create the most delicious vanilla pudding cake. From essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions and expert tips, you’ll master this delightful dessert in no time.
1. What is a Vanilla Pudding Cake?
A vanilla pudding cake is a classic dessert that combines the best of both worlds—light, airy cake infused with the rich, silky texture of vanilla pudding. The pudding keeps the cake moist while adding an extra layer of flavor, making every bite irresistible.
2. Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Super Moist and Soft: Thanks to the pudding, this cake remains moist for days.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight dessert, this cake always impresses.
- Customizable: Add fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for a unique twist.
3. Ingredients for Vanilla Pudding Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair it with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra treat.
5. Variations and Add-Ins
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a rich chocolate-vanilla flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
- Berry Bliss: Fold in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity touch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
6. Storage and Shelf Life
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Leads to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy texture.
- Skipping the Pudding Mix: The pudding mix is essential for moisture and flavor.
- Overbaking: Check with a toothpick to prevent dryness.
- Not Allowing the Cake to Cool Properly: Glazing a hot cake can cause the glaze to become too runny.
8. Healthier Alternatives
- Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Butter: Adds moisture while reducing fat.
- Swap Sugar for Honey or Maple Syrup: For a more natural sweetness.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the flour for whole wheat for added fiber.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
A: Yes! Just ensure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t alter the batter’s consistency.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Q: Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes for cupcakes.
10. Conclusion
Vanilla Pudding Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—soft, moist, and packed with delicious vanilla flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, this recipe guarantees success every time. With easy customization options and simple ingredients, it’s a cake you’ll find yourself making again and again. Try it today and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!
PrintVanilla Pudding Cake: A Moist and Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
Make the best Vanilla Pudding Cake! Moist, fluffy, and rich in flavor, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try it today!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Combine & Mix: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a soft and fluffy texture.
- Use full-fat buttermilk for extra richness.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting too much.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35minutes