If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that strikes the perfect balance between light cake and luscious pudding, then you’ve found it with this Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe. This treat combines simple pantry ingredients with a wonderful vanilla flavor and an irresistibly moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds and keeps that warm, homemade charm alive in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a beautiful harmony of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role—flour for structure, sugar for sweetness, butter for richness, and the instant vanilla pudding mix adds that signature creamy surprise.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender yet sturdy crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness without overpowering the vanilla.
- 2 tsp baking powder: This leavens the cake, making it rise light and fluffy.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides creamy richness and moisture.
- 3 large eggs: Bring structure and binding power to the batter.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Delivers the warm, classic vanilla essence.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender with its creamy texture.
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (1 package): Adds that signature silky pudding layer within the cake itself.
- Whipped topping (optional, for garnish): A light finish that complements the cake’s vanilla richness.
How to Make Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly; this ensures the cake doesn’t stick and helps create a nice crust all around.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agents and sweetener are evenly distributed, allowing the cake to bake uniformly and taste balanced in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar while beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps make the cake wonderfully soft and tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual incorporation creates a smooth, cohesive batter. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the entire cake with that delightful vanilla aroma.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk Alternately
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and whole milk to your wet batter, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined—this careful mixing prevents the cake from becoming tough, preserving its tender crumb.
Step 6: Fold in the Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Gently fold the instant vanilla pudding mix into your batter until fully incorporated. This special ingredient is the secret to the delightful pudding layer beneath the cake, giving the dessert a moist texture and creamy taste that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cake turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The oven’s heat causes the pudding mix to set under the cakey top, creating that classic pudding cake texture.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the cake cool slightly before cutting and serving. This allows the pudding layer to set properly, making it easier to slice and giving you that perfect balance of cake and pudding in every forkful.
How to Serve Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of whipped topping is the easiest way to elevate this cake. The light creaminess pairs beautifully with the soft vanilla cake and creamy pudding layer. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a fresh or spiced flair that complements the dessert’s cozy flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh fruit salad. The refreshing contrast of cold cream or tangy fruit enhances the cake’s sweetness and makes for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in pretty dessert bowls or ramekins topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. For an impressive presentation at gatherings, layer cake squares with alternating whipped cream and berries in a clear trifle dish, putting your own spin on this classic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, it’s best stored in the fridge to maintain freshness and the creamy pudding layer’s texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until just heated through. Avoid overheating to preserve the pudding layer’s creaminess and prevent drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While you can substitute low-fat or skim milk, whole milk adds richness and moisture that complements the pudding layer perfectly. Using lower-fat milk might result in a slightly less tender cake.
Is it necessary to use instant vanilla pudding mix?
The instant pudding mix is key to achieving the delightful pudding texture inside the cake. Regular pudding or homemade pudding won’t work the same way, as the instant mix contains specific stabilizers for the proper consistency.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake from crumbling.
What is the best way to store this cake if I want to keep it fresh overnight?
Cover the cake loosely with foil or plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature if you’ll serve it within 24 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate it to maintain that creamy pudding layer’s freshness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 inch pans. Adjust baking time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the warm hug of this Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe when you want an easy, comforting dessert that feels special. I promise once you try it, this cake will become a staple in your baking rotation, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying moments of pure vanilla bliss all to yourself. Don’t hesitate—go ahead and bake this delight today!
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Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Delightful Vanilla Pudding Cake is a moist, tender dessert featuring a rich vanilla flavor with the added creaminess of instant vanilla pudding mix. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, it’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser suitable for any occasion, served plain or topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (1 package)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Garnish
- Whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring proper incorporation of air.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Then, mix in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the wet butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Pudding Mix: Gently fold in the instant vanilla pudding mix until fully blended with the batter, which adds richness and moisture.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before serving. Optionally, garnish with whipped topping for added creaminess and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness; the cake should be set and no wet batter should cling to the toothpick.
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with buttermilk or add a teaspoon of almond extract along with vanilla.
- This cake can be served warm or chilled and pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
