Banana Pudding Pound Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 large banana)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sliced bananas (for layering)
• Whipped cream
• Additional banana slices
• Crushed vanilla wafers (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or a standard loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot mixture to the yolks, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
10. Once the pound cake is completely cool, slice it into layers. Spread a layer of banana pudding on top of a slice, followed by sliced bananas. Top with another slice of cake and repeat the process until all layers are assembled.
11. Top the assembled cake with whipped cream, additional banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.