Half Strawberry Shortcake Banana Pudding (Printable Version)

Layers of vanilla cake, banana pudding, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream create a refreshing layered dessert.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Vanilla Cake

01 - 281 g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
02 - 250 g granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 170 g unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 240 ml whole milk
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Banana Pudding Layer

09 - 480 ml milk
10 - 40 g cornstarch
11 - 100 g granulated sugar
12 - 3 egg yolks
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 3 ripe bananas, sliced
15 - 150 g vanilla wafers, crushed

→ Strawberry Shortcake Layer

16 - 300 g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
17 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Whipped Cream Topping

18 - 240 ml cold heavy cream
19 - 30 g powdered sugar
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and flour a 23x33 cm baking dish or two 23 cm pans. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients, mixing gently until combined.
02 - Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and milk until thickened. Temper egg yolks with a small amount of hot milk mixture, then stir into saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and allow to cool slightly before folding in sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.
04 - Combine sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and let sit for 15 minutes to release their juices.
05 - Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
06 - Spread banana pudding evenly over the cooled cake. Arrange the macerated strawberries on top. Finish by spreading whipped cream over the strawberries, smoothing to cover edges evenly.
07 - Refrigerate assembled layers for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and textures to set before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Ensure the cake is completely cooled before layering to prevent pudding from melting.