If you’re hunting for your next go-to dessert that’s both irresistibly moist and wonderfully easy, Vanilla Pudding Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a cake that combines the simplicity of a classic yellow cake mix with the creamy richness of instant vanilla pudding — the result is a treat that’s fluffy, tender, and bursting with homey vanilla flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or a cheerful potluck, this cake shines with its old-fashioned charm and utterly delightful taste.

Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Vanilla Pudding Cake plays an important role, bringing together classic flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of common pantry staples create such magic!

Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base for your cake, making preparation a total breeze with foolproof sweetness and structure.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): This is the secret to that unmistakable richness and extra moist crumb everyone loves.
Large eggs (4): Eggs add structure, richness, and a bit of springiness to each bite.
Whole milk (1 cup): Whole milk boosts the creaminess and ensures the cake stays moist for days.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Oil yields an extra tender cake and keeps the interior melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A shake of vanilla brings the whole cake together with warming, cozy notes.
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A light sprinkle before serving adds a pretty touch and subtle sweetness.

How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to generously grease and flour your bundt pan or 9×13-inch baking dish. This will make unmolding your Vanilla Pudding Cake a total breeze, and help ensure every golden edge turns out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Crack in the eggs, pour in the whole milk and vegetable oil, and finish with the vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about two minutes. The batter should look smooth, creamy, and inviting, with the pudding creating extra velvety ribbons.

Step 3: Pour and Smooth

Scrape that lovely batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to even out the top if needed. This small step ensures the cake rises uniformly and gives you that picture-perfect top, whether you’re using a bundt pan or a classic rectangle dish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven—about 40 to 45 minutes if you’re using a bundt pan, or 30 to 35 minutes in a 9×13-inch dish. You’ll know your Vanilla Pudding Cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen is just an added bonus!

Step 5: Cool and Unmold

Let your cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes if you used a bundt pan (this helps prevent breakage). Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. If you opted for a 9×13-inch dish, simply allow the cake to cool right in the pan.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once the cake is completely cool, dust the top with a flurry of powdered sugar. This not only adds a sweet finishing note but also makes your Vanilla Pudding Cake look extra inviting. Slice and serve as is, or pair with your favorite accompaniments.

How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Cake

Garnishes

A gentle dusting of powdered sugar is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Fresh berries, a handful of white chocolate chips, or a few edible flowers turn your Vanilla Pudding Cake into a stunning centerpiece. A drizzle of simple glaze or a generous dollop of whipped cream makes every slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake is dreamy served on its own, but if you want to round things out, try offering a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of mixed berry compote. For a light brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh seasonal fruit and hot coffee—pure comfort!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, cut your Vanilla Pudding Cake into elegant squares and dust each with cocoa for a classy touch. Layer pieces with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses for an easy but impressive trifle. Or bake as cupcakes for portable treats perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Vanilla Pudding Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay soft and delicious for up to three days. If your kitchen runs a bit warm, consider refrigerating to extend its life.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Simply slice, wrap each piece in plastic, and place them in a freezer-safe zip bag. Frozen, your Vanilla Pudding Cake will keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. To serve, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your cake warm, just zap a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The pudding keeps it from drying out, so it’s just as soft and dreamy as when fresh. You can also briefly reheat a large piece in a low oven wrapped in foil.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely! While vanilla pudding gives that signature taste, you can easily swap in butterscotch, banana, or chocolate pudding mix for a fun twist. Each adds its own unique personality to the cake.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the whole milk with your favorite non-dairy milk and check that your cake mix and pudding mix are both dairy-free. The texture should remain soft and delicious, especially if you use a creamy plant-based milk like almond or oat.

How can I tell when the Vanilla Pudding Cake is done?

Look for a golden top and, most reliably, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out. Avoid overbaking to keep things super moist.

Can I add mix-ins like fruit or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Try folding in a half-cup of white chocolate chips or fresh berries into the batter before baking. Just be sure to toss berries in a little flour beforehand so they don’t sink to the bottom.

What’s the best way to store Vanilla Pudding Cake overnight?

Once completely cooled, keep the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps it stay moist and flavorful for days.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about how quickly Vanilla Pudding Cake comes together—and how quickly it disappears after serving! Your friends and family will be amazed by its rich, soft crumb and luscious vanilla flavor. Give it a try soon and watch it become an instant classic on your dessert table.

Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful goodness of Vanilla Pudding Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the richness of pudding with the simplicity of a cake mix. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make treat will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting:

Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking dish.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour batter: Transfer batter to the pan and bake until done.
Cool and serve: Cool the cake, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, include white chocolate chips or fresh berries in the batter.
This cake stays moist for several days, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American