This Chocolate Banana Cracker Cake is an easy no-bake treat that’s perfect for those times when you crave a rich, chocolaty dessert but don’t want to fuss with an oven. The layers of crisp crackers, creamy bananas, and decadent chocolate pudding create a delightful texture combination that will leave you wanting more. It’s ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to a casual weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
2 cups chocolate pudding (homemade or store-bought)
1 box of graham crackers or butter crackers (like Ritz)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for topping)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
For the Chocolate Pudding (if making from scratch):
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
If you’re making homemade pudding:
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to combine.
Cook: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from Heat: Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool slightly before using it in the cake.
Step 2: Assemble the Cake
Layer the Crackers: In an 8×8-inch baking dish, create the first layer by laying out a single layer of graham crackers or butter crackers to cover the bottom of the dish.
Add Bananas: Spread a layer of sliced bananas over the crackers.
Spread Chocolate Pudding: Spoon and spread a layer of chocolate pudding over the bananas, making sure it covers them evenly.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process—crackers, bananas, and pudding—until you’ve used up all the ingredients or reached the top of the dish, ending with a layer of pudding.
Step 3: Chill
Refrigerate: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the crackers to soften slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping (Optional)
Whip the Cream: If you want to add a luxurious topping, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form. You can spread this over the top layer of pudding just before serving.
Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey touch, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the top.
Step 5: Serve
Slice and Enjoy: Once the cake has chilled, slice it into squares and serve. The layers will hold together beautifully, with the crackers softened by the pudding and the bananas adding a creamy sweetness.
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