Too Good To Name Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A delightful layered dessert featuring pineapple, banana, and creamy vanilla pudding atop a moist yellow cake, perfect for gatherings and those with a sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 small package vanilla instant pudding
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 large (8 oz.) whipped topping
  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans
  • 1 small jar maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. Bake the yellow cake as directed in a 13 x 9-inch pan and let it cool.
  2. Drain the crushed pineapple and spread it evenly over the cooled cake.
  3. Prepare the vanilla instant pudding as directed on the package and mix in the cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Layer the cream cheese pudding mixture over the pineapple on the cake.
  5. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding layer.
  6. Spread the whipped topping (Cool Whip) over the bananas.
  7. Sprinkle crushed pecans over the top of the cake.
  8. Decorate with halved maraschino cherries.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the pudding. You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version for a gluten-free option. If you prefer, use coconut whipped cream instead of traditional whipped topping for a tropical twist. Additionally, consider adding shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. Serve it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with Special Peach Pie for a dessert spread that guests will love.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the cake, as the whipped topping may separate upon thawing. When ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy chilled for the best flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Too Good To Name Cake contains roughly 330 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

330 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 24.8g 32% DV
Carbs 26.5g 10% DV
Fiber 3.6g 13% DV
Sugar 12.3g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 113.5mg 5% DV
Potassium 213.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 8.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.7mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 51.6mg 4% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this cake a day ahead. Just ensure it is covered well in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste when served.

What can I use instead of bananas?

If you're not a fan of bananas, you can substitute them with sliced strawberries or peaches. These fruits will add a different flavor profile while still complementing the other ingredients well.

How can I make this cake healthier?

To make a healthier version, consider using a sugar-free cake mix and instant pudding. You can also replace the whipped topping with Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option while still maintaining a creamy texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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