Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
A Creamy, Old-Fashioned Potluck Dessert
Classic Church Cake is one of those old-fashioned desserts that always shows up at potlucks, church dinners, and family gatherings. It starts with a soft banana cake base, then gets layered with crushed pineapple, creamy vanilla pudding, cream cheese, and Cool Whip.
Cold, creamy, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 2 boxes Jiffy Banana Muffin Mix (7 oz each)
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
Topping
- 1 can crushed pineapple (20 oz), well drained
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (6 oz)
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 container Cool Whip (16 oz), thawed
How to Make Classic Church Cake
1. Bake the Cake Base
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix together:
- Banana muffin mix
- Eggs
- Milk
Pour into dish and bake 25–30 minutes.
350^\circ\mathrm{F}
Cake should be lightly golden and set in center.
2. Cool Completely
Let cake cool all the way before adding toppings.
3. Add Pineapple
Spread drained crushed pineapple over cooled cake.
4. Make the Cream Layer
Beat cream cheese until smooth.
In another bowl whisk together:
- Vanilla pudding mix
- Cold milk
Mix until thickened.
Fold pudding into cream cheese.
Spread over pineapple layer.
5. Top with Cool Whip
Spread Cool Whip evenly over top.
Smooth with spatula.
6. Chill
Refrigerate at least 1–2 hours.
Overnight is even better.
Tips
- Drain the pineapple very well so the dessert is not watery.
- Let the cream cheese soften fully for a smooth filling.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or coconut on top if you want extra texture.
Final Thoughts
This dessert is creamy, light, and full of old-fashioned comfort.
The combination of banana cake, pineapple, pudding, and Cool Whip is simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd favorite.
