2-Layer Chocolate-Banana Pudding Cake

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Stage

Mix cake mix, water, eggs, and oil until smooth. Pour 1/2 of the mixture into each prepared cake pan.

3. Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack. Let cool, about 30 minutes.

4. Stage

While the cake layers are cooling, combine whipped topping, 1 cup milk, powdered sugar, 1/2 of the banana cream pudding mix, and 1/2 of the chocolate pudding mix in a bowl; mix until thoroughly combined. Mix remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and banana cream pudding mix in another bowl until smooth. Place both bowls in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes. Save remaining chocolate pudding mix for another use.

5. Stage

Slice the tops of the cooled cake layers to make them level. Place one layer on a serving platter. Top with a single layer of banana slices arranged in a circular pattern, completely covering the cake. Spread a 1/4-inch layer of banana cream pudding on top, then repeat with another circular layer of banana slices.

6. Stage

Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped topping mixture.

7. Stage

Decorate cake as desired with vanilla wafer cookies and remaining banana slices. I like to stand cookies around the cake bottom, top the cake with bananas, and sprinkle crushed cookies over top. Slice and enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.