Soft Cake and Pudding Dessert: A Tooth-Free Treat for JD

A few weeks ago, my friend JD underwent major surgery, and as part of his recovery, he had to get false teeth. So, naturally, he’s left with very few options for what he can eat, talk about a big ouch! I wanted to make something he could enjoy that wouldn’t require chewing, but still felt like a real treat.

That’s when I remembered the Cake Balls recipe from Bakerella (which I absolutely adore!) and thought I could give it a soft, pudding-based twist for JD. It all started with a simple concept: soft cake, icing, and pudding. JD deserves something delicious, even if he can’t use his teeth right now.

I already had a chocolate bread donuts to create a soft, indulgent dessert. Trust me, it’s as delicious as it sounds, and JD absolutely loved it.

To make the treat even more refreshing, I paired it with a chilled Watermelon Juice. The light, sweet, and slightly tangy watermelon drink is the perfect balance to the rich, creamy dessert. It’s a refreshing combo that’s not only easy to enjoy but also incredibly satisfying!

Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?

• Soft and Satisfying: With no chewing required, this dessert is perfect for anyone with dental issues or sore mouths.
• Peanut Butter & Chocolate Twist: You can easily swap the banana pudding with chocolate pudding for a peanut butter-chocolate combo!
• Customizable Layers: Use any cake flavor or pudding you prefer this recipe is versatile and forgiving.
• Easy to Make: A simple dessert that’s perfect for when you need something quick and comforting.
• Perfect for Special Diets: Whether you’re recovering from surgery or just need a soft dessert, this is a fantastic option.

This soft cake and pudding dessert was an absolute dream! So light, creamy, and comforting—like something you’d get at a family potluck. The layers came together perfectly, and it chilled up nice and firm. I brought it to a church dinner and came home with an empty dish!

— Kelsey Morgan, Kentucky

Soft Cake and Pudding Dessert Recipe

This indulgent, tooth-free dessert combines rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and buttery frosting. The layers create a perfect texture, and it’s a fun twist on traditional cake balls, minus the chewing!

Ingredients:

• Cake (I used leftover chocolate cake)
• Pudding: Banana pudding (or chocolate pudding if you prefer)
• Buttercream Frosting (recipe below)
• Whipped cream (optional for topping)
• Shaved chocolate (optional for garnish)

For Buttercream Frosting Recipe:

• 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine (softened)
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, cream the shortening and butter together with an electric mixer. Add vanilla, and gradually mix in the sugar, one cup at a time. When the mixture is dry, add milk and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Mash the Cake: Tear the cake into small pieces and mix it with the buttercream frosting using your hands. (Plastic gloves make this step easier!)

Step 3: Layering Time: In a large bowl or sundae glass, start by adding a layer of the cake mixture at the bottom.

Step 4: Add Pudding: Next, add a layer of banana pudding (or chocolate pudding). Continue layering, alternating between the cake mixture and pudding until the bowl is filled.

Step 5: Optional Toppings: If desired, top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate for extra flavor and texture. (This is optional, but it’s a great finishing touch.)

Step 6: Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.

Variations That Will Ease Your Job!

1. Add a Crunchy Layer: For a bit of texture, add a layer of crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans between the pudding and cake layers. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also gives a nutty contrast to the creamy elements.

2. Try Different Pudding Flavors: Instead of banana pudding, experiment with chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, or even coconut cream pudding. These variations will change the flavor profile, allowing you to customize the dessert for different preferences or to match seasonal flavors.

3. Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the pudding or frosting. These spices can add an unexpected twist and elevate the flavor complexity, especially if you’re using chocolate pudding or chocolate cake.

4. Use Homemade Cake: For a more refined taste, swap the cake mix with homemade chocolate cake. A rich, homemade cake will bring a denser, more decadent base that contrasts beautifully with the light pudding layers and frosting.

5. Swap for Greek Yogurt: For a lighter, tangier option, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the buttercream frosting. It gives a smooth, creamy texture and pairs wonderfully with the pudding layers, while also adding a slight tang to balance the sweetness.

6. Boozy Twist: If you’re serving this dessert for an adult crowd, add a splash of liqueur like Kahlúa, Bailey’s, or rum to the pudding or frosting. A little boozy kick will complement the dessert and add sophistication, especially with chocolate cake.

7. Layer with Fruit: For extra freshness, add some fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries between the layers. This not only adds a burst of color but also a natural sweetness and acidity that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy layers.

8. Incorporate Coffee: To make this dessert even more indulgent, infuse the cake with a coffee flavor by adding instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter or pudding. The deep, rich coffee flavor pairs wonderfully with chocolate, creating a more complex dessert.

9. Vegan Version: To make a vegan-friendly version, swap the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk for the pudding, vegan butter for the frosting, and flax eggs instead of regular eggs. You won’t miss the dairy, but you’ll still enjoy the dessert’s creamy texture.