If you’ve ever craved a dessert that combines the flavors of banana, chocolate, and peanut butter, then you’re in for a delightful treat with this Chunky Monkey clair Cake. This layered dessert is not only incredibly easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a special family gathering. The creamy layers of pudding and Cool Whip, combined with the crunch of graham crackers and the sweetness of bananas, create a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Top Reasons to Make Chunky Monkey clair Cake

Delicious Flavor Pairing: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana is a classic that never fails to impress.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and no baking required, this cake is perfect for busy bakers.
Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prepare this dessert a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings or mix-ins, like chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredient Checklist

1 (3.4 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
27 graham cracker squares (or 13 1/2 full sheets)
3 bananas, sliced
2 ounces (2 squares) unsweetened chocolate
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
(optional) chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Recommended Tools

Mixing Bowls: For combining the pudding, peanut butter, and whipped topping.
Whisk: To ensure your pudding mix is lump-free and smooth.
9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for layering your cake.
Plastic Wrap: To cover and refrigerate your dessert overnight.
Knife: For slicing the bananas and serving the cake.

The Method for Chunky Monkey clair Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter and Cool Whip

Once the pudding is thickened, gently fold in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined. Then, carefully fold in the thawed Cool Whip to create a light, fluffy filling.

Step 3: Layer the Graham Crackers

In your 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of graham cracker squares at the bottom. This will be the base of your cake.

Step 4: Assemble the First Layer

Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the bananas, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Top this with another layer of sliced bananas.

Step 6: Finish with Graham Crackers

Top the final layer of bananas with another layer of graham crackers, covering the surface of the cake.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Topping

Melt the unsweetened chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. Once melted, mix in the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.

Step 8: Pour Chocolate Over Cake

Pour the chocolate mixture over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly to cover all the crackers.

Step 9: Chill

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Chunky Monkey clair Cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld.

Make It Fit Your Plan

Nut-Free Version: Replace the peanut butter with sun butter or omit it entirely for a nut-free dessert.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Option: Substitute the Cool Whip with a vegan whipped topping and use a plant-based milk alternative.
Extra Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, consider adding chocolate chips or drizzle on top for added texture and flavor.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

When making Chunky Monkey clair Cake, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Bananas Browning: To prevent bananas from browning too quickly, you can toss the slices in a little lemon juice before layering them in the cake.
Pudding Consistency: Ensure you whisk the pudding mix thoroughly with the cold milk to avoid lumps. If it doesn’t thicken properly, it might need a bit more time to set.
Chocolate Topping: If your chocolate mixture becomes too thick, simply add more milk to thin it out for an easier pour.
Layering Issues: If your layers slide around, be sure to refrigerate the cake long enough to allow everything to set properly.

Prep Ahead & Store

Chunky Monkey clair Cake is an ideal make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and the graham crackers to soften. Once assembled, keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the longer it sits, the softer the graham crackers will become, leading to a more pudding-like consistency.

Ask the Chef

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Absolutely! While vanilla pudding is traditional, you can experiment with chocolate or banana pudding mixes for a fun twist on the flavor.

How do I prevent the Cool Whip from deflating?

When folding in the Cool Whip, do so gently and in small increments to maintain its light and airy texture. Avoid vigorous stirring.

Can I freeze the Chunky Monkey clair Cake?

While you can freeze the cake, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may alter the texture of the graham crackers and bananas, so if you do freeze it, consume it within a month for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for unsweetened chocolate?

You can use semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate in place of unsweetened chocolate. Just reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly, as semi-sweet varieties are sweeter.

Final Thoughts

Chunky Monkey clair Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of a classic combination of flavors. With its creamy layers and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice at home, this cake promises to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make!