Layers of different cake flavors, delicious pudding and fresh fruit make this Atomic Cake Recipe amazing. Each bite is rich and delicious.

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 Atomic cake being sliced.

Atomic Cake

If you have never heard of an Atomic Cake, you are in for a treat. This cake has 3 different layers and lots of tasty flavors. They all combine for a delicious dessert.

The recipe uses a cake mix so it’s very simple to make. The combination of cake layers come together for an incredible dessert. The entire cake is topped in whipped cream.

Why is it called the Atomic Cake?

The cake was created by George Kremm, a baker at Calumet Bakery, in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a very popular cake in the Chicago area and created during the height of the Atomic Age.

This iconic dessert is well known and loved by Chicagoans. While popular in the ’50s, it is still a favorite currently.

A lot of bakeries make this cake and the Chicago Tribune even published an article about the rich layer of banana cake, chocolate and more.

Weber’s Bakery has another popular version of this cake. They omit the yellow cake and call it Banana Split Torte.

Kim Goebel of La Petite Pastry explains that it is a “Chicago Thing”.

Ingredients for Atomic cake.

Ingredients: 

  • Banana Cake Mix 
  • Chocolate Cake Mix 
  • White Cake Mix 
  • Ingredients to prepare the cake mixes based on the package instructions. 
  • Fresh Bananas (sliced) 
  • Fresh Strawberries (sliced)
  • Jell-o Banana Pudding Mix
  • Instant Jell-o Chocolate Pudding Mix
  • Box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
  • Cold Milk 
  • Whipped Cream
 Atomic cake being sliced.

How to make Recipe for Atomic Cake:

  • Step 1. Make each cake layer. Prepare each of the cake mix in a 9 inch round cake pan based on the package instructions for the dry ingredients.  Bake in the oven. You only need 1 9 inch round cake for each flavor so you will have leftover batter.  
  • Step 2. Allow to cool. Let the cakes cool completely at room temperature. 
  • Step 3. Combine the pudding. Then mix each of the pudding mixes with 2 cups of cold milk in a separate mixing bowl and refrigerate for 5 minutes until the pudding is set. 
  • Step 4. Assemble the cake. Once all the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the cake. 
  • Step 5. Make sure the layers are level. Level the cakes with a serrated knife. 
  • Step 6. Start with the banana layer. Place the round banana cake on a serving plate or cake plate.  Sprinkle the fresh ripe bananas in an even layer on top of the cake.  Spread the banana pudding gelatin on top of the sliced bananas in an even layer (you may not need all the banana filling). 
Slices of banana on a cake with pudding.
  • Step 7. Next, add the chocolate cake layer. Place the layer chocolate cake on top of the jell o banana pudding.  Top the chocolate cake layers with the sliced strawberry filling and the box jell o chocolate pudding.  
  • Step 8. Finally, top with the white cake layer. Then place the lasty cake layer on top of the chocolate fudge pudding and spread the small box jell o vanilla pudding on top of the white cake. 
  • Step 9. Top with whipped cream. Spread the whipped topping on the top and the sides of the cakes. The cake is covered and is a mystery inside!
Process photos of layering the cake.
  • Step 10. Allow to chill. Refrigerate until ready to serve and enjoy! 
 Atomic cake on platter with whipped cream.

Storage

Refrigerate the leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  

 Atomic cake being sliced.

Variations

  • Cake Layers. You can substitute the white cake mix for yellow cake if desired. Yellow or banana cake are both delicious.
Slice of cake on server.

Print this Atomic Cake Recipe below:

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Atomic Cake

5 from 3 votes
Layers of different cake flavors, delicious pudding and fresh fruit make this Atomic Cake Recipe amazing. Each bite is rich and delicious.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 751
Author Desserts on a Dime

Ingredients

  • 1 box Banana Cake Mix
  • 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix
  • 1 box White Cake Mix
  • Ingredients to prepare the cake mixes based on the package instructions.
  • 3 Fresh Bananas sliced
  • 4 ounces Fresh Strawberries sliced
  • 1 box Instant Banana Pudding Mix 3.4 ounces
  • 1 box Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix 3.4 ounces
  • 1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix 3.4 ounces
  • 6 cups Cold Milk
  • 16 ounces Whipped Cream Cool Whip

Instructions

  • Prepare each of the cake mix in a 9 inch round cake pan based on the package instructions.  You only need 1 9 inch round cake for each flavor so you will have leftover batter.
  • Let the cakes cool completely at room temperature.
  • Then mix each of the pudding mixes with 2 cups of cold milk in a separate mixing bowl and refrigerate for 5 minutes until the pudding is set.
  • Once all the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the cake.
  • Level the cakes with a serrated knife.
  • Place the round banana cake on a serving plate or cake platter.  Arrange the banana slices in an even layer on top of the cake.  Spread the banana pudding on top of the bananas in an even layer (you may not need all the pudding).
  • Place the chocolate cake on top of the banana pudding.  Top with the sliced strawberries and the chocolate pudding.
  • Then place the white cake on top of the chocolate pudding and spread the vanilla pudding on top of the white cake.
  • Spread the whipped cream on the top and the sides of the cakes.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 751kcal, Carbohydrates 131g, Protein 12g, Fat 22g, Saturated Fat 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0.3g, Cholesterol 79mg, Sodium 1165mg, Potassium 526mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 76g, Vitamin A 528IU, Vitamin C 3mg, Calcium 435mg, Iron 4mg

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 Slice of Atomic cake on plate.

More Easy Cake Recipes:

Layers of different cake flavors, delicious pudding and fresh fruit make this Atomic Cake Recipe amazing. Each bite is rich and delicious. If you have never heard of an Atomic Cake, you are in for a treat. This cake has 3 different layers and lots of tasty flavors. They all combine for a delicious dessert. #dessertsonadime #atomiccake #3layercake
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Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families.

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