Creating Strawberry Shortcake Meets Banana Pudding is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.
6. Prepare Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Set aside.
7. Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
8. Layer the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into even squares. Begin layering by placing a square of cake at the bottom of your serving dish.
9. Add Pudding and Fruit: Spread a layer of banana pudding over the cake. Add a layer of sliced bananas and then a layer of whipped cream.
10. Repeat Layers: Continue layering with more cake, pudding, bananas, and whipped cream until you reach the top of your dish, finishing with whipped cream.
11. Top with Strawberries: Finally, decorate the top with fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
12. Chill: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

By following these steps, you’ll create a stunning dessert that will surely impress your friends and family!