Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe

If you adore the creamy, fruity flavors of a classic Southern dessert, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe. This cake takes the best parts of banana pudding and transforms them into a moist, luscious cake that’s bursting with banana goodness and velvety pudding filling. It’s the perfect dessert to bring a cozy comfort and a smile to any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. Trust me, once you try this Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe, it will become your go-to for that unforgettable, nostalgic taste everyone raves about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but vital ingredients is all you need to whip up this dreamy Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe. Each element plays a special role, from the fluffy yellow cake providing a sturdy yet tender base, to the creamy banana pudding layering in sweetness and smooth texture, all topped with luscious whipped topping and crunchy vanilla wafers for that final satisfying bite.

• Yellow cake mix: Acts as the moist and tender foundation of the dessert, quick and foolproof to bake.
• Cooking spray: Ensures your cake releases perfectly from the pan without sticking.
• Eggs, oil, and water: Standard mix-ins to bring your cake batter together exactly as needed for fluffiness.
• Instant banana pudding mix: Adds that signature rich banana flavor and silky texture to the filling.
• Milk: Used to whisk the pudding, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Bananas: Fresh and sliced for natural sweetness and a fresh burst that complements the pudding.
• Whipped topping: Lightens the dessert with airy creaminess while enhancing the taste.
• Vanilla wafers: Offers a delightful crunch and subtle vanilla flavor as a final garnish.

How to Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by prepping your 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, follow the directions on your yellow cake mix box to combine eggs, oil, and water. Pour your batter into the pan, smooth it out evenly, and bake until golden and springy to the touch. This classic yellow cake is the perfect base that absorbs all those luscious pudding flavors later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Pudding

While your cake is baking, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and milk in a large bowl. Keep whisking for a good 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy, luscious pudding that’s bursting with banana flavor. This step is the heart of the recipe and the secret to that irresistible texture.

Step 3: Cool the Cake

Once baked, allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Cooling just enough helps the pudding soak in without melting away, so you get that perfect poke cake effect—moist, flavorful, and pleasantly soft.

Step 4: Poke the Cake

Grab the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes evenly all over your cooled cake. These holes are what lets the pudding seep deeply into the cake for pockets of creamy, dreamy banana flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Pour and Spread the Pudding

Pour your thickened banana pudding over the cake, making sure to evenly cover every inch. Gently use a spatula to spread the pudding and push it into those holes you poked earlier so the cake truly soaks up all that wonderful banana creaminess.

Step 6: Add Fresh Bananas

Peel and slice your bananas into half-inch pieces, then layer the slices across the pudding. These fresh banana slices add a natural sweetness and a soft texture contrast that makes the dessert taste like summer in every bite.

Step 7: Top with Whipped Topping

Spread a smooth layer of whipped topping evenly over the banana layer. This adds a cloud-like creaminess that balances the pudding and fruit perfectly, making it light yet indulgent.

Step 8: Garnish with Vanilla Wafers

Finish your Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe by covering the top with whole vanilla wafers. The wafers provide a nostalgic crunch and a subtle vanilla hint that perfectly complements the banana layers beneath.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut your masterpiece into squares and serve it chilled or at room temperature. Prepare for compliments and requests for the recipe because this cake always steals the show!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Besides vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed wafers or even toasted coconut flakes make excellent garnishes. These extras add texture and a bit of visual flair to an already beautiful dessert.

Side Dishes

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. For a lighter option, serve alongside fresh berries or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this cake in clear glass trifle bowls or individual jars so the layers of cake, pudding, and bananas show through. You can also decorate the top with colorful edible flowers to impress guests at a special gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more beautifully.

Freezing

While this banana pudding poke cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to one month, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Just let it sit out for 20 minutes if it’s straight from the fridge to soften slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a box mix?

Absolutely! A homemade yellow cake recipe works wonderfully here and allows you to control sweetness and ingredients. Just be sure it bakes evenly and is sturdy enough to hold the pudding layer.

Can I substitute fresh bananas with another fruit?

You can experiment with sliced strawberries or peaches, but keep in mind that the banana pudding flavor is the star of this recipe. Using other fruits will change the overall taste experience.

Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?

Instant pudding mix creates the perfect creamy, thick filling quickly. While homemade pudding is an option, it takes longer and might result in a slightly different texture.

What if I don’t have vanilla wafers?

No worries! Graham crackers or shortbread cookies make great substitutes, adding a similar crunch and buttery flavor that complements the pudding and bananas.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?

You can prepare the entire cake up to a day before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and add the vanilla wafers right before serving to maximize their crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe is such a joy to make and even more joyful to eat. With its irresistible layers of fluffy cake, creamy banana pudding, fresh bananas, and that perfect crispy topping, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite whether you’re serving family, friends, or just indulging yourself. Dive in and enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dessert—you deserve it!

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