Description
Delight in this creamy, layered Banana Pudding Poke Cake featuring moist yellow cake infused with smooth banana pudding, fresh banana slices, airy whipped topping, and crunchy vanilla wafers for the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water as required by cake mix package directions
- Cooking spray
Pudding
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant banana pudding mix
- 4 cups milk
Additional Layers
- 3 large or 4 small bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 tub whipped topping (about 8 ounces)
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 ounces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray. Prepare the yellow cake batter according to the package directions using eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the pan and bake as directed, usually about 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Make the Pudding: While the cake bakes, pour 4 cups of milk into a large bowl. Add the two boxes of instant banana pudding mix and whisk vigorously until the pudding thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the baked cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, ensuring it’s not too hot for the next steps but still slightly warm for pudding absorption.
- Poke the Cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake to allow the pudding to seep in.
- Pour and Spread Pudding: Pour the thickened banana pudding evenly over the cake, using a spatula to push the pudding into the poke holes and spread it smoothly over the entire surface.
- Add Banana Slices: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the pudding layer to add fresh fruit flavor and texture.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the tub of whipped topping evenly over the banana layer, creating a creamy and light frosting.
- Decorate with Vanilla Wafers: Evenly cover the top of the whipped topping with whole vanilla wafers for a crunchy contrast.
- Serve: Cut the poke cake into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use fresh bananas for best flavor, but ripe bananas will add additional sweetness and softness.
- For an extra decadent version, consider adding a layer of cream cheese whipped with powdered sugar before the whipped topping layer.
- Make sure to let the cake cool before poking holes to prevent breaking the cake crust.
- This cake is best served the same day or within 24 hours to enjoy optimal texture and freshness.
