Introduction
If you love banana pudding and also enjoy a delicious cake, then this Banana Pudding Poke Cake is the perfect treat for you! It’s soft, creamy, and full of banana flavor. This dessert is great for parties, birthdays, or even just a sweet weekend treat. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and you don’t need to be a baking expert.
A “poke cake” is just what it sounds like—a cake that you poke holes in after baking. Then, you fill those holes with something tasty like pudding or sauce. This makes the cake extra moist and full of flavor in every bite. Ready to learn how to make this amazing dessert? Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Here is a simple list of all the ingredients you will need for this Banana Pudding Poke Cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 1 (5.1 oz) box of instant banana pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
- Crushed vanilla wafers (about 1 cup)
Step-by-Step Process – Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Banana Pudding Poke Cake:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix everything until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for about 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
- Use the end of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Make sure the holes go deep so the pudding can fill in nicely.
Step 3: Make the Pudding
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Pour the pudding gently over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
- Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
Step 4: Chill the Cake
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap.
- Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding is fully set.
Step 5: Add Toppings
- Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
- Add sliced bananas on top of the whipped cream.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers for a nice crunch and decoration.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Cut into squares and serve cold.
- Enjoy the creamy banana flavor with every bite!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Potassium | 6% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect to make ahead. Just keep it in the fridge and add fresh banana slices right before serving to keep them from turning brown.
Q2: Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you have a homemade pudding recipe, go ahead and use it. Just make sure it’s not too thick so it can still soak into the cake.
Q3: How long does Banana Pudding Poke Cake last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown, and the texture can change.
Q4: Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! While yellow cake is traditional, you can also try white cake or even vanilla. Chocolate could work too, but it will change the flavor a lot.
Q5: What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream or any whipped topping you prefer. Just make sure it’s light and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
The Banana Pudding Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a sweet memory waiting to happen. Whether you make it for a birthday, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something yummy, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The cake is soft and fluffy, the pudding makes it creamy, and the bananas and wafers give it that classic southern banana pudding flavor.
And the best part? It’s so simple, even beginners or young bakers can make it without stress. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks great and tastes even better. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the best banana pudding poke cake ever!
