Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana pudding poke cake is a delightful fusion of two timeless favorites: moist vanilla cake and creamy banana pudding. This dessert masterfully combines the airy texture of cake with luscious pudding, fresh banana slices, and a fluffy whipped topping.

Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a perfect choice for casual family meals or special gatherings. Unlike traditional layered cakes, the poke cake technique allows the pudding to seep deeply into the cake, infusing every bite with banana flavor and velvety moisture.

This recipe walks you through each essential step to create a flawless, show-stopping dessert that honors Southern comfort food traditions while offering a fresh presentation.

Ingredients Checklist

Before baking, collect all ingredients to ensure a seamless process and balanced flavors in every layer of your Banana Pudding Poke Cake.

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (standard size)

• Ingredients listed on cake mix box: typically water, vegetable oil, eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (enhances cake flavor)

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (adds natural sweetness and moisture)

For the Banana Pudding Filling:

• 2 packets instant vanilla pudding mix (approx. 3.4 oz each)

• 4 cups cold whole milk (for pudding preparation)

• 2 to 3 medium bananas, sliced (fresh banana layers)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream (light and fluffy topping)

• 1 cup crushed Nilla Wafers (for garnish and crunch)

• Additional whole vanilla wafers and banana slices (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this straightforward approach to build your banana pudding poke cake from scratch, ensuring perfect textures and flavor harmony.

Preparing the Cake Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, prepare the yellow cake batter according to package instructions. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract for added flavor depth.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.

4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Let the cake cool slightly (about 10 minutes) in the pan before proceeding.

Creating the Poke and Pudding Layer:

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes evenly across the warm cake’s surface—space them about 1 inch apart.

2. Prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to package directions, whisking in cold milk until thickened.

3. Pour the pudding mixture slowly over the cake, allowing it to seep deeply into the holes.

4. Arrange sliced bananas in an even layer over the pudding-soaked cake.

Adding the Whipped Topping and Garnish:

1. Spread Cool Whip or whipped cream gently and evenly over the banana layer.

2. Sprinkle crushed Nilla Wafers liberally on top.

3. For an elegant touch, garnish with whole vanilla wafers and extra banana slices.

4. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to set.

Tips for Perfect Results

These essential tips help you achieve the best banana pudding poke cake every time, avoiding common pitfalls:

• Use ripe bananas: Fully ripened bananas deliver natural sweetness and softness.

• Don’t skip the poking: Poking allows pudding to penetrate and moisten the cake thoroughly.

• Allow cake to cool slightly before poking: Hot cake can break apart; warm cake is best.

• Chill adequately: Refrigeration helps set the pudding and keeps layers intact.

• Homemade whipped cream option: For fresher taste, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla instead of store-bought Cool Whip.

• Balance moisture: Avoid over-soaking by pouring pudding gradually and evenly.

• Nilla Wafer garnish: Adds nostalgic crunch and complements banana flavor perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your banana pudding poke cake experience with these thoughtful presentation and pairing ideas:

• Serve chilled: The cool temperature accentuates creamy textures.

• Caramel drizzle: A warm caramel sauce adds richness and a decadent twist.

• Pair with vanilla ice cream: Complements the banana and pudding flavors while adding a creamy contrast.

• Fresh berry side: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast to the sweet cake.

• Toasted coconut sprinkle: Adds tropical notes and texture contrast.

• Coffee or tea pairing: Balances sweetness and makes for a comforting dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

Banana pudding poke cake elevates a Southern classic into a simple yet impressive dessert that blends moist cake, creamy pudding, fresh fruit, and light topping in every bite.

This recipe’s approachable method and thoughtful ingredient combinations ensure consistent results that please a crowd. Whether for potlucks, holidays, or casual family dinners, this cake captures the essence of banana pudding while offering a fresh, elegant presentation.

By mastering the layering and chilling techniques outlined here, you can confidently serve a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delightfully modern. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious creation that promises smiles with every slice.