Banana Pudding Poke Cake

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Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake is soft, moist, and loaded with creamy banana flavor in every bite. This easy dessert combines fluffy cake, rich banana pudding, whipped topping, and classic cookie crunch for a crowd-pleasing treat.

It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a nostalgic dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super moist texture

  • Easy to make

  • Classic banana pudding flavor

  • Great for feeding a crowd

  • Make-ahead friendly

  • No complicated steps

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours

Total Time: About 3 hours

Servings

Makes 12–15 servings

Calories (Approximate)

About 300–380 calories per slice, depending on toppings.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)

For the Filling:

  • 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant banana pudding mix

  • 4 cups cold milk

For the Topping:

  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

  • 3–4 bananas, sliced

  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed

Optional:

  • Drizzle of caramel

  • Extra whole wafers for garnish

How to Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare and bake the yellow cake according to package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan.

Allow the cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire cake.

Make sure the holes go deep enough for the pudding to soak in.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Instant banana pudding mix

  • Cold milk

Mix until slightly thickened but still pourable.

Step 4: Fill the Holes

Pour the pudding evenly over the cake, spreading gently so it fills the holes.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Spread whipped topping evenly over the cake.

Top with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.

Chill for another hour before serving.

Expert Tips

Don’t Let Pudding Fully Set Before Pouring

It should be thick but still pourable.

Chill Thoroughly

The longer it chills, the better the flavor develops.

Add Bananas Before Serving

To prevent browning, add fresh banana slices just before serving.

Use Freshly Crushed Wafers

This keeps the topping crisp.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Banana

Add chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup on top.

Caramel Banana

Drizzle caramel between pudding and whipped topping.

Homemade Cake Option

Use a from-scratch vanilla cake instead of boxed mix.

Storage

Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 3–4 days.

Best served chilled.

Not ideal for freezing due to pudding texture.

Texture Breakdown

Cake: Soft and soaked with pudding
Filling: Creamy and smooth
Topping: Light and fluffy with cookie crunch

Final Thoughts

Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a simple yet irresistible dessert that combines classic flavors in an easy-to-make form. Moist cake, creamy pudding, and crunchy cookies make every bite satisfying.

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