Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Introduction

If you love banana pudding and cake — why choose between them when you can have both?

The Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a dreamy, Southern-style dessert made with:

• A super moist vanilla cake base

• Sweet banana pudding poured into poked holes

• Fresh banana slices

• Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream

• Crushed vanilla wafers on top

This cake is incredibly easy to make and perfectly sweet and creamy. It’s great for:

• Family gatherings

• Holiday parties

• Church potlucks

• Or just a cozy weekend treat

 Ingredients (Serves 10–12)

 For the cake:

• 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 For the pudding layer:

• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes of banana pudding mix (instant)

• 3 cups cold milk

• 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced

 For the topping:

• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  or 1 cup heavy cream, whipped with 2 tbsp sugar

• 10–12 vanilla wafers, crushed

• Extra banana slices for garnish (optional)

 Prep & Chill Time

 Instructions

1. Bake the cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. In a large bowl, combine:

   • Cake mix

   • Eggs

   • Milk

   • Oil

   • Vanilla

4. Mix until smooth and pour into the baking dish.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.

2. Poke the cake

• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

• Don’t poke all the way through to the bottom — just deep enough to hold the pudding.

3. Make the banana pudding

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken (about 2 minutes).

2. Immediately pour the pudding over the cake, aiming to fill the holes.

3. Spread any extra pudding across the top of the cake.

4. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the pudding.

4. Chill the cake

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.

• You can chill it overnight for best flavor and texture.

5. Add whipped topping

• Spread whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream) evenly across the top.

• Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the cream.

• Garnish with banana slices before serving.

Add bananas just before serving so they don’t brown.

 Pro Tips & Variations

What to Serve With It

• Iced coffee or cold brew

• Sweet tea (classic Southern style!)

• Sparkling lemonade

• A shot of espresso or cappuccino

Nutrition Info (Estimate per slice)

This dessert is rich — and worth every bite!

 Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not recommended due to bananas and pudding texture.

• Make-ahead: You can prep everything except the bananas and topping 1 day in advance.

 Want to Make It from Scratch?

You can totally skip the boxed cake mix. Here’s a simple homemade vanilla cake:

 Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ¾ cup milk

 Directions:

1. Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl.

2. In another, mix eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla.

3. Combine and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

 Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake is like a warm Southern hug in dessert form — it’s:

• Rich

• Creamy

• Sweet

• And full of banana flavor with nostalgic charm

Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner, potlucks, birthdays, or just because you’re craving something special, it’s guaranteed to impress.