Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delectable banana pudding poke cake that blends classic comfort with modern dessert innovation.

Layers of moist yellow cake create a dreamy foundation for creamy pudding magic.

Nostalgic flavors dance across each perfectly pierced slice, promising pure indulgence.

Soft vanilla notes complement ripe banana essence in every single bite.

Delicate vanilla wafer crumbles add unexpected texture and crunch throughout the dessert landscape.

Minimal effort delivers maximum deliciousness with this simple yet stunning treat.

Let this recipe become your next crowd-pleasing masterpiece that sparks joy and sweet memories.

Why Banana Pudding Poke Cake Keeps Everyone Coming Back

• Perfect for novice bakers who want an impressive dessert without complicated techniques, this recipe requires basic mixing and poking skills that even kitchen beginners can master confidently.
• From start to finish, you'll spend under an hour actively preparing this dessert, with most time dedicated to chilling, making it ideal for quick dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Delivers nostalgic banana pudding flavors in a convenient cake format that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a classic Southern treat into an easy-to-serve crowd-pleaser.
• Works brilliantly for potlucks, family reunions, summer barbecues, and casual celebrations, offering a creamy, crowd-sized dessert that looks impressive with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base for the dessert, creating a soft foundation for the pudding.
• Vegetable Oil, Eggs: Classic cake mix companions that ensure moisture and structure.

• Banana Pudding Mix: Core flavor element that provides rich banana taste and creamy texture.
• Cold Milk: Necessary liquid for creating smooth, set pudding with perfect consistency.

• Whipped Topping, Vanilla Wafers: Adds creamy and crunchy layers for textural contrast.
• Fresh Bananas: Provides fresh fruit element and additional banana flavor to complete the dessert.

How to Bake Banana Pudding Poke Cake Right

Step 1: Create Cake Base

Grab your cake mix and prepare it according to package directions. Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of butter or cooking spray. Pour the silky batter into the dish, spreading it evenly. Slide the dish into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean – usually around 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Transform Cake with Magical Holes

Once the cake emerges golden and beautiful, let it cool for a quick 5 minutes. Take a wooden spoon handle or sturdy fork and start poking holes all across the cake. Make these holes deep – they’ll be pudding highways!

Step 3: Pudding Flood

• Banana pudding mix
• Cold milk

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Pour this liquid gold directly over the cake, making sure every single hole gets filled. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly. Pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Crown with Fluffy Topping

After the pudding sets, spread a layer of thawed whipped topping across the surface. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top for a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Final Banana Flourish

Just before serving, decorate with fresh banana slices. Slice into perfect squares and prepare for a taste explosion!

Tips That Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake Even Better

• Customize Cake Mix Flavor: Experiment with different cake mix varieties like yellow, white, or even a homemade version to add personal flair to the classic banana pudding poke cake.
• Prevent Banana Browning: Toss fresh banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the cake to prevent quick browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
• Control Pudding Consistency: Whisk pudding mix thoroughly and use cold milk to ensure a smooth, lump-free pudding that perfectly fills cake holes without becoming runny.
• Enhance Texture with Wafers: Crush vanilla wafers just before topping to maintain their crunch and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pudding and soft cake.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular cake mix and vanilla wafers with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the dessert's delicious flavor.

Save and Reheat Poke Cake Without Drying Out

• Store the banana pudding poke cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Gently pat off any excess moisture with a paper towel and top with fresh banana slices just before enjoying to maintain the cake's best texture and flavor.

What Pairs Nicely with Banana Pudding Poke Cake

• Banana Pudding Poke Cake Pairings
• A robust espresso or smooth cappuccano cuts through the sweet pudding's richness, creating a delightful contrast that refreshes the palate with each bite.
• A smooth caramel-infused liqueur enhances the banana's natural sweetness, adding depth and warmth to the dessert's creamy texture.
• A crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight nutty undertones complements the vanilla wafer crumbs and banana's soft flavor profile, providing a light, refreshing finish.
• A warm, spiced cinnamon tea balances the cake's sweetness, offering a comforting companion that highlights the dessert's creamy banana essence.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake Twists for Extra Flavor

• Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix. Use certified gluten-free vanilla wafers for topping and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with almond or coconut milk when preparing pudding. Use dairy-free whipped topping and coconut-based whipped cream as a replacement.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Select sugar-free pudding mix and use a sugar-free cake mix. Replace regular wafers with sugar-free vanilla wafers for reduced sugar content.
• Vegan Transformation: Create cake using vegan yellow cake mix. Prepare pudding with plant-based milk and use coconut whipped cream. Substitute vanilla wafers with vegan graham crackers for crunch.

Got Questions About Banana Pudding Poke Cake?

• What is the purpose of poking holes in the cake?

The holes allow the banana pudding to seep deep into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful dessert that ensures every bite is infused with creamy banana goodness.

• Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant mix?

While instant pudding mix is recommended for consistency and ease, you can use homemade pudding. However, the texture and setting time might vary, so follow your homemade recipe carefully.

• How do I know if the pudding has set correctly?

The pudding is set when it appears firm and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It should take about 2 hours in the refrigerator, with the surface looking smooth and stable.

• Why use vanilla wafers as a topping?

Vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch and complementary flavor to the soft, creamy cake. They provide a textural contrast and enhance the overall banana pudding experience.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy banana pudding poke cake delivers Southern comfort straight to dessert lovers’ hearts. Sweet, moist layers infused with pudding promise a nostalgic journey through classic American baking traditions you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Primary Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant banana pudding mix
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) cold milk

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) container whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Craft a delectable cake foundation by warming the oven to 350F and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Meticulously blend cake mix according to manufacturer’s guidance, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency.
3. Transfer batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly and baking until a wooden probe emerges pristine after insertion, approximately 25-30 minutes.
4. Allow cake to cool momentarily, then strategically perforate the surface using a wooden utensil handle, creating channels for pudding absorption.
5. Whisk banana pudding mix with chilled milk until silky and uniform in texture.
6. Cascade pudding across perforated cake surface, guaranteeing complete saturation of every puncture.
7. Utilize a spatula to distribute pudding uniformly, eliminating potential air pockets.
8. Refrigerate cake for a minimum of two hours, permitting pudding to solidify and flavors to harmonize.
9. Gently layer thawed whipped topping across pudding’s surface, creating a cloud-like covering.
10. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers, providing delightful textural contrast.
11. Artfully arrange fresh banana slices atop the cake moments before serving.
12. Slice into elegant squares and savor this luxurious dessert experience.

Notes

• Customize cake mix by using gluten-free or vegan alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sugar content by selecting sugar-free pudding and using low-fat milk options.
• Use ripe bananas with brown spots for deeper, more intense natural banana flavor in topping.
• Create texture variation by toasting vanilla wafer crumbs before sprinkling for added crunch and nutty undertones.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg