If you love desserts that are creamy, dreamy, and easy to make, Banana Pudding Poke Cake might just become your new favorite treat. Imagine the classic southern banana pudding you dream about, but in a moist, crowd-pleasing cake form bursting with banana flavor and topped with a fluffy layer of whipped topping. This cake has stolen the spotlight at countless potlucks and birthday parties in my family—it’s that good! The first time I served this, someone compared it to my Best Strawberry Sheet Cake, and from that day, both have been on regular rotation in my kitchen. The beauty of Banana Pudding Poke Cake is you can throw it together quickly, even with little baking experience, and it’s an absolute hit with kids and adults. Who can resist a cake that combines nostalgia, fun, and flavor in every bite? Let’s dive in and discover why this is the ultimate family-friendly dessert you’ll want to make again and again!
What is Banana Pudding Poke Cake?
So, what’s behind the playful name Banana Pudding Poke Cake? I know, it sounds like something you’d invent during a sweet daydream! The word “poke” here is quite literal—you actually poke holes in the cake so it can soak up all that luscious banana pudding. Whoever thought, “Why not combine cake with pudding and give it a funky name?” deserves a medal. After all, the way to a man’s heart (or anyone’s heart!) is clearly through this cake’s creamy goodness. If you love desserts that surprise you with each forkful, or if you just want to impress your guests with something new, give this recipe a try! You’ll quickly see why it’s capturing hearts one spoonful at a time.
Why You’ll Love This
The show-stopping highlight of Banana Pudding Poke Cake has to be its creamy banana pudding layer that seeps into every bite of moist cake—talk about a flavor explosion! Baking it at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a specialty cake at the bakery, plus you get to customize the toppings and savor fresh, homemade flavors. The crushed vanilla wafers on top add an irresistible crunchy finish, while the fluffy whipped topping brings everything together for a decadent treat. If you’re a fan of my popular Southern Banana Bread recipe, you’re sure to fall in love with this cake—think of it as banana bread’s party-loving cousin! Go ahead and gather your ingredients, because this is one dessert your friends and family will beg you to make again.
How to Make
Quick Overview
Banana Pudding Poke Cake is impressively easy, irresistibly tasty, and ultra-satisfying. Its secret? The combination of moist yellow cake, banana pudding that soaks into the cake, and a cloud-like whipped topping. You only need about 15 minutes prep time before baking, making this cake a weeknight winner for both busy families and beginner bakers. If you’re craving a dessert that wows without the hassle, this recipe is your best friend!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Eggs (as required by the cake mix instructions)
- Oil (as required by the cake mix instructions)
- Water (as required by the cake mix instructions)
- 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant banana pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 20 vanilla wafers, crushed
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or as per your cake mix instructions). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and water according to the package directions. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually 25-30 minutes. - Poke the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, gently poke holes over the entire surface of the cake. The more holes, the more pudding soaks in! - Add the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together instant banana pudding mixes and cold milk until smooth and starting to thicken. Pour the pudding evenly over the still-warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. - Chill
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding is set and the cake is well chilled. - Top and Serve
Once chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire cake. Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers over the top right before serving for that classic crunch.
What to Serve Banana Pudding Poke Cake With
Pair this luscious cake with a hot cup of coffee for dessert heaven, or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to really wow your guests at summer barbecues. For a full southern-inspired dessert table, add some fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. If you’re celebrating, a sparkling lemonade or classic sweet tea make refreshing drink options. Whatever you choose, this cake is always the star!
Top Tips for Perfecting
For maximum flavor, use ripe bananas as an optional garnish or sliced in between the pudding and whipped topping. Can’t find banana pudding? Substitute with vanilla pudding and add a few drops of banana extract for that signature taste. Short on time? Bake the cake in advance, but add the whipped topping and wafers just before serving for freshness. Don’t over-poke—the holes should be big enough for pudding to seep in but not so large that your cake falls apart. Lastly, always let the cake chill fully to give those flavors time to meld!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Wrap leftovers tightly or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month—just note the wafers will soften over time. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and enjoy chilled for best results. This cake is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade banana pudding recipe, just make sure it’s pourable so it seeps into the cake properly.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix or can I try another flavor?
Yellow cake gives the most traditional flavor, but white or even chocolate cake mix works for a tasty twist.
Can I assemble this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, preparing Banana Pudding Poke Cake in advance lets the flavors meld even more. Just add the whipped topping and wafers right before serving.
Is it possible to make this nut-free?
Definitely. This recipe doesn’t call for nuts, but always check ingredient labels to make sure all components are nut-safe.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Of course! Freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch—just remember to sweeten it to your taste and spread right before serving.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Poke Cake is the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that effortlessly brings together the best parts of cake and pudding. Its fun name, creamy texture, and banana-forward flavor are sure to make it a new family favorite—whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or treating yourself to something sweet at home. Enjoy the simplicity, savor every bite, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe more than once. The next time you need a standout dessert, remember: Banana Pudding Poke Cake is only a poke (and a few minutes) away from pure happiness!
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Equipment
-
9×13 inch Baking Dish
-
Mixing Bowl
-
Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- as required eggs as per cake mix instructions
- as required cup oil as per cake mix instructions
- as required cup water as per cake mix instructions
Pudding Ingredients
- 2 packages instant banana pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 tub frozen whipped topping (8 ounces, thawed)
- 20 vanilla wafers crushed
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or as per your cake mix instructions). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and water according to the package directions. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually 25-30 minutes.
-
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, gently poke holes over the entire surface of the cake. The more holes, the more pudding soaks in!
-
In a large bowl, whisk together instant banana pudding mixes and cold milk until smooth and starting to thicken. Pour the pudding evenly over the still-warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes.
-
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding is set and the cake is well chilled.
-
Once chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire cake. Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers over the top right before serving for that classic crunch.
Notes
Nutrition
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- as required eggs as per cake mix instructions
- as required cup oil as per cake mix instructions
- as required cup water as per cake mix instructions
Pudding Ingredients
- 2 packages instant banana pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 tub frozen whipped topping (8 ounces, thawed)
- 20 vanilla wafers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or as per your cake mix instructions). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and water according to the package directions. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, gently poke holes over the entire surface of the cake. The more holes, the more pudding soaks in!
- In a large bowl, whisk together instant banana pudding mixes and cold milk until smooth and starting to thicken. Pour the pudding evenly over the still-warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes.
- Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding is set and the cake is well chilled.
- Once chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire cake. Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers over the top right before serving for that classic crunch.