If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Banana Pudding Poke Cake absolutely delivers. This crowd-pleasing treat combines the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the irresistible simplicity of poke cake, resulting in a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s perfect for everything from backyard cookouts to cozy Sunday suppers. With each bite, you’ll get layers of moist yellow cake, luscious banana pudding, whipped topping, and a sweet crunch from vanilla wafers. It’s the kind of dessert that gets rave reviews every time—and always disappears fast!

Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
Pudding
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant banana pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- Vanilla wafers and banana slices for garnish (optional)

How to Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven and mixing up the yellow cake batter, just as the box instructs. Pour it into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until golden and springy. The classic yellow cake is the perfect foundation for all the creamy goodness to come.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top. Space them out evenly so the pudding can seep down into every nook and cranny—this is what makes Banana Pudding Poke Cake so special!

Step 3: Make the Banana Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk. Stir for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and just starting to thicken. You want the pudding to be pourable but not runny, so it works its way down into the cake perfectly.

Step 4: Pour and Spread the Pudding

Immediately pour the pudding over the warm cake, using a spatula to gently coax it into all those holes. Don’t rush—make sure every pocket gets filled so every slice is moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Chill the Cake

Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then slide it into the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps everything set and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite of Banana Pudding Poke Cake melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Right before serving, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Scatter sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers on top. For a finishing touch, add a few extra banana slices and whole vanilla wafers as garnish—because we eat with our eyes first!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers and a few fresh banana slices instantly transform your Banana Pudding Poke Cake into a dessert that looks as fabulous as it tastes. Add a few whole wafers around the edge or a light dusting of powdered sugar for even more flair. Remember to add the bananas just before serving to keep them bright and beautiful.

Side Dishes

This cake is a showstopper all by itself, but if you want to round out your dessert table, serve it alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The fruity brightness pairs perfectly with the creamy, sweet flavors of the cake, making each bite feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the Banana Pudding Poke Cake into squares and serve them on a platter for a potluck, or spoon portions into individual mason jars for a charming, portable treat. For an elegant twist, layer cubes of cake, pudding, and whipped topping in parfait glasses—everyone loves a dessert with a little drama!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Banana Pudding Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, though the bananas on top are best added just before serving to keep them from browning.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake itself (without bananas or whipped topping) for up to two months. Wrap it securely in plastic and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight before adding your creamy toppings and fresh bananas.

Reheating

Since this dessert is meant to be served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Just let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, then top with whipped topping and bananas. If you’ve frozen the base, be sure it’s fully thawed for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade banana pudding recipe, feel free to use it in place of the instant mix. Just make sure it’s thick enough to seep into the cake but not too runny. The homemade version adds an extra layer of love to your Banana Pudding Poke Cake.

How can I keep the bananas from browning?

To keep your banana slices looking their best, add them just before serving. You can also toss them lightly with a bit of lemon juice to slow the browning. This little trick keeps your Banana Pudding Poke Cake looking fresh and inviting.

Can I make Banana Pudding Poke Cake the day before?

Yes, in fact, this cake is even better when it’s had time to chill! Assemble everything except the bananas and whipped topping, refrigerate overnight, and add your finishing touches right before serving.

What other toppings work well?

Crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a fun twist to your Banana Pudding Poke Cake. Get creative and make it your own!

Is there a gluten-free version?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and check that your pudding mix and wafers are gluten-free. The results are just as delicious, so everyone can enjoy a slice.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Banana Pudding Poke Cake is always the first dessert to disappear at gatherings—it’s nostalgic, creamy, and downright irresistible. If you’ve never tried making it, now is the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. You’ll be amazed at just how simple and delightful this cake can be!

Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a delightful dessert combining moist yellow cake infused with creamy banana pudding, whipped topping, and fresh bananas. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet family treat, it features layers of flavor and texture, topped with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas for an irresistible finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

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

Pudding

2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant banana pudding mix
4 cups cold milk

Topping

1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (thawed)
2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Vanilla wafers and banana slices for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the cake: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the yellow cake batter as directed and pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake the cake as directed on the box, then let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Poke holes in the cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the warm cake surface to allow the pudding to seep in.
Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and 4 cups of cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened, around 2 minutes.
Pour the pudding over cake: Immediately pour the prepared banana pudding over the warm cake, gently spreading it to fill the holes and coat the surface evenly.
Chill the cake: Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to fully set and absorb into the cake.
Add whipped topping and garnishes: Before serving, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled pudding cake. Top with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers. Optionally, garnish with additional banana slices and whole vanilla wafers.
Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Slice and add bananas just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
For extra banana flavor, mix some sliced bananas directly into the pudding layer before pouring it over the cake.

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