Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like boxed cake mix, instant pudding, and vanilla wafers, this recipe is both accessible and affordable.
Quick to Assemble: With minimal prep time and a straightforward process, you’ll have this dessert ready to chill in no time.
A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Add extra layers of sliced bananas, or swap out the vanilla pudding for another flavor to make it your own!
Ingredients Breakdown
Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that bring this dessert to life.
Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of this recipe, yellow cake is moist, buttery, and perfectly complements the banana flavors. Any brand will work, but a rich, moist variety is ideal.
Instant Banana Pudding: The star of the show, this pudding adds a smooth texture and rich banana flavor to the cake.
Milk: Essential for creating the pudding. Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% works well too.
Whipped Topping: Light and airy, it’s the perfect finishing touch that balances the cake’s sweetness.
Vanilla Wafers: Classic banana pudding wouldn’t be the same without these crunchy, slightly sweet cookies.
Sliced Bananas: Fresh bananas add a natural sweetness and elevate the dessert with their bright flavor..
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Follow the directions on the box to prepare your yellow cake batter, then pour it into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5–10 minutes. The cake should still be warm but not hot—this ensures the pudding will seep into the cake without making it soggy.
2. Poke the Cake
Grab a wooden spoon and use the handle to poke deep holes across the entire cake. These holes are what make this dessert a poke cake—they allow the pudding to infuse every bite with creamy banana goodness. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and reach the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor distribution.
3. Prepare the Pudding Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and 4 cups of cold milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
4. Fill the Holes
Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes you’ve created. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to help guide the pudding into every nook and cranny. Spread any remaining pudding evenly across the top of the cake for a smooth finish.
5. Chill and Set
Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours, or until the pudding is fully set. This step is crucial for achieving that cool, creamy texture that makes this dessert so irresistible.
6. Top It Off
Once chilled, it’s time to decorate your cake. Spread an even layer of whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers generously over the top, then add slices of fresh banana for a finishing touch.
Tips for Success
Banana Slicing Hack: Slice bananas just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning. You can also brush them with a bit of lemon juice to maintain their color.
Make It Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance for maximum convenience.
Mix Up the Topping: Try drizzling caramel or chocolate syrup over the whipped topping for an extra indulgent twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Banana Pudding Poke Cake shines as the centerpiece of any dessert table. Serve it chilled with a hot cup of coffee for an elegant pairing, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It’s versatile enough to fit into casual gatherings or more formal occasions.
For added flair, garnish individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed wafers, and a slice of banana. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful presentation!
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’re planning to store the cake for longer, consider skipping the fresh banana topping until just before serving to maintain its freshness. Unfortunately, this dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the pudding and whipped topping layers, but it’s so delicious, you likely won’t have any leftovers!.
Why Poke Cakes Are So Popular
Poke cakes are a genius invention for those who crave a moist, flavorful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. By adding liquid elements like pudding or syrup directly into the cake’s structure, you ensure every bite is packed with flavor. This technique also allows for endless creativity—think strawberry poke cakes, chocolate caramel versions, or even tropical-inspired coconut cakes.