Sweet Southern Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting a delectable banana pudding poke cake brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet aromas will dance through your home as layers of creamy goodness take shape.

Soft vanilla cake becomes a canvas for rich, smooth pudding that seeps into every delightful crevice.

Nostalgic flavors blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch to each spoonful of this Southern-inspired treat.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make you swoon.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible combination of comfort and indulgence.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake That Brings Sweet Memories

• Simplify Dessert Crafting: Minimal baking skills required, perfect for novice bakers seeking a delightful treat with straightforward steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic flavors of banana, vanilla, and cake combine to create a nostalgic dessert that appeals to all ages and satisfies sweet cravings.
• Versatile Party Showstopper: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations, this cake impresses guests without demanding complex preparation techniques.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and refrigerate, allowing busy home cooks to plan dessert ahead of time while ensuring maximum flavor development and convenience.

Ingredients Needed To Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient and quick base that provides the foundation for this delightful dessert.

• Banana Pudding Mix: Brings rich banana flavor and creamy texture to the cake.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and luscious pudding consistency.

• Whipped Topping: Adds a light and fluffy layer that complements the moist cake.
• Vanilla Wafers: Provides a crunchy texture and classic banana pudding accent.
• Bananas: Fresh slices that enhance the banana flavor and add natural sweetness.

How To Prepare Banana Pudding Poke Cake Step By Step

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Base

Grab your yellow cake mix and follow the package directions. Pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool down for about 15 minutes so it’s warm but not scorching hot.

Step 2: Create Pudding Tunnels

Take the handle of a wooden spoon and start poking holes all across the cake.

Make sure the holes are deep enough so the pudding can sneak into every delicious crevice. Space the holes about an inch apart for maximum pudding coverage.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Banana Pudding

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the banana pudding mix and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of any lumpy bits.

You want a silky, creamy consistency that will glide perfectly into your cake.

Step 4: Fill the Cake with Pudding Magic

Slowly pour the banana pudding over the entire cake.

Use the back of a spoon to gently guide the pudding into each hole, making sure every nook gets saturated with creamy goodness. Spread the pudding evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Slide the cake into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 2 hours. This allows the pudding to set and the flavors to mingle and become totally irresistible.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Top the cake with a generous layer of whipped topping. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers and arrange fresh banana slices across the surface.

Cut into squares and serve up this crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to make everyone smile.

Tips For Perfect Banana Pudding Poke Cake Every Time

• Let the cake cool slightly before poking holes to ensure it absorbs pudding without becoming too mushy.
• Whisk the pudding mix thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture that flows easily into cake holes.
• Layer fresh banana slices between whipped topping for extra fruity flavor and a more vibrant presentation.
• Crush vanilla wafers just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from getting soft.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set completely for a more intense taste.

Variations To Try With Banana Pudding Poke Cake

• Tropical Paradise: Replace banana pudding with coconut pudding and top with toasted coconut flakes and fresh mango slices for a tropical flair.
• Chocolate Banana Bliss: Use chocolate pudding instead of banana pudding, and garnish with chocolate shavings and caramelized banana pieces.
• Nutty Crunch: Swap vanilla wafers with chopped pecans or almonds, and add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped topping for extra richness.
• Berry Banana Fusion: Mix strawberry pudding with the banana pudding, and top with fresh mixed berries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for texture.

Pairings That Work Well With Banana Pudding Poke Cake

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Cappuccino: Complement the sweet banana pudding cake with a smooth, rich cappuccino that echoes the dessert's creamy texture and enhances its caramel-like undertones.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to create a delightful temperature contrast and amplify the banana and vanilla flavors.
• Match with Sweet Riesling Wine: Select a chilled, slightly sweet Riesling that balances the cake's richness and highlights its fruity banana notes with a crisp, refreshing finish.
• Enjoy with Cinnamon Chai Latte: Create a warm, spicy complement to the sweet cake by pairing it with a fragrant cinnamon chai latte that adds depth and complexity to the dessert experience.

Proper Storage For Banana Pudding Poke Cake Freshness

Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cake chilled to maintain its texture and prevent banana slices from browning.

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent whipped topping from melting completely. Let sit for a minute to distribute heat evenly.

Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Enjoy within 2 hours of taking out of the fridge for best taste.

FAQs

• Can I use instant pudding mix instead of homemade pudding?

Yes, instant banana pudding mix works perfectly and saves time in this recipe.

• Is it necessary to use whole milk for the pudding?

Whole milk provides the best creamy texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk if needed.

• How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

Toss sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before adding them to the cake to slow down browning.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better when prepared a day in advance and chilled overnight.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet Southern charm meets dessert perfection in this banana pudding poke cake, blending creamy pudding layers with moist vanilla cake. Creamy, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious, you’ll find this classic treat melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• Eggs (as per box instructions)
• Vegetable oil (as per box instructions)
• Water (as per box instructions)

Pudding and Filling:

• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping

Toppings and Garnish:

• 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
• 2 bananas, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the base by mixing and baking yellow cake according to package directions in a 9 x 13-inch pan at recommended temperature. Allow cake to cool until slightly warm.
2. Create deep punctures across the entire cake surface using a wooden spoon handle, ensuring holes are wide enough for pudding absorption.
3. Whisk banana pudding mix with milk until completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps in the mixture.
4. Generously drench the cake with prepared pudding, carefully guiding the liquid into each created hole using a spatula to distribute evenly.
5. Refrigerate the pudding-infused cake for minimum 2 hours, allowing the dessert to set and flavors to meld completely.
6. Layer whipped topping across the entire cake surface, creating a soft, creamy blanket.
7. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and delicate banana slices, adding texture and visual appeal to the dessert.
8. Slice into precise squares and serve chilled for optimal flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Ensure the cake is slightly warm when poking holes, allowing pudding to penetrate deeper and create more moisture.
• Crush vanilla wafers just before adding to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• For a lighter version, substitute instant pudding with sugar-free mix and use low-fat whipped topping to reduce calories.
• Consider preparing the cake a day ahead, as overnight chilling intensifies the banana flavor and allows pudding to fully absorb into the cake layers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg