Banana Pudding Poke Cake is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It’s super easy to make, and the combination of fluffy cake, creamy pudding, and fresh bananas is just amazing! To start, you bake a yellow cake, poke holes in it, and pour on that sweet pudding mixture. Then, you layer it with sliced bananas and whipped topping—yum! I remember my grandma making this for family get-togethers. It always disappeared in minutes! Plus, you can refrigerate it for hours or overnight, letting all those delicious flavors blend together. Trust me, I can’t wait to share more tips with you!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
When you immerse yourself in this Banana Pudding Poke Cake, you’ll instantly discover why it’s a crowd favorite. The mix of flavors and textures is irresistible!
You’ll love the creamy texture that evokes nostalgic memories of family gatherings, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, with customizable flavors to suit your taste, there are endless pudding variations to try.
You’ll appreciate the health benefits of bananas, packed with vitamins. Additionally, it’s super easy to make, perfect for anyone craving a sweet escape.
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Course: DessertCuisine: American12
servings20
minutes30
minutes320
kcalIndulge in the delightful flavors of Banana Pudding Poke Cake, a luscious dessert that combines the classic taste of banana pudding with a moist and airy cake.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
Nilla wafer cookies for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake according to cake mix instructions or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, poke holes all over the cake using a fork.
- In another bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooled cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
- Layer the sliced bananas over the pudding mixture.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the bananas, and garnish with crushed Nilla wafers.
- Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for the best flavor.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can top the whipped cream with additional banana slices and crushed cookies just before serving.
- Confirm you store the cake in the refrigerator, as the freshness is key to maintaining its taste.
Equipment
To make the Banana Pudding Poke Cake a success, having the right equipment on hand simplifies the process.
You’ll really enjoy how smooth it all goes with these essentials:
- Electric mixer: Whips up the batter effortlessly.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients.
- Cooling rack: Guarantees the cake cools evenly before poking!
With these baking tools, you’re all set to create a delicious treat!
What to Serve With This Recipe
When I whip up a delicious Banana Pudding Poke Cake, I love thinking about what to serve alongside it.
A revitalizing beverage, like iced tea or lemonade, really keeps things lively, while some tasty side dishes can complement the sweetness perfectly.
Don’t forget to finish it off with fun toppings and garnishes—trust me, it makes every bite even better!
Perfect Beverage Pairings
A revitalizing beverage can elevate the experience of enjoying a Banana Pudding Poke Cake.
I love pairing it with an invigorating iced tea or lemonade to balance the sweetness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try some cocktail choices like a banana daiquiri!
Dessert drinks, like a creamy milkshake, also complement the cake perfectly.
Trust me, these sips make every bite even more delightful!
Ideal Side Dishes
While sipping on a revitalizing iced tea or a fruity cocktail, you might wonder what to serve alongside your Banana Pudding Poke Cake.
Classic side dishes like crunchy coleslaw or creamy potato salad pair perfectly.
I also love adding some bright seasonal vegetables, like grilled zucchini or fresh corn on the cob, to bring extra flavor and color to your gathering! Enjoy!
Toppings and Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch on your Banana Pudding Poke Cake, consider a variety of toppings and garnishes that elevate the dessert.
I love adding whipped cream, fresh bananas, and crushed nuts for a crunchy bite.
Don’t forget chocolate curls and a caramel drizzle to make it extra special!
A sprinkle of banana wafers or graham cracker crumbs adds a fun flair, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Absolutely, you can make ahead! I often prepare it a day in advance. It allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for that perfect flavor pairing!
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Pudding Poke Cake?
When it comes to storing, I’d recommend wrapping the cake gently in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Trust me, those storing tips will guarantee your dessert remains delectable for days. Enjoy the freedom of delicious leftovers!
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for This Recipe?
I’ve found gluten-free flour works great in dessert recipes. Plus, for those needing dairy-free options, almond or coconut milk can substitute nicely. Enjoying a tasty treat without dietary restrictions feels liberating!
Can I Substitute Vanilla Pudding for Banana Pudding?
You know, I recently thought about mixing up my dessert game. You can absolutely substitute vanilla pudding for banana pudding! It’ll change the pudding flavor and give different dessert texture variations, which is pretty exciting!
How Long Will the Cake Stay Fresh?
I’ve found that my cake stays fresh for about three to four days. Keeping it tightly covered helps with moisture retention, ensuring that each bite remains deliciously soft and flavorful even after a few days.
