This Banana Pudding Poke Cake features layers of fluffy cake, creamy pudding, fresh bananas and whipped topping, all finished off with vanilla wafers. A quick and easy dessert that will be the first to disappear at any party!
Easy Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re a fan of classic banana pudding, then you’re going to LOVE this Banana Pudding Poke Cake! Just like my banana pudding layer cake, this recipe takes the best elements of classic dessert and turns it into a moist cake that will quickly become a crowd favorite.
As with most poke cake recipes, this one begins with a cake mix to keep things simple. I used a yellow cake mix but feel free to use white or vanilla cake instead. Banana pudding is spread over the cake, seeping into the holes and infusing each bite with banana-flavored goodness.
Finish it all off with fresh banana slices, whipped topping, and Nilla wafers and you have a dessert that’s so simple to prepare but so ridiculously good. This will become a surefire hit at any gathering this summer, that’s for sure!
Love banana desserts? Check out my slow cooker banana bread pudding recipe!
Watch How To Make It
Want to see how to make this banana pudding poke cake step-by-step? Just watch my video above!
Why You’ll Love This Poke Cake
- Easy. Since we are using pre-made mixes like cake mix and Jello-O pudding, this poke cake literally could not be any easier. If you can mix ingredients, you can make it!
- Fluffy and flavorful. Despite the simplicity of this recipe, the finished cake is bursting with flavor! Every bite is fluffy, moist, and filled with banana pudding flavors.
- Perfect for gatherings! Looking for a dessert that’s sure to be a hit at your next get-together? This is it! Every time I make this poke cake for gatherings the entire thing is devoured.
What Is A Poke Cake?
A poke cake is basically what it sounds like – a cake that you poke holes into after baking. Then a liquid is poured over the top to soak into the holes, creating a super moist and flavorful cake. In the case of this pudding poke cake, it’s a pudding mixture poured over the top.
Recipe Ingredients
This easy poke cake recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients, including those you’d use in traditional banana pudding. See the recipe card below for measurements.
- Yellow cake mix – Starting with a box of cake mix is what keeps this a quick and easy dessert. You’ll also need the eggs, oil, and water per the cake mix directions.
- Banana pudding – INSTANT banana pudding is a must – do not use the cook and serve.
- Milk
- Bananas – Be sure to use bananas that are ripe but not browned as they’ll be served on top of the cake.
- Whipped topping – Used as a frosting.
- Vanilla wafers – A banana pudding necessity!
How to Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake
This pudding poke cake is quick, easy, and requires just a few easy steps.
- Bake the cake. Prepare and bake the cake according to package directions.
- Prepare the pudding. At the same time, whisk together the milk and pudding until thickened.
- Pour the pudding over the cake. Let the cake cool for 20 minutes, then poke holes all over. Pour the pudding over the cake, using a spatula to spread it evenly and push it into the holes.
- Add the toppings. Place slices of banana over the pudding layer. Top with the whipped topping and finish with a layer of Nilla wafers.
- Enjoy. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Success
If you’ve never made a pudding poke cake before, here are a few tips to help you.
- Use a wooden spoon or straw to poke holes. The end of a wooden spoon or a straw is the easiest way to poke the holes in the cake.
- Poke holes while the cake is still warm. This is important, as it allows the pudding to infuse throughout the cake.
- Add the toppings just before serving. If you decide to make this cake in advance, you can add the pudding mixture then refrigerate it. But due to the bananas browning and the cookies softening, the toppings are best added just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This banana pudding poke cake is best served soon after it’s made. As noted above, if you prefer to prepare the cake and serve it later, you may want to add the vanilla wafers right before serving as they will soften as they sit on the cake.
If you’re enjoying it immediately after preparing it, it can be served at room temperature. Otherwise, it’s best to serve chilled.
This banana pudding poke cake is perfect for a potluck or as a sweet finish to a family dinner; it’s sure to be a hit with any crowd!
How to Store Pudding Poke Cake
- Fridge. Leftover banana pudding poke can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or wrapped tightly in plastic. They’ll last for up to 2 days. Note that the longer the cake is in the fridge, the softer the Nilla wafers will become.
- Freezer. I do not recommend freezing this cake.
More Easy Poke Cake Recipes
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- cooking spray
- Eggs, oil and water per cake mix package directions
- 2 3.4- ounce boxes of instant banana pudding mix
- 4 cups milk
- 3 large or 4 small bananas
- 1 tub whipped topping
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Coat a 9″x13″ pan with cooking spray. Prepare yellow cake mix and bake according to package directions.
- While the cake is in the oven, prepare the pudding. Pour the milk into a large bowl and add the packages of pudding. Whisk until thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes.
- Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour the pudding over the cake. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly on the cake; be sure to push the pudding into the holes.
- Peel the bananas and cut them into 1/2 inch slices. Place the banana slices ovver the pudding layer.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the banana layer.
- Cover the top of the cake with whole cookies.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Last Step:
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1 thought on “Banana Pudding Poke Cake”
I made one of the banana Polk cakes , I did the 3 of the 8″ round pans , my mother and everybody luv Ed it, she asked for one for her Birthday also and has asked again for another it’s so delicious and moist , just a bite of awesomemess, thanks for y’alls recipes .mrs King