Irresistible Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe to Savor

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

There’s something utterly magical about a dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the moist, comforting embrace of cake. Picture this: fluffy layers of cake soaked in creamy banana goodness, topped with rich whipped cream and crunchy vanilla wafers. This Banana Pudding Poke Cake not only tastes divine, but it also brings back memories of family gatherings and summer barbecues where dessert was always the highlight.

As you dive into this delightful treat, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about those sunny days spent on the porch, savoring each spoonful as laughter filled the air. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a Tuesday that needs some sweetness, this cake promises to elevate any occasion and leave your taste buds singing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This easy-to-make Banana Pudding Poke Cake is perfect for any occasion, bringing joy to your taste buds without breaking a sweat.
  • Its delightful flavor profile melds creamy bananas with light vanilla cake for an irresistible treat.
  • The visual appeal of layered pudding and cookies makes it a showstopper at gatherings.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, whether warm or chilled!

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Yellow Cake Mix: Use any brand you love; this will be the base of your cake’s fluffy texture.
  • Water: Essential for mixing your cake batter; make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to your cake, ensuring it stays soft and tender.
  • Eggs: Three large eggs will help bind everything together while adding richness to the cake.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is crucial for achieving that creamy filling that makes this poke cake so indulgent.
  • Milk: Whole milk works best as it contributes to that creamy consistency in the pudding mixture.
  • Sliced Bananas: Fresh bananas add natural sweetness and a delightful texture throughout the cake.
  • Whipped Topping: Use store-bought or homemade; either will create that luscious topping we all crave.
  • Vanilla Wafers: These cookies add a satisfying crunch and classic flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Banana Pudding Poke Cake

How to Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations later.

Step 2: Mix Your Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well blended—about two minutes—until you achieve a smooth batter that smells like heaven.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 4: Create Those Poke Holes

Once cooled, grab a fork (or any poking device—no judgment here) and poke holes all over the top of the cake. Aim for about an inch apart; this will allow all that delicious pudding mixture to seep into every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Prepare Your Pudding

In another bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened—this should take just about two minutes. Fold in sliced bananas gently so they don’t turn mushy.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the top of the poked cake. Then top with whipped topping and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers generously over everything like confetti at a party!

Transfer to plates and serve chilled or at room temperature for an amazing dessert experience!

And there you have it—a scrumptious Banana Pudding Poke Cake that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy every bite!

You Must Know

  • This delightful Banana Pudding Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia that makes any gathering feel special.
  • With its moist layers soaked in pudding, it’s the perfect sweet treat that can bring smiles all around.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make the Banana Pudding Poke Cake, start by baking the cake according to package instructions. Let it cool, then poke holes throughout the surface. Pour banana pudding over it while it’s still warm for maximum absorption, creating a moist masterpiece.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Banana Pudding Poke Cake! Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate for a twist, or add sliced bananas on top before spreading whipped cream for extra sweetness. A dash of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store your leftover Banana Pudding Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to reheat it, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm slice!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and flavor, ensuring they are soft but not overly brown.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before adding pudding to avoid a soupy mess.
  • For extra flair, top with crushed cookies or nuts.

It was at my cousin’s birthday party when I first made this Banana Pudding Poke Cake. The kids devoured it so fast that I barely got a slice myself—definitely a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs:

What is a Banana Pudding Poke Cake?

A Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of banana pudding with a moist cake. This cake features a light sponge or vanilla cake, which you poke holes in after baking. You then pour a mixture of banana pudding and milk over it, allowing the flavors to seep in. Topped with whipped cream and sliced bananas, it’s a delicious way to enjoy classic banana pudding in cake form.

How do you store Banana Pudding Poke Cake?

To store your Banana Pudding Poke Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. This dessert stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Always add fresh banana slices just before serving to prevent browning. If you want to save some for later, consider freezing individual portions without the whipped topping.

Can I make Banana Pudding Poke Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare your Banana Pudding Poke Cake ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight enhances its flavor as the pudding soaks into the cake. Just remember to add any fresh toppings like bananas and whipped cream right before serving for optimal freshness.

What variations can I try with Banana Pudding Poke Cake?

You can experiment with various flavors and ingredients to create different versions of Banana Pudding Poke Cake. Consider adding crushed vanilla wafers as a crunchy topping or using chocolate pudding instead of banana for a twist. You might also incorporate caramel sauce for added sweetness or top it with nuts for extra texture.

Conclusion for Banana Pudding Poke Cake:

Banana Pudding Poke Cake is an easy yet impressive dessert that combines the classic flavors of banana pudding with a moist cake base. It’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners, as it can be made ahead and stored easily. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dessert offers both convenience and deliciousness. Remember to add your favorite toppings just before serving for the best experience! Enjoy this delightful treat at your next event!

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Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a delightful fusion of classic banana pudding and moist cake that is sure to impress. This easy-to-make dessert features layers of fluffy yellow cake soaked in rich banana pudding, topped with whipped cream and crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any day that calls for a sweet treat, this cake is a nostalgic indulgence that everyone will love.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 tub whipped topping (8 oz)
  • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour into the baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  3. Once cooled, poke holes in the cake using a fork about an inch apart.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Gently fold in sliced bananas.
  5. Pour the banana pudding mixture over the poked cake evenly. Top with whipped topping and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top.
  6. Chill or serve at room temperature.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (139g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the whipped topping. - You can substitute chocolate pudding for a twist on the classic recipe. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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