The Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a delightful fusion of two Southern classics: moist yellow cake and luscious banana pudding. This dreamy dessert takes all the nostalgic charm of your grandma’s banana pudding and transforms it into a decadent cake that’s easy to serve and even easier to devour.
With every forkful, you get creamy banana pudding soaked into tender cake, sweet banana slices, fluffy whipped topping, and that irresistible crunch of crushed vanilla wafers. It’s a simple yet stunning dessert perfect for potlucks, picnics, birthdays, or cozy nights in. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned dessert pro, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients on the box: eggs, oil, water)
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2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant banana pudding
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4 cups milk
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1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
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3–4 bananas, sliced
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1 box vanilla wafers, crushed
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions.
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Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
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Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
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In a bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Pour the pudding over the warm cake, spreading it evenly and pushing it into the holes.
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Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set.
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Once set, spread a layer of sliced bananas over the pudding layer.
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Top with Cool Whip, then sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top.
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Chill until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Banana Pudding Poke Cake: The Ultimate Southern-Inspired Dessert
If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly blends simplicity, flavor, and a nostalgic nod to the American South, then look no further than the Banana Pudding Poke Cake. With its rich, moist yellow cake base soaked in creamy banana pudding, topped with fresh banana slices, a generous layer of fluffy whipped topping, and a final flourish of crushed vanilla wafers, this cake is as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing.
Banana pudding has long held a special place in Southern dessert traditions. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of backyard barbecues, family reunions, and Sunday suppers. By transforming this beloved dessert into a poke cake, we’ve taken everything people love about the original its texture, its flavor, its simplicity and infused it into a format that’s even easier to serve at gatherings and parties.
The Origins and Popularity of Banana Pudding
To appreciate the Banana Pudding Poke Cake, it’s worth exploring its roots. Traditional banana pudding has been a staple in American kitchens, particularly in the Southern United States, since the early 20th century. Often made with layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and custard or pudding, this dessert was celebrated for its accessibility and ease. It didn’t require exotic ingredients or complicated techniques just love, time, and a fridge to set it in.
What made banana pudding so iconic is its contrast of textures: the softness of bananas, the creaminess of pudding, and the subtle crunch of cookies. It’s no surprise then, that modern variations of the dessert began to emerge pudding pies, trifles, and of course, poke cakes.
What Is a Poke Cake, Exactly?
The concept of a poke cake originated in the 1970s when boxed cake mixes began soaring in popularity. The method involves baking a cake, then poking holes in it while it’s still warm, and pouring in a flavorful filling often pudding, Jell-O, or a syrup allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. The result is an incredibly moist, flavorful cake that has the added benefit of being visually striking when sliced.
The Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a quintessential example of how this method can be elevated. Rather than simply pouring pudding on top, it’s allowed to soak in, binding the flavors together in a tender and cohesive slice.
Why This Dessert Works So Well
One of the key reasons why the Banana Pudding Poke Cake is such a hit is due to its harmonious balance of flavor and texture. Each layer complements the next:
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Moist yellow cake offers a sturdy base that absorbs the pudding beautifully.
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Banana pudding adds a smooth and creamy layer of flavor that infuses the entire cake.
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Fresh banana slices introduce natural sweetness and a touch of freshness.
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Whipped topping creates a light and airy contrast.
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Crushed vanilla wafers finish the dessert with a crunch that pays tribute to the original banana pudding.
Another major benefit of this dessert is its make-ahead convenience. In fact, the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more the flavors meld together, making it a perfect choice for parties and potlucks. It’s also highly adaptable you can layer in extra bananas, add caramel drizzle, or even swap the pudding flavor for a fun twist (vanilla or cheesecake flavors are great alternatives).
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Even though this cake is easy to make, a few small tips can elevate it:
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Use ripe but firm bananas: They should be sweet, but not overly soft. Overripe bananas will break down quickly and make the texture mushy.
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Chill thoroughly: The cake needs time in the fridge to set fully. At least one hour is recommended, but overnight is even better.
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Serve cold: Like classic banana pudding, this dessert is best served chilled straight from the refrigerator.
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Add texture contrast: Sprinkle crushed wafers on top just before serving to preserve their crunch. If you add them too early, they’ll soften from the moisture.
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Make it your own: Try using banana cream pie-flavored pudding for an extra banana boost, or fold cream cheese into the whipped topping for a tangy layer.
Serving Suggestions
Banana Pudding Poke Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s perfect for:
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Potlucks and family gatherings, where its nostalgic flavors shine and it can serve a crowd.
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Birthdays, especially for those who want a fruit-forward dessert that’s not overly heavy or chocolate-laden.
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Easter and spring/summer holidays, as it feels light and refreshing.
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Weeknight desserts, because it comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
You can serve it straight from the pan, or cut it into neat squares and garnish with additional banana slices or a mint sprig for a more refined presentation.
Nutritional Considerations
While Banana Pudding Poke Cake is certainly a treat, it’s worth noting that it’s lower in calories per serving than many traditional frosted cakes or pies, especially when using light whipped topping or reduced-fat pudding. You can also make it more diet-friendly by opting for sugar-free pudding mixes or low-fat milk.
This makes it a fantastic option when you want to indulge without going overboard.
Variations and Customizations
The basic recipe is a fantastic jumping-off point for experimentation. Here are some creative variations:
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Caramel Banana Pudding Cake – Add a layer of caramel sauce between the pudding and whipped topping.
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Nutty Banana Cake – Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch.
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Chocolate Banana Pudding Poke Cake – Replace the yellow cake with chocolate cake for a banana-chocolate combo.
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Layered Trifle Version – Use the same ingredients but layer them in a trifle dish for an eye-catching presentation.
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Mini Banana Poke Cakes – Bake in cupcake tins for individual servings perfect for parties.
Conclusion:
Banana Pudding Poke Cake is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of timeless flavor and clever simplicity. It captures the comforting familiarity of banana pudding and brings it into the realm of cakes in a way that’s fun, accessible, and utterly delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is virtually foolproof and always a crowd favorite. It’s a guaranteed way to impress guests or simply treat your family to something sweet and nostalgic.
Add it to your dessert rotation, bring it to your next gathering, or make it just because it’s that good. Every bite is creamy, moist, crunchy, and bursting with banana flavor. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.