Banana Pudding Poke Cake
My banana pudding poke cake is so moist and easy to make. I love the topping with creamy Cool Whip, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. It tastes like banana pudding in cake form!
This Banana Pudding Poke Cake Helped me Snag a Southern Gent
Along with my brisket tacos, this cake might have sealed the deal on my relationship.I love poke cakes because they always turn out so moist and are easy to make. Previously, I've shared fun varieties like Boston Cream, Cannoli, Oreo, Strawberry Cheesecake, and of course my Butterfinger Poke Cake. This banana pudding poke cake is one of the best desserts you'll ever have. Seriously. It's so good that you'll make this recipe again and again.
We're talking about a moist cake with layers of banana pudding and whipped cream that melts in your mouth. It is heaven on the tongue. I like to top mine with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. It's perfect for parties, picnics, and potlucks. We also love it for birthday and a midnight snack! Bonus: Use up those bananas on your counter that have seen better days.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Banana Pudding: Be sure to use instant pudding. Do NOT use cook and serve or it will not thicken and set up properly.
- Bananas: You want them ripe, but not too mushy.
- Milk: For best results, use whole milk.
- Cake Mix: I like the flavor and color of yellow cake mix for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Cool Whip: Cool Whip will last longer than whipped cream. Thaw in the fridge overnight, do not microwave.
No Ripe Bananas On Hand?
- Quick Method: Put the bananas in a brown paper bag with an apple.
- Fastest Method: Peel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
️Krystle's Tips️
- Easy Cleanup: Line your baking pan with foil sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Poke holes using the handle of a wooden spoon while the cake is still warm. Aim for around 1-2 inches apart to ensure flavor in every bite.
- Don't Overbake: Bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Don't make pudding in advance: Pour pudding in cake right after mixing before it thickens too much. You can also lightly tap your pan on the counter a few times to help it flow downward.
- Garnish Last: Add bananas just before serving so they don't turn brown. You can also dip them in a bit of lemon juice to help prevent this.
Make Friends WIth The Produce Stocker @ Your Store
Mine has super cheap ripe bananas once a week that are perfect for baking!
FAQs
Be careful not to place the holes too close together, as this can cause the cake to lose structure.
Also, pour the filling over when the cake is warm but not hot. If the cake is warm, the filling could absorb unevenly, leading to soggy and dry areas.
I'd suggest using Cool Whip if at all possible. It will hold its shape better than stabilized whipped cream. If you plan to enjoy the entire cake the same day whipped cream can work.
More Banana Desserts We Love
Still Hungry? Follow Baking Beauty on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram so you don’t miss a recipe. Subscribe to our newsletter too!
📖 Recipe
Easy Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Ingredients
- 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix + Ingredients called for on the box
- 4 Ripe Bananas Mashed
- 2 Boxes Instant Banana Pudding
- 3 Cups Whole Milk
- 8 Ounces Extra Creamy Cool Whip Thawed
- 2 Bananas Sliced
- 1 Cup Vanilla wafers Crushed
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and dust a 9x13 pan with flour.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, ingredients called for on the box, and bananas until well combined.
- Bake for 38-40 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Immediately poke holes in cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Whisk milk and pudding mix together until thickened.
- Pour pudding mix over top of cake. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Serve with cool whip, sliced bananas, and crushed vanilla wafers.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
-
- Banana Pudding: Be sure to use instant pudding. Do NOT use cook and serve.
- Milk: For best results, use whole milk.
- Cool Whip: Thaw in the fridge overnight, do not microwave.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your baking pan with foil sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Poke holes using the handle of a wooden spoon while the cake is still warm. Aim for around 1-2 inches apart to ensure flavor in every bite.
- Don't Overbake: Bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Don't make pudding in advance: Pour pudding in cake right after mixing before it thickens too much. You can also lightly tap your pan on the counter a few times to help it flow downward.
- Garnish Last: Add bananas just before serving so they don't turn brown. You can also dip them in a bit of lemon juice to help prevent this.
Nutrition
What size of pudding box do you use? I didn't see this written anywhere in the recipe.
Hi Tom!
Great question, I used the smaller size 3.4 ounces.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Banana pudding poke cake is delicious and additicive I made it yesterday.
I love banana pudding and poke cakes - thus, I knew i'd love this. Absolutely delicious and so very moist!
Just made a Banana Pudding Poke Cake, and it's a hit! Moist cake filled with creamy banana pudding, topped with whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion! Give it a try!
I love how easy this poke cake was! My son did most of it and it came out perfectly. Thanks so much!
This is seriously amazing! A huge hit dessert at my house!
This was really amazing! My kids loved it! We'll definitely make it again!
This is one of my favorite desserts! I've made it for years!
This Banana Pudding needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Delicious and easy is a combination I'm always on the lookout for. I love that it's so simple, but it has flavors that would make it perfect for even holiday parties.
My new favorite!!
Oh my this looks amazing. I will be making it with the kids this weekend!
My new favorite cake.
Pinned to Night Time Snacking 🙂 🙂 🙂 Thank you !
My favorite time of the day! Thanks for pinning.