Banana Pudding Poke Cake: A Deliciously Moist Dessert Recipe

Banana pudding and poke cake – two classic desserts that come together in perfect harmony! This Banana Pudding Poke Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. This cake combines the comforting flavors of banana pudding with the fun and texture of a poke cake, resulting in a dessert that is both familiar and exciting.

## Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Poke Cake

* **Incredibly Moist:** The secret to a fantastic poke cake is the liquid poured over it after baking. This recipe uses a combination of sweetened condensed milk and banana cream pudding, creating a super moist and tender cake.
* **Banana Flavor Explosion:** From the cake itself to the pudding filling and the banana slices on top, this cake is packed with banana flavor. If you’re a banana lover, this dessert is a dream come true.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple. You can even use a store-bought cake mix to save time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This cake is always a hit! Its familiar flavors and delightful texture make it a favorite for all ages.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or a simple weeknight dessert, this Banana Pudding Poke Cake is the perfect choice.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Cake:**

* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)
* 1 teaspoon banana extract (optional, but enhances the banana flavor)

**For the Poke Filling:**

* 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
* 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
* 2 cups milk

**For the Topping:**

* 8 oz whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
* 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
* Vanilla wafers, crushed (optional, for garnish)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Wooden spoon or the back of a spoon for poking holes
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious Banana Pudding Poke Cake! Follow these simple steps for a dessert that will impress.

### Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. **Prepare the Cake Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. If desired, add 1 teaspoon of banana extract to the batter for an extra boost of banana flavor. Mix until well combined.
2. **Bake the Cake:** Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake according to the package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes. It’s crucial not to overbake the cake, as this will make it dry. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
3. **Cool the Cake:** Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up a bit before poking holes.

### Step 2: Poke the Holes

1. **Poke Holes:** While the cake is still warm (but not too hot!), use the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and about 1 inch apart. Don’t be shy – you want plenty of holes to absorb the delicious pudding mixture!

### Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Filling

1. **Whisk Pudding and Milk:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana cream pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until smooth. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken slightly.
2. **Add Sweetened Condensed Milk:** Pour in the can of sweetened condensed milk and whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth. The mixture will be quite liquidy, which is exactly what we want.

### Step 4: Pour the Pudding Filling

1. **Pour over Cake:** Slowly and evenly pour the banana cream pudding mixture over the entire surface of the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. You may need to gently spread it around with a spatula to ensure even coverage. The cake will absorb the mixture as it sits.

### Step 5: Chill the Cake

1. **Refrigerate:** Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer (4 hours or overnight). This allows the pudding to fully set and the cake to become incredibly moist and flavorful. The longer it chills, the better the flavor will develop.

### Step 6: Add the Topping

1. **Spread Whipped Topping:** Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the surface. Make sure to cover the entire cake for a beautiful and creamy finish.
2. **Arrange Banana Slices:** Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the whipped topping. You can create a simple pattern or arrange them randomly, depending on your preference. For best results, slice the bananas right before serving to prevent them from browning.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top of the cake for added texture and flavor. You can also use other toppings, such as chopped nuts or sprinkles.

### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the Banana Pudding Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible taste of this classic dessert!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use a Different Cake Mix:** While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors, such as white cake mix, banana cake mix, or even vanilla cake mix. Just make sure the cake flavor complements the banana pudding.
* **Add More Banana Flavor:** For an even more intense banana flavor, consider adding mashed ripe banana to the cake batter. You can also use banana-flavored extract in the pudding filling.
* **Try a Different Pudding Flavor:** While banana cream pudding is the classic choice, you can also use vanilla pudding or even cheesecake pudding for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Add Chocolate:** For a chocolate-banana twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped topping or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
* **Use Fresh Bananas in the Filling:** For an extra layer of banana flavor, consider adding sliced or mashed bananas to the pudding mixture before pouring it over the cake.
* **Make it Ahead:** This cake is perfect for making ahead of time! You can bake the cake and poke the holes a day in advance, then add the pudding filling and topping the next day.
* **Prevent Banana Browning:** To prevent the banana slices from browning, you can brush them with a little lemon juice or orange juice before arranging them on top of the cake. However, the best way is to slice them just before serving.
* **Whipped Cream Instead of Whipped Topping:** For a lighter topping, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping. Just be sure to stabilize it with a little gelatin or cornstarch to prevent it from deflating.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the cake for added crunch and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

* **With a Scoop of Ice Cream:** Serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or banana ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
* **With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for a sweet and decadent touch.
* **With a Sprinkle of Cinnamon:** Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the cake for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

## How to Store Banana Pudding Poke Cake

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Banana Pudding Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake will become even more moist and flavorful as it sits in the refrigerator.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze this cake, it’s not recommended as the texture of the whipped topping and bananas may change. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use a store-bought cake instead of making one from scratch?**
Yes, absolutely! Using a store-bought cake mix is a great way to save time. Just bake the cake according to the package directions and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.
* **Can I make this cake gluten-free?**
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free vanilla wafers for the topping. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
* **Can I use regular pudding instead of instant pudding?**
Instant pudding is recommended for this recipe because it sets quickly and easily. However, if you prefer to use regular pudding, you may need to adjust the amount of milk and cooking time. Follow the package directions on the pudding box.
* **Can I add nuts to the cake?**
Yes, you can! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious addition to this cake. You can sprinkle them on top of the whipped topping or mix them into the pudding filling.
* **Why is my cake soggy?**
If your cake is too soggy, it could be because you used too much liquid or didn’t let it chill long enough. Make sure to follow the recipe measurements carefully and allow the cake to chill for at least 2 hours before adding the topping.
* **Can I make this cake without sweetened condensed milk?**
The sweetened condensed milk adds a unique sweetness and creaminess to the filling. While you *could* technically omit it, the result will be different. You might try substituting with more milk and a bit more sugar, but the texture and flavor will be altered.

## Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

## Conclusion

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds – the comforting flavors of banana pudding and the fun and texture of a poke cake. It’s easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure happiness!

Enjoy this recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Happy baking!