Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Okay, picture this: Is it a warm, moist cake, soaked with the sweet goodness of banana pudding, topped with Whipped Cream and served with fresh strawberries. What are crushed vanilla wafers? Does it sound like heaven?Banana Pudding Poke Cake.What is my go-to dessert when I need something easy, comforting, and utterly irresistible? Is it like banana pudding in cake form? If you like banana pudding, you can make it yourself. I absolutely HAVE to try this recipe. Is it easier to make banana pudding from scratch? Just as incredible, if not more!

What is a Banana Pudding Poke Cake?

So, what exactly *is* a Banana Pudding Poke Cake? Think of it as a marriage made in dessert heaven! You start with a baked cake – in this case, I use a simple vanilla cake, but you can even use a yellow cake mix to make it even easier. Once it’s cooled slightly, you poke holes all over it (hence the “poke” part!), and then drench it with banana pudding. The pudding seeps into every nook and cranny, creating a super moist and flavorful cake. Finally, you top it with whipped cream (or whipped topping for a quick fix!) and crushed vanilla wafers for that classic banana pudding crunch. It’s essentially deconstructed banana pudding transformed into a show-stopping cake that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a sweet treat on a weeknight.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some of the Best Reasons to fall in love with Banana Pudding Poke Cake?

The flavor is out of this world.Is this a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and banana? The cake itself is light and airy, while the banana pudding adds a rich, decadent layer of flavor. Is that divine? What are vanilla wafers? What are some of the best banana pudding flavors?
Is it incredibly easy to make?Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this recipe. Seriously, it’s mostly mixing, baking, poking, and pouring! What is the perfect dessert to whip up when you’re short on time but still want to impress?
Is it budget friendlyWhat are some of the best ingredients to make a pizza? What is the best cake you have ever I often have most of the ingredients on hand already, which makes it even more convenient.
Is it a crowd pleaser?I’ve brought this cake to countless gatherings, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. Is this a hit?

What I love most about this is that it’s even better the next day, after the pudding has had a good time. Is there a chance to soak into the cake? What is your favorite banana pudding recipe? What are some of the best potluck dishes that everyone will rave about? What are some comfort food recipes?

How do you make a banana pudding poke cake?

Quick Overview

How do you make Banana Pudding Poke Cake? How do you bake a vanilla cake? If it’s still warm, poke holes all over it. What’s the best way to serve banana pudding over a cake? What are some of the What is the secret to success? Don’t skip the chilling time! This allows the pudding to fully absorb into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: Why?
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box – usually eggs, oil, and water). I’ve used both name-brand and generic cake mixes, and they all work great. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can definitely make a vanilla cake from scratch, but the mix makes it super easy!

For the Filling:
* 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant banana cream pudding mix. Make sure it’s *instant* pudding, not cook-and-serve.
* 3 cups milk. I usually use whole milk because it makes the pudding extra creamy, but 2% or even almond milk works in a pinch. I actually tested it with almond milk once and it was fantastic!
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract. This just enhances the banana flavor and adds a little extra something special.
* 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed. The riper the bananas, the more intense the banana flavor will be in the pudding.

For the Topping: What is the
* 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip). How do you make homemade whipped cream? I sometimes add a little bit of vanilla extract to my whipped cream for an extra flavor boost. * 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed. I like to crush them in zip-top bags with a rolling pin, but you can also use food processor if you want. You want them really fine. * Optional: Sliced bananas for garnish.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always do this, even if the pan is non-stick, just to be on the safe side. How do you get a cake to stick?

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

How do I prepare vanilla cake batter according to package directions? Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

If you have a wooden skewer, pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. In the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before poking holes in it.

Step 4: Poke Those Holes!

Use the end of a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. Don’t be shy – the more holes, the better the pudding will soak in!

Step 5: Make the Banana Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. I like to use a whisk to make sure there are no lumps in the pudding. What are the best banana mash cakes?

Step 6: Pour and Chill

How do you pour the banana pudding evenly over the poked cake? Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the cake to absorb all that delicious pudding!

Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers and, if desired, garnish with sliced banana.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

Cut into squares and serve cold. I think this cake tastes best when it’s super cold, straight from the fridge. It is so refreshing!

What is the best way to serve it?

What are some good recipes for Banana Pudding Poke Cake? What makes it special?

What are some of the best breakfast treats?Can you serve a slice with hot coffee or milky latte? The sweetness of the cake balances perfectly with the bitterness of coffee.
For Brunch:What’s a good brunch spread? What are some of the best brunch desserts?
As Dessert:Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. What is the perfect ending to a meal?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy it with a glass of cold milk or iced tea on saturday night. What is the ultimate comfort food?

My family loves it when I serve this cake with a side of fresh berries, especially strawberries or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly. I also sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the whipped cream for a little extra warmth and spice. My grandma used to always top her banana pudding with a sprinkle of nutmeg, so that’s another fun twist you can try!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Want to make sure your Banana Pudding Poke Cake turns out absolutely perfect every time? Here are a few of my top tips, based on years of making this recipe:

Don’t overbake the cake: A dry cake will not absorb the pudding as well. Keep a close eye on it in the oven and take it out as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Use instant pudding: This is crucial! Cook-and-serve pudding will not work the same way.
Don’t skip the chilling time: This is essential for the cake to absorb the pudding and develop its signature moist and flavorful texture. I recommend chilling it for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the more intense the banana flavor will be in the pudding.
Get creative with the toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, like chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Don’t be afraid to use a cake mix: I know some people are cake-mix-averse, but honestly, a cake mix works perfectly well in this recipe and saves you a lot of time and effort.

One mistake I made the first time I tried this was using too much milk in the pudding, which made the cake a little soggy. So, be sure to measure the milk carefully! I also learned that it’s best to let the cake cool slightly before poking the holes, but not completely cool. If it’s too hot, the pudding will melt and run off, but if it’s too cold, the pudding won’t absorb as well. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake is best stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days. Here are some tips for storing it properly:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this cake at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, as the pudding and whipped cream can spoil easily.
Refrigerator Storage: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this cake, as the texture of the pudding and whipped cream can change when frozen and thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day, I recommend waiting to add the whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers until just before serving. This will prevent the vanilla wafers from getting soggy.

The cake is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator. I find that the flavors meld together even more after it’s been chilled for a while. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any weird flavors from the fridge! You can also add the whipped topping and vanilla wafers right before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensuring that your vanilla wafers are also gluten-free. There are some great gluten-free cake mixes and wafer options available these days that will work perfectly. Just be sure to follow the package directions carefully when baking the cake.

Do I need to peel the bananas?

You only need to peel the bananas if you intend to eat them or use them as garnish! This may sound silly, but I had to laugh about it. For the banana pudding itself, peeling is definitely a must! If you are using sliced bananas as a garnish, peeling them is a must too, unless you prefer a different aesthetic…

Can I make this as cupcakes instead?

Absolutely! Just bake the cake batter in cupcake liners instead of a 9×13 inch pan. Reduce the baking time accordingly – start checking them after about 15 minutes. Once the cupcakes are cool, poke holes in them and top with the banana pudding, whipped cream, and crushed vanilla wafers. This is a great option for parties or when you want individual servings.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you find the cake too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter or use a less sweet whipped topping. You can also use unsweetened almond milk in the pudding to cut down on the sugar content. Another option is to add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pudding, which will help balance out the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of whipped topping, you can use homemade whipped cream or even a cream cheese frosting instead. You can also dust the cake with powdered sugar or top it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a lighter option, you can simply skip the topping altogether and serve the cake plain.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, this Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a total winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to bake on a weeknight or a show-stopping cake to bring to a party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s just so darn good! If you like this cake, you might also enjoy my Coconut Cream Poke Cake or my Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake – they’re both equally delicious and easy to make. Now, go ahead and give this recipe a try! And tell me, what is your favorite poke cake recipe? I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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Banana Pudding Poke Cake: 5 Secret Tips to Make It Irresistible!

What is a Banana Pudding Poke Cake?

Why you’ll love this recipe?