Banana Pudding Poke Cake | Southern-inspired Dessert Recipe
This Southern-inspired banana pudding poke cake combines moist yellow cake, creamy banana pudding, and fresh bananas topped with whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers. It is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and always a crowd favorite.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 2 boxes instant banana pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
- 4 cups cold milk
- 3–4 fresh bananas, sliced
- 1 container whipped topping (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter by mixing the yellow cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package. Pour into the dish and spread evenly.
- Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This usually takes 25–30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface. Space the holes about 1 inch apart and make sure they are deep enough for the pudding to reach the bottom.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the banana pudding mix with cold milk until smooth. Do not let it set completely; keep it slightly pourable.
- Pour the prepared pudding over the cake, spreading it evenly to ensure it fills all the holes. Gently tap the dish to help the pudding settle inside.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to firm up and the cake to chill.
- Once chilled, slice fresh bananas and arrange them evenly over the surface of the cake.
- Spread whipped topping generously across the top, covering the bananas completely.
- Finish by sprinkling crushed vanilla wafers on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Slice and serve directly from the dish. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
For best presentation, add bananas just before serving to avoid browning.
You can substitute vanilla or cheesecake pudding for a different flavor.
Graham crackers or shortbread cookies may be used instead of vanilla wafers.
To prevent sogginess, crush the wafers just before sprinkling them on top.