Banana Pudding Poke Cake

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This Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a rich, creamy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines moist vanilla cake, silky banana pudding, fluffy whipped topping, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Every bite is packed with classic banana pudding flavor, making it perfect for potlucks, birthdays, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
  • Servings: 12–15

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow or vanilla cake mix
  • Ingredients required on the cake mix box (typically eggs, vegetable oil, and water)

Or use your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe.

For the Banana Pudding Filling

  • 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant banana pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold whole milk

Topping

  • 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
  • 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 20–25 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
  • Whole vanilla wafers for garnish (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Caramel drizzle
  • White chocolate shavings
  • Fresh banana slices
  • Chopped toasted pecans

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Wooden spoon or the handle of a wooden spoon (for poking holes)
  • Offset spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions.

Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Bake according to the package instructions, usually 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar round tool, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Make sure the holes go almost to the bottom of the cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Banana Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Instant banana pudding mix
  • Cold milk

Whisk for about 2 minutes, until slightly thickened but still pourable.

Immediately pour the pudding evenly over the warm cake.

Use a spatula to gently spread the pudding so it fills all the holes.

Step 4: Chill

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set completely.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.

Arrange sliced bananas across the top.

Sprinkle generously with crushed vanilla wafers.

Decorate with whole vanilla wafers if desired.

Step 6: Final Chill

Refrigerate for another 2 hours before serving.

This extra chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Poke Cake

  • Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness.
  • Pour the pudding over the cake while it is still slightly warm so it seeps into the holes.
  • Chill thoroughly before serving for clean slices.
  • Add the banana slices shortly before serving if making the cake a day ahead to minimize browning.
  • Crush the vanilla wafers just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Flavor Variations

Homemade Vanilla Cake

Skip the boxed mix and use a homemade vanilla butter cake for an even richer dessert.

Chocolate Banana

Use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a chocolate-banana combination.

Caramel Banana

Drizzle caramel sauce between the pudding layer and whipped topping.

Peanut Butter Banana

Swirl creamy peanut butter into the pudding before pouring it over the cake.

Coconut Banana

Sprinkle toasted coconut over the whipped topping for extra texture and flavor.

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