Southern-Style Banana Pudding Poke Cake

A delightful twist on traditional banana pudding, this poke cake combines a moist vanilla cake base with creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and classic vanilla wafers. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any special occasion.

Essential Ingredients

Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pudding Filling:

• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant banana pudding
• 4 cups cold whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon banana extract (optional)

Topping:

• 16 oz whipped topping
• 2 boxes vanilla wafers
• 3-4 fresh bananas, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (prevents browning)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Grease 9×13 inch baking pan
3. Combine cake ingredients:

• Mix according to box directions
• Add mashed bananas
• Stir in vanilla

1. Pour into prepared pan
2. Bake 25-30 minutes
3. Test with toothpick for doneness

Step 2: Create the Pokes

1. Let cake cool 10 minutes
2. Use wooden spoon handle
3. Make holes 1 inch apart
4. Ensure holes go almost to bottom

Step 3: Pudding Layer

1. Whisk pudding mix with cold milk
2. Add extracts
3. Pour over warm cake
4. Fill holes completely
5. Tap pan to remove air bubbles
6. Refrigerate 15 minutes

Step 4: Assembly

1. Treat sliced bananas with lemon juice
2. Layer over pudding
3. Add crushed vanilla wafers
4. Spread whipped topping
5. Garnish with whole wafers
6. Chill minimum 4 hours

Expert Tips

1. For Perfect Results:

• Use room temperature eggs
• Don’t overmix cake batter
• Make holes while cake is warm
• Let chill thoroughly

1. Make-Ahead Options:

• Prepare day before serving
• Add fresh garnishes last
• Keep refrigerated

Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Don’t freeze assembled cake
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap
• Best served cold

Creative Variations

1. Cake Options:

• French vanilla cake mix
• Butter cake mix
• Add crushed wafers to batter

1. Topping Ideas:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Cream cheese frosting
• Caramel drizzle
• Toasted coconut

Perfect for:

• Family reunions
• Church potlucks
• Birthday parties
• Summer gatherings

Remember these key points:

• Don’t skip chilling time
• Use ripe bananas
• Keep ingredients cold
• Make holes uniform size

This dessert combines the best of both worlds – classic banana pudding and moist poke cake. Each slice delivers the perfect balance of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, crunchy wafers, and tender cake!

Last modified: December 28, 2024