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Banana Pudding Poke Cake: The Ultimate Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe

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Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a creamy Southern-inspired dessert featuring moist vanilla cake filled with rich banana pudding and topped with whipped topping, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix
  • Ingredients required to prepare cake mix (eggs, oil, and water according to package directions)
  • 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant banana pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold milk
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
  • 3 large bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
  • Additional vanilla wafers for garnish (optional)
  • Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
  • Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package instructions.
  2. Prepare the cake batter using the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes after baking.
  5. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire cake.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
  7. Before the pudding fully sets, pour it evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes.
  8. Spread the remaining pudding evenly over the surface of the cake.
  9. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
  10. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
  11. Arrange sliced bananas across the top of the cake.
  12. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers evenly over the bananas.
  13. Garnish with additional vanilla wafers, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream if desired.
  14. Refrigerate for at least another hour before serving.
  15. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use cold milk for the pudding to ensure proper thickening.
  • Poke plenty of holes so the pudding can penetrate throughout the cake.
  • Whole milk creates the richest and creamiest texture.
  • Add banana slices just before serving for the freshest appearance.
  • Crushed vanilla wafers can become soft over time, so add them shortly before serving if possible.
  • This dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Do not freeze, as the texture of the pudding and bananas may change.
  • Homemade vanilla cake can be substituted for cake mix.
  • For extra flavor, drizzle caramel sauce over each serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/banana-pudding-poke-cake/