Banana Poke Cake starts with a moist yellow cake filled with creamy banana pudding and topped with whipped topping, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. The pudding soaks into every hole, giving the cake plenty of banana flavor in every bite.
This cake always reminds me of banana pudding, but in an easy cake form. I like making it when I need a dessert that feeds a crowd, and that creamy pudding layer is always my favorite part.
Why I Love Banana Poke Cake
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Vanilla Cake Mix: Creates the easy cake base.
- Bananas: Fresh banana slices add even more banana flavor.
- Instant Pudding Mix: Creates the creamy filling that soaks into the cake.
- Cool Whip: Adds a light, creamy topping.
- Vanilla Wafers: Use both crushed and whole cookies for the topping and garnish.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Banana Poke Cake
Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. For extra banana flavor, mix one mashed banana into the batter if desired. Bake as directed and let the cake cool completely.
Add the Pudding: Prepare the instant pudding according to the package directions. Poke holes all over the cooled cake using the end of a wooden spoon, then pour the pudding evenly over the cake.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour to allow the pudding to soak into the holes and set.
Add the Layers: Slice the banana and arrange it over the pudding. Add a layer of whole vanilla wafers, then spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top.
Finish: Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers over the Cool Whip. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Cool the cake first: Let the cake cool completely before adding the pudding.
- Poke plenty of holes: Space the holes evenly so the pudding gets throughout the cake.
- Add bananas before serving: If making the cake ahead, wait to add the fresh banana slices so they don’t brown.
Questions Readers Ask Most
More Cake Recipes I Love
Classic Banana Poke Cake
Moist Banana Poke Cake filled with creamy banana pudding and topped with bananas, Cool Whip, and vanilla wafers.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
- 2 bananas, divided
- 2 boxes instant banana pudding mix, plus ingredients called for on the boxes
- 1 tub Cool Whip
- 20 vanilla wafers
- 20 vanilla wafers, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. If desired, mash one banana and mix it into the cake batter.
- Bake according to the package directions and cool completely.
- Prepare the pudding according to the package directions.
- Poke holes evenly over the cooled cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the pudding over the cake, spreading it evenly so it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Slice the remaining banana and arrange over the pudding.
- Add a layer of whole vanilla wafers.
- Spread the Cool Whip over the top.
- Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
For the best results, wait to add the fresh banana slices and vanilla wafers until closer to serving if making the cake ahead.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 674Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 755mgCarbohydrates: 117gFiber: 3gSugar: 56gProtein: 6g
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