By Becky Hardin
Published Jun 13, 2023
Banana Pudding Poke Cake is an easy to make summer dessert that always disappears first at parties and potlucks. This recipe features a box of cake mix that’s dressed up deliciously with creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped cream, sweet vanilla wafer cookies and plenty of fresh bananas!
What’s in Banana Poke Cake with Pudding
You only need 6 ingredients to make this banana cake recipe!
- Yellow Cake Mix: Grab your favorite brand for this easy cake mix recipe! Betty Crocker is usually my go-to, but any other box will also work.
- Water
- Vegetable Oil: This is what gives the cake its moisture.
- Eggs: I prefer to use free-range organic eggs when I can.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Any brand will do the trick.
- Milk: Whole milk always yields the best consistency for instant pudding.
- Bananas: Add more or less depending on how much banana flavor you’re craving!
- Cool Whip: Make sure it’s fully thawed from frozen prior to using.
- Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Nilla Wafers is the most classic cookie to use here, but you can feel free to grab another brand if you’d prefer.
PRO TIP: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the pudding and cream topping.
Can I add more banana flavor?
Sure thing! An easy way to create even more banana flavor in this easy poke cake recipe is to use banana pudding instead of vanilla. You should be able to find a box of it at the grocery store. If you’d like to make your own banana pudding from scratch, I’ve got a great recipe HERE !
How to Store
This banana pudding poke cake should be kept refrigerated and covered tightly with plastic wrap. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days – after that the bananas will start to brown. I don’t recommend freezing poke cake.
Serving Suggestions
This cake can be made ahead of time so it’s a great potluck dessert , summer dessert , or for any other summer soiree you have planned!
More Easy Cake Recipes We Love
- Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake
- Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
- Strawberry Pound Cake
- Easy Honey Cake
- Apple Bundt Cake
- Gooey Butter Cake
- White Layer Cake
- Funfetti Cake
- Black Magic Cake
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 15.25 ounces box yellow cake mix 432 grams (1 box), Betty Crocker recommended
- ▢ 1 cup water 227 grams
- ▢ ½ cup vegetable oil 100 grams
- ▢ 3 large eggs 150 grams
- ▢ 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix 193 grams (2 boxes)
- ▢ 3 cups milk 681 grams
- ▢ 3 bananas thinly sliced and divided
- ▢ 16 ounces Cool Whip 454 grams
- ▢ 20 vanilla wafer cookies 75 grams, whole and crushed
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Prepare the cake mix according to box instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package directions. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. 15.25 ounces box yellow cake mix, 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs
- While the cake is cooling, make the pudding. In a small bowl, whisk together pudding packets and milk until thickened. 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups milk
- Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Spread pudding mixture on top and top, then layer with ⅔ of the banana slices. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. 3 bananas
- Spread whipped cream on top, then garnish with the remaining bananas and sprinkle all over with vanilla wafers. 16 ounces Cool Whip, 20 vanilla wafer cookies
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
Becky’s Tips
- Use a 9×13 inch pan for this poke cake recipe.
- Adjust the cake ingredients to match your box of cake mix, if needed.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the cream topping.
- Toss the banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Keep covered and refrigerated before serving.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The cake should be cooled slightly when you make the holes, but it can still be warm. Use a wooden spoon with a thin, rounded handle to poke holes all over the top of the cake. I make the holes about 3/4 of the way through the cake, not all the way to the bottom.
If you want to make this banana pudding poke cake recipe several days ahead, go for it! To prevent the bananas from browning too quickly, you can toss them in some lemon or lime juice to slow the process. Use slightly under ripe bananas that won’t brown as quickly.
The cake was too hot! Avoid a melted mess by waiting for your poke cake to fully cool to room temperature prior to adding the vanilla pudding and whipped topping.
Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9x13 Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces box yellow cake mix 432 grams (1 box), Betty Crocker recommended
- 1 cup water 227 grams
- ½ cup vegetable oil 100 grams
- 3 large eggs 150 grams
- 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix 193 grams (2 boxes)
- 3 cups milk 681 grams
- 3 bananas thinly sliced and divided
- 16 ounces Cool Whip 454 grams
- 20 vanilla wafer cookies 75 grams, whole and crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Prepare the cake mix according to box instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package directions. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. 15.25 ounces box yellow cake mix, 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs
- While the cake is cooling, make the pudding. In a small bowl, whisk together pudding packets and milk until thickened. 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups milk
- Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Spread pudding mixture on top and top, then layer with ⅔ of the banana slices. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. 3 bananas
- Spread whipped cream on top, then garnish with the remaining bananas and sprinkle all over with vanilla wafers. 16 ounces Cool Whip, 20 vanilla wafer cookies
Video
Notes
- Use a 9×13 inch pan for this poke cake recipe.
- Adjust the cake ingredients to match your box of cake mix, if needed.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the cream topping.
- Toss the banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Keep covered and refrigerated before serving.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
