Banana Poke Cake

Indulge in the sweet, creamy delight of Banana Poke Cake, a dessert that combines moist banana-flavored cake with luscious pudding and whipped topping. Perfect for family gatherings or as a treat for yourself, this cake is easy to make yet irresistibly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade yellow cake)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, adding water, oil, eggs, and cinnamon if desired. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

2. Poke the Cake

   Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the warm cake. These holes will allow the pudding and banana layers to seep in, creating a moist, flavorful dessert.

3. Prepare the Pudding

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).

4. Layer the Bananas and Pudding

   Spread sliced bananas evenly over the poked cake. Pour the prepared pudding over the bananas, making sure it seeps into the holes. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.

5. Chill and Top

   Refrigerate the cake for at least 2–3 hours to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld. Before serving, spread whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

6. Serve

   Cut into squares and serve chilled. Banana Poke Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving

Delight in the creamy, fruity layers of Banana Poke Cake, a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Its simple preparation and irresistible taste make it a favorite for any occasion.