BANANA PUDDING POKE CAKE – Page 2

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake:

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions (usually around 350°F / 175°C).
Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions (usually combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water).
Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake according to the time on the box, typically 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart. Be sure to make deep holes so the pudding can soak into the cake.

2. Make the Pudding Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens and starts to set.
Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes you created with the fork. Spread it out gently to cover the entire surface of the cake. The pudding will soak into the cake, creating a moist and creamy texture.

3. Chill the Cake:

After adding the pudding, place the cake in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if you have the time. Chilling helps the cake absorb the pudding and ensures it’s fully set and flavorful.

4. Add the Topping:

Once the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping (like Cool Whip) evenly over the top of the cake to create a creamy layer.
Slice the bananas and arrange them in an even layer over the whipped topping.
Crush the vanilla wafers or leave them whole, and sprinkle them generously over the top of the cake. You can use whole wafers for a bit of crunch or crushed wafers for an extra layer of texture.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the cake is topped and garnished, it’s ready to serve! Slice into squares and enjoy the creamy, banana-flavored goodness of this irresistible poke cake.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Easy to Make: This cake is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a simple dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Using a box mix for the cake and instant pudding for the filling keeps things quick and fuss-free, while still delivering amazing flavor.
Loaded with Flavor: The combination of moist yellow cake, rich vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to please everyone.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family get-together, or just craving a comforting dessert, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare in advance, so it’s ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday meals.
Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Want to add a bit more texture? Sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top. Prefer a bit of extra flavor? Try adding a splash of banana liqueur or rum into the pudding mixture for a fun twist.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love banana pudding, and they’ll absolutely enjoy this fun and creative twist on the classic. It’s simple to make and looks impressive, making it a great choice for baking with kids.

Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Use Fresh Bananas: For the best flavor and texture, use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can get mushy on top of the cake, so you want them to be just right—sweet and firm.
Let the Cake Cool Before Poking: Be sure the cake has cooled slightly before you start poking holes. If the cake is too hot, the pudding will melt and seep through too quickly, which can affect the texture of the final result.
Chill Before Serving: For the best taste and texture, let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This gives the pudding time to set and lets the flavors meld together.
Make Ahead: This cake actually gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. Making it a day in advance allows the pudding to fully soak into the cake, enhancing the flavor and moisture.

Variations and Add-Ins

While the Banana Pudding Poke Cake is already a hit, you can try a few fun variations to switch things up:

Chocolate Banana Pudding Poke Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake for a richer, more decadent flavor. You can also switch out the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a more indulgent dessert.
Caramel Banana Pudding Poke Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pudding or between layers for a sweet and buttery twist.
Coconut Banana Pudding Poke Cake: For a tropical flair, sprinkle shredded coconut over the whipped topping along with the bananas and vanilla wafers.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of bananas, vanilla pudding, and cake, but with a fun twist. This easy-to-make, indulgent dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to celebratory parties. Its creamy layers, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers will have everyone coming back for seconds!

With a rich, moist cake soaked in pudding, topped with whipped cream and fresh bananas, this poke cake delivers all the comfort and nostalgia of banana pudding—but in cake form. Try it out, and get ready for a dessert that will be the talk of the table!

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