When it comes to desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face, few can compete with the comforting, nostalgic magic of banana pudding. Now imagine all that creamy, dreamy flavor infused into a moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake — introducing the Banana Pudding Poke Cake, the ultimate mashup of two beloved classics!

This dessert is sunshine in cake form: light, fluffy, rich, and bursting with real banana flavor, all topped with fluffy whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers. It’s an easy-to-make showstopper perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Banana Pudding Poke Cake

There’s so much to adore about this fun, flavorful dessert:

• Easy to make with simple ingredients and step-by-step layering

• Banana pudding goodness soaked right into the cake for maximum moisture

• Light and creamy topping that keeps every bite perfectly fluffy

• ️ Make-ahead friendly — actually gets better as it sits overnight!

• ️ Crowd-pleasing — kids, adults, and even picky eaters can’t resist

• Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or a casual weekend treat

It’s everything you love about banana pudding… with the irresistible, tender crumb of cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Banana Pudding Poke Cake keeps it delightfully simple with easy-to-find ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: eggs, oil, water)

• 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant banana cream pudding mix

• 4 cups cold milk (for the pudding)

• 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (plus extra for garnish)

• Optional: extra whole wafers or banana slices for decorating

How to Make Banana Pudding Poke Cake

1. Bake the Cake

Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes — just enough so it’s warm but not piping hot.

2. Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon (or a straw), poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Don’t be shy — you want lots of holes for the pudding to seep into!

3. Make the Banana Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened but still pourable (about 2 minutes).

4. Pour the Pudding

Immediately pour the pudding evenly over the cake, spreading it into the holes and across the top. The cake will soak it all up, becoming deliciously moist and flavorful.

5. Layer the Bananas

Arrange the sliced bananas over the top of the pudding layer. (Tip: If you’re prepping far in advance, you can toss the banana slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.)

6. Top with Whipped Topping

Spread the whipped topping evenly over the bananas, creating a fluffy, creamy cloud.

7. Add Crunch

Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers generously over the whipped topping. Add extra whole wafers or banana slices for a pretty, eye-catching finish if you like!

8. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing even easier.

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Poke Cake

• Don’t wait too long to pour the pudding: It should still be pourable when you spread it over the cake.

• Make it in advance: This cake actually tastes better after chilling overnight, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.

• Protect your bananas: If you’re worried about browning, wait to add fresh banana slices right before serving.

• Swap the cake flavor: Try a white cake mix or even a butter pecan cake mix for a fun twist!

• Get creative with toppings: Add caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even mini chocolate chips for a playful variation.

Variations You’ll Love

Want to put a twist on the classic? Here are a few fun ideas:

• Chocolate-Banana Version: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich, decadent spin.

• Coconut-Banana Fusion: Stir some shredded coconut into the whipped topping and sprinkle more on top.

• Peanut Butter Banana Cake: Drizzle warm peanut butter over the cake before adding the whipped topping for a flavor combo made in heaven.

Storing and Serving

• Refrigerate: Always store Banana Pudding Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days.

• Serve chilled: This cake tastes best cold, straight from the fridge, when it’s fully set and refreshingly cool.

• Freeze?: It’s not ideal for freezing because the bananas can become mushy, but you can freeze individual slices without bananas if needed.

Final Bite: Pure Joy in Every Spoonful

Banana Pudding Poke Cake is everything you crave when you think of the perfect dessert: easy, comforting, creamy, fruity, and just indulgent enough to feel special. ✨

It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug from grandma — a little bit nostalgic, a little bit playful, and 100% guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering. One forkful and you’ll be transported to a place of pure happiness, where banana pudding and cake dance together in delicious harmony.

So whether you’re making it for a potluck, a birthday, a holiday, or just because the mood strikes, get ready for this cake to steal the show. Trust us — you’re going to want seconds. And maybe thirds.