This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
With only 10 minutes of prep, banana pudding cake has all the flavors of banana cream pie, just in cake form. It’s sure to be a hit!
Poke cake recipes are one of our favorite desserts when we want a fruity version, we’ll make this banana pudding cake, or our Lemon Lime Poke Cake, or a Strawberry Shortcake version.
We Love This Unforgettable Dessert
This delicious banana pudding cake combines Banana Cream Pie and the same concept as Poke Cake – two of my favorite desserts into one unforgettable dessert!
Why we love it:
- Easy. This simple banana pudding cake recipe is so easy, even the kids can help make it.
- Flavorful. Every bite of this cake is filled with flavor and texture.
- Perfect for any Occasion. This banana pudding poke cake is great to enjoy all year long and is great for parties, BBQs, picnics, holidays and more.
Ingredients
- yellow cake mix – Do not make the cake according to the box directions. Instead, use the box cake mix and combine it with the ingredients listed in the recipe.
- baking soda
- baking powder
- overripe bananas – Use this post on How to Ripen Bananas Faster
- water
- vegetable oil
- large eggs
- vanilla or banana instant pudding mix – Be sure to use INSTANT pudding, otherwise, it will not set properly.
- milk
- vanilla wafers – or use crushed vanilla-flavored shortbread cookies, ladyfingers, graham crackers, animal crackers, or Golden Oreo Cookie Crumbs.
- heavy whipping cream – use a container of Cool Whip and omit the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
Just Bake + Poke!
- CAKE. Combine all cake ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- BAKE. Pour batter into a greased 9×13″ cake pan.
- Bake cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or till a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely, then use a round spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake about an inch apart.
- PUDDING. Combine pudding mix and milk and whisk for 2 minutes. Quickly pour pudding over the cake. Get as much pudding into the holes as you can while spreading the pudding into an even layer over the top of the cake. Cover cake and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- TOPPINGS. Place vanilla wafers in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Set aside.
- Whip cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until well mixed.
- SERVE. To serve, cut the cake into slices. Top with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and crushed nilla wafers. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Make them into cupcakes
Cupcakes. Line a cake pan with foil cupcake liners. Fill the liners ⅔ of the way full and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool. Instead of poking several holes, you are only going to poke about 3 or form one well in the center. Pour the pudding mixture into the holes and chill.
Recipe Tips
- Poking holes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or another similarly sized dowel to poke holes in the cooled cake.
- Round cake pans. Divide the cake batter into two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. Cool.
- Topping. Top the cake with a drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce. Add texture with chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds.
Storing Info
- STORE. Cover and refrigerate leftover recipe for banana pudding cake for 3-5 days. The bananas will brown and the wafers will become soft, but will still taste delicious.
- If making ahead of time, store in the refrigerator without the topping, and then add bananas, whipped topping + crackers when ready to serve.
- FREEZE. Do not add the cookies or whipped cream to the easy banana pudding until you’re ready to serve. Wait until the cake has cooled and the pudding has set.
- Freeze the whole cake or cut it into pieces. Flash freeze to further set the pudding. After a couple of hours in the freezer, remove and wrap the cake with plastic wrap then again with aluminum foil. Label and store for up to 3 months.
For More Bananas:
Banana Cupcakes
21 mins
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
2 hrs 30 mins
Banana Bars
30 mins
Banana Bread Brownies
55 mins
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
With only 10 minutes of prep, this banana pudding poke cake delivers all the flavors of banana cream pie in one easy dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 overripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
Topping
- 1 (5.1-ounce) box vanilla or banana instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all cake ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch cake pan.
- Bake cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely, then use a round spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake about an inch apart.
- Combine the pudding mix and milk and whisk for 2 minutes. Quickly pour over the cake. Get as much pudding into the holes as you can while spreading the pudding into an even layer over the top of the cake. Cover the cake and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Place vanilla wafers in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Set aside.
- Whip cream till soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat till well mixed.
- To serve, cut the cake into slices. Top with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and crushed vanilla wafers. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Video
Notes
Recipe tips.
- Do not make the cake according to the box directions. Instead, use the box cake mix and combine it with the ingredients listed in the recipe.
- Be sure to use INSTANT banana pudding mix, otherwise, it will not set properly.
- Go ahead and top the cake with a drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce. Add texture with chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds.
- Divide the cake batter into two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. Cool.
- Use foil liners and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Cool and poke about 3 holes. Pour the pudding mixture into the holes and chill.
Nutrition
Calories: 440kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 99mg, Sodium: 479mg, Potassium: 168mg, Sugar: 28g, Vitamin A: 710IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 187mg, Iron: 1.1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I use half Jello and then frost with creamy frosting?
I’m sure you could!
Thanks for sharing. This sounds very moist. On my to make list.
Awesome cake. Everyone loved it and I am now sharing the recipe. Very moist and tasty. Yum.
Hi, when you let a cake cool do you cover it with a dish towel while it cools? Thx Sandy
My family doesn’t like whip cream any substutions recommend?
This turned out to be soooo good! It is full of banana flavors, we are addicted to it! I think this is perfect for the Easter!
I love banana pudding so I knew I had to make this when I saw it and I am happy to say it did not disappoint. I might even like it more than regular banana pudding.
Oh hooray!! So glad to hear that!
The best thing ever! We absolutely loved this!
Hi , why do we need baking powder and soda, doesn’t the cake mix have that in it . Thanks. Sandy
It helps the texture be light and fluffy, especially with the addition of the bananas!
Thanks , never thought of that
Uitstekend
Delicious banana poke cake,did mine in 9×9 exactly like you did:rest of batter added frozen blueberries and made cupcakes,sooooo delicious….thank you for sharing
That sounds yummy!! Thanks for giving the recipe a try. So glad you enjoyed the cake!
I make this for all special occasions, lol. Every single person I’ve made this for has been blown away by how delicious this cake is. It is my favorite cake to make, and I HIGHLY recommend this cake to all banana lovers!
Thank you!! I’m so glad that the cake is a hit. Thanks for passing on the kind words!
Fabulous!! One of our favorite family desserts now. Thank you!
You’re welcome!! So glad you all enjoyed the cake!
what do you do with the mashed bananas? is that considered part of the cake ingredients?
Yes! It will be mixed in with all the other cake ingredients.
3/4 cup water is listed in the ingredients, why isn’t it included in the video? Is this a mistake?
Yes you are correct. The water was not included in the video and it is a mistake. Thanks so much for bringing that to our attention! We will resolve that soon. Thanks!
I used water like the directions said, didn’t think to read thru the comments until after it’s in the oven. Is this going to ruin my cake?
I have made this about a half dozen times and it has become my Son’s absolute favorite and it’s the cake I make for my neighbor when he does some chores around the house for me! I do use Cool Whip for the topping since I usually don’t have much luck making homemade whipped cream. Thank you so much for this fantastic recipe!!!
You are so welcome! This makes me so happy to hear! I’m so glad you liked it as much as we do! 🙂
I made this for my family tonight tonight and it was a hit! I am going to definitely add it to my saved recipes and make it for our next Church potluck!
Yay!! That makes me so happy! Thank you!
Made this to take to a family dinner for Christmas. I used vanilla pudding since banana pudding is way too sweet. It turned out perfect and everyone loved it.
Great option! Thank you for trying it. Glad it was a hit!
Easy to make but for these ingredients make sure you use the 9 x 13 pan. I used a smaller pan and made a mess. Otherwise it’s easy peezy a delicious
Thank you for trying it 🙂
Excited to try it.
I hope you like it!
15.1 oz ????? – 16 oz = 1 lb. of pudding mix – type o ??????
It is 1 5.1 ounce box (or close to that), just one of that size 🙂
It was pretty easy to make , I will be trying this again soon!
Glad to hear! Thank you for trying it!
I made this and its absolutely delish! Except my pudding never set. Its watery at botttom of The cake and kinda soggy. Any tips!?
It isn’t liquidey when pouring, did you stick in the fridge? I haven’t had it watery before, so not sure what happened.
Maybe it wasnt the instant pudding. Ive done that before
Mine came out the same way….liquidy
OUTStanding!! Added a lot of crushed wafers in the whipped cream. Added a bit of banana extract. So easy and yummy. You must try it!!
That sounds delicious! Thanks for the ideas! Glad you liked it!
Delicious recipe. I would Use cool whip the Next time i Make it. Whipped cream is good if you want to serve it immEdiately, but i prefer having the whole cAke finished and reAdy to eat as desired. The cool whip protects the bananas from turning brown too. AT leaSt For a Couple days. In my house a couple days is plenty. Lol.
That would be great! I am glad you like it! Thank you for letting me know!
If using cool whip, do you still add powder sugar & vanilla?
You wouldn’t need to 🙂 Hope you like it!!
I’m going to make my cake fRom scratch vs using a box cAke , SHOULD i Omit the water, ADDITIONAL baking soda and baking powder, sInce i will be using these INGREDIENTS in my homemade cake batter?
I am thinking so. I have never used it with a cake from scratch, but if it has those ingredients, I am assuming you would just leave those out.
My husband loves anything banana flavored so I made this for his birthday and he s it tasted like a expensive cake!! Will definitely make again!!
That makes me so happy!! Tell him, thank you & thank you for letting me know 🙂
When you say a Yellow box of cake mix,Your not saying how many grams on the box.
Can you use gluten free cake mix foR this?
You sure could 🙂
can I use frozen bananas in the cake
For sure, though I would let them thaw out first 🙂
the best cake i ever made everyone love it i was known for banana pudding but this takes the cake lol will look for more recipes thamk you
Yay!! Love hearing that! Thank you so much for saying that!
This looks just perfect esp because I love bananas!!! YUMMY
Where does the powdered sugar come into play in this recipe ?
It is in step 7 🙂 It is for the topping.
Its Hard to make this recipe without thinking of my dad. He loved everything with bananAs. If your baNana frEak this is the recipe for you!
I’ve never used banana cake for a Poke Cake recipe! Yum! Such a great idea!
Made this for my grandma’s birthday (she LOVES banana)- it was a hit! 🙂
Poke cake & bananas? What a delicious combination! It’s so light & fluffy & I love the added crushed wafers on top.
Fun to Make and Fun to Eat!! This looks so moist and flavorfull! 😀
I ALWAYS use boxed cake when I want to make one. it’s less fuss than making a cake from scratch. Anyway, I love all the variations on your site that turn a box cake it into something unique and delicious.
Baking and frEezing was simple. Now that im freezing the recipe how long will ot take to defRost?
I haven’t tried freezing it, but I would take it out the morning of. You can stick it in the fridge or on the counter. I wish I knew how long it takes!
I made this yesterday and everyone loved it ! I used a gluten free yellow cake mix (which makes a 9×9) so had to modify a bit but is was very moist and flavorful. We used a can of whipped cream and I found GF vanilla wafers. I will definitely be making this again . THANKS !!!
So, glad you liked it!! Glad the modifications worked out 🙂 Thanks!
Delicious and very easy to make. Husband loved it. Thank you so much
You are so welcome!!I am glad to hear! Thank you 🙂
I made this for my husband’s birthday, It was Delicious and easy to make!!!?
Thank you for making it! I am glad you liked it 🙂
You have so many grest and awesome recipes.i wsnt to thank you for SHARING them with us.
You are so welcome!! Thank you so much for checking them out 🙂
What is the baking soda and baking powder for?
you did not show water in your video I assume you add 3/4 cup water to your batter
Yes, sorry about that 🙂 Hope you like it!
Havent made it yet, but wondering how many servings this makes.
It depends on how big you cut them, but 12 bigger portions to 16 smaller ones, maybe.
Sounds so yummy!! I will be making this soon! Questions. Though WHAT is the purpose of baking soda and baking powder if using a cake mix?
Makes it nice & airy 🙂
I just made this WITh sugar free CAKe and puddong mix. Absolutely wonderful!
Thank you for sharing that!! I am you liked it!
This is a solid recipe!!! Just made it for Mother’s Day and I had 3 Moms all request copies of it. ?????
Woohoo!! Thank you for sharing it! Glad it was a hit!
sounds sumptious.
Thank you! It really is!
Making it now. Your video doesn’t show you adding the water but the recipe calls for it. Did you add water? Or do the bananas add enough wet ingredient? Sorry for all caps. Not trying to shout. Can’t seem to turn it off my ipad.
Never mind. I could tell by the consistency i need to add the water.
Such a great recipe! So good I made it for RElatives!
Thank you for sharing the recipe with family!
I made this into cupcakes, twice! love love love!
Perfect!! Thank you so much!
Great Cake!
Thank you so much 🙂
Sounds delish. Always looking for short cuts to make things easier. After cooling cake..can I slice bananas and cover cake, then top with cool whip,so bananas don’t turn brown. ..then sprinkle with nailla wafer crumbs?? Easier than topping each piece.
Yes, you could do that. That’s why I love baking..you could change up the recipe to your liking!
Deliceous
Thank you so much!!
Well, IM SURE IT’S GREAT BUT YOU SKIPPED A STEP. WHAT THE HECK DO I DO WITH THE COOKIES AFTER I CRUSH THEM? YOU DIDN’T SHOW IT IN THE VIDEO EITHER.. 🙁
In step 8, you add them on top of the whipped topping 🙂
Cake is in the oven. AFTer cake cools, will apply pudding. (Your recipe seems to call for not cooking the pudding, but i’ll cook mine, then pour OVER.) Will let you know how it turns out..
Perfect! Hope you like it!
Oh my banana pudding is one of my favorite desserts, now a cake definitely trying it this weekend!! Thank you for the this delicious looking recipe!!
You are so welcome! I hope you like it, as much as we do!
It doesnt say tI cook the pudding because she used an instant pudding mix ?
just want to Leave a comment. it says to use whipping cream. May want to change it to whipped cream. great recipe!!!
It’s heavy whipping cream 🙂
Making this today. Can’t wait. Looks so good . Thank you for sharing.
Going to make these in big muddins.
Glad to share!! Sure hope they are a hit!! Thank you 🙂
This recipe is so Yummy. A fav with the grandkids❤️
I am glad they like it!! Thank you for sharing it with them 🙂
Best banana pudding poke cake sounds great can’t wait to make it for my family
Thank you! I hope you do! I’d love to know what you think!
This looks so good, im going to try this very, very soon Thank you
Hope you will 🙂 Thank you!
Cant wait to try Banana pudding cake
Can’t wait for you to try it!!
I wont lie i did not make my own whipped cream BUT the cake turned out so amazing!! Thank you for the recipe!!!!
And, that’s ok 🙂 I am glad to share. Thank you for trying it!
I share it to Facebook, then save.
I will make this for New Years Day Desert!!!. But, one question: Can I just use cool whip? They’ll be only the 2 of us eating and, I would want the whipping cream to spoil or go flat?
You sure could 🙂 Enjoy!!
Could you use just banana cake mix? And add the ripe banana’s to it? Would you still need the baking powder and soda
You could use a banana flavor cake. I would think you still need the powder & soda, since you are just changing the flavor of the cake. Good luck!
It look,s delicious i am going to try this for Christmas . I wish it was printer friendly !
It should print easily. I am not sure how your setting are set up, but there is a print button on the recipe, that should make it easy.
Looks wonderful. Going to try it tonight.
Hope you liked it! Thank you so much!
Can this be made the night before? If i just wait to add the bananas and wafers?
I am sure it could, though I have not personally tried 🙂
Looks great!
Thank you so much!!
What is banana pudding in englad & what cake mix is used please xx
That is a good looking Banana Pudding Cake I’m going to try and make me one. I will let you know how it came out.
Please do, I’d love to know what you think 🙂 Hope you like it!
Can’t what to try the banana poke cake.
I can’t wait for you to, either!! I hope you like it!!
Yummy! I can’t wait to try it.
I hope you like it!! We love it!
“A moist, yummy cake that tastes just like banana pudding! Add some sliced bananas, dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning, layered on top of the whipped topping. Great for potlucks.”
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂 And, I agree!!
yummy! ^^
Thank you so much!!
Could you use a cake mix for this?
It calls for a box of yellow cake mix 🙂
A friend of mine posted this banana poke cake on FB and it looks yummy, I am going to try it when I have my kids visit in a week. Thank you for sharing this.
You are so welcome!! I hope they like it!!
It is delicious!!!
I am so glad you think so!! Thank you!
Wow, it made me feel so hungry. >”<
LOL!! You’ll have to try it 🙂
The banana pudding poke cake recipe sounds so good. My only problem with with the Lily Luna website is that there is no way I can save it to my computer recipe folder. The only way I can save it is to copy it in handwritten form which takes up too much time and then I may misplace it. I usually save online recipes is by emailing the recipe to myself. Then I move it to my recipe folder. Is there any way you can have an email option for your recipes?
Please advise.
I do not, but you could subscribe to my e-books. Scroll down to the bottom of the home page & you will see where to put in your information. If you have Pinterest, you could also pin the recipes.
I take screenshots of the recipe and then I save them in a different folder in my gallery. If you’re doing it on a computer just take pictures with your phone or take a screenshot with your Computer.
Maryann,
Attach to your Messenger..go to upper right corner, open, hit Messenger…
Will keep ..
Copy the link and paste it to your email and send it to yourself.
Oh man, this looks AMAZING! Banana Cream Pie and Banana Cake mixed together! My favorite! Definitely adding this to my list of things to make!
It is seriously so good!!! Let me know what you think!! Hope you like it 🙂
This is awesome! A savory breakfast I would totally eat!
Yay!! Thank you!