This indulgent dessert combines the nostalgic flavors of traditional banana pudding with a moist, tender poke cake. The result is a perfect blend of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and fluffy cake.

Components

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 ripe bananas, well mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant banana pudding mix
• 4 cups cold whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 16 oz whipped topping
• 2 boxes vanilla wafers
• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (for bananas)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Making the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Grease 9×13 inch pan
3. Mix cake according to box directions
4. Add mashed bananas and vanilla
5. Pour into prepared pan
6. Bake 25-30 minutes until done
7. Cool 10 minutes

Step 2: Creating Holes

1. While cake is still warm:

• Use wooden spoon handle
• Make holes 1 inch apart
• Ensure holes reach nearly to bottom
• Make holes uniform size

Step 3: Pudding Layer

1. Whisk pudding mix with cold milk
2. Add vanilla extract
3. Pour over warm cake
4. Ensure pudding fills holes
5. Refrigerate 15 minutes

Step 4: Final Assembly

1. Toss sliced bananas with lemon juice
2. Layer bananas over pudding
3. Crush half the wafers
4. Sprinkle crushed wafers
5. Top with whipped topping
6. Garnish with whole wafers
7. Chill 4 hours or overnight

Pro Tips

1. For Best Results:

• Use very ripe bananas in cake
• Make holes while cake is warm
• Chill thoroughly before serving
• Keep bananas from browning

1. Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare up to 24 hours ahead
• Add fresh banana garnish last
• Store in refrigerator covered

Storage Guidelines

• Keep refrigerated
• Best eaten within 3 days
• Don’t freeze assembled cake
• Cover tightly

Variations

1. Flavor Enhancements:

• Add banana extract
• Use french vanilla cake
• Include crushed wafers in batter

1. Topping Options:

• Homemade whipped cream
• Cream cheese frosting
• Caramel sauce drizzle
• Toasted coconut

Perfect for:

• Family gatherings
• Potlucks
• Summer parties
• Birthday celebrations

The key to this cake’s success is proper assembly and chilling time. The pudding needs time to set and the flavors need time to meld. Be patient and you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that disappears quickly!

Remember:

• Don’t rush the process
• Use quality ingredients
• Keep refrigerated until serving
• Make holes deep enough
• Let flavors develop overnight if possible

This crowd-pleasing dessert combines everyone’s favorite banana pudding elements in cake form. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and banana flavors!