Name: Easy Banana Pudding Poke Cake | The Best Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 ounce) box butter pecan or butter yellow cake mix; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant banana pudding mix; 4 cups cold milk; 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed; 1 cup crushed Nilla Wafers; 3 bananas, sliced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup water

Description

A moist and delicious poke cake featuring the classic flavors of banana pudding, with a creamy topping and crunchy Nilla Wafer crumble.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (15.25 ounce) box butter pecan or butter yellow cake mix
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant banana pudding mix
4 cups cold milk
1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
1 cup crushed Nilla Wafers
3 bananas, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake mix according to package directions for a 9×13 inch pan, adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla to the batter. Bake as instructed.
Step 2: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. While it is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all the way to the bottom of the cake.
Step 3: Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, allowing it to run into the holes and soak in for a minute.
Step 4: In a medium mixing bowl, add the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk quickly until well combined, but do not let it thicken.
Step 5: Immediately pour the pudding mixture over the cake, spreading it out evenly and lightly pressing it down into the holes.
Step 6: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or overnight for best results.
Step 7: To prepare the banana topping, mix the lemon juice and 1 cup of water in a small bowl. Peel and slice the bananas, then add the slices to the lemon water to prevent browning.
Step 8: Remove the banana slices from the water, drain them on paper towels, and gently pat dry.
Step 9: Arrange the dried banana slices in a single layer over the top of the chilled cake.
Step 10: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the banana layer.
Step 11: Sprinkle the crushed Nilla Wafers evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 12: For serving, you can garnish each slice with additional fresh banana and whole Nilla Wafers.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate the cake overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set completely.

Soaking the banana slices in lemon water is an important step to prevent them from browning.

Whisk the pudding and milk quickly and pour it over the cake before it has a chance to fully thicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American