Name: Banana Poke Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 Servings
Cuisine: American

It is a Keeper Verified

February 12, 2026

This Banana Poke Cake Recipe is like a mashup of a banana cream pie and banana bread. It is super easy to make and is bursting with real banana goodness. Perfect for your next party or get together. Banana Cake is always moist and delicious, but this Banana Cream Poke cake takes it to the next level of moistness and gives a wonderful creamy flavor that will make this your favorite banana cake ever.

From the Cook

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Banana Poke Cake

It is a Keeper Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

In the bowl of a stand mixer add the cake mix, eggs, water and butter.

Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, mash bananas in a separate bowl.

Fold bananas into cake batter and stir until combined.

Pour into prepared 13×9 baking dish.

Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Use the handle of a wooden spook to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Be careful not to go all the way to the bottom.

In a bowl, combine the instant pudding and milk; whisk until combined.

Allow pudding to set for about 2 minutes.

Pour slightly thickened pudding over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, allowing it to fill the holes.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, add whipping cream to the bowl of a stand mixer; Whip cream till soft peaks form.

Fold in powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until thoroughly mixed.

Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled cake.

Top with crushed vanilla cookies and garnish with banana slices. Add these to the cake when you're about to serve. This way the cookies don’t get soggy and the bananas stay fresh.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Banana Ripeness Mastery 🍌
Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor intensity and natural sweetness in your poke cake.
Precision Poking Technique 🕳️
Use the back of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to create uniform holes, ensuring even pudding distribution throughout the cake.
Chill for Ultimate Creaminess 🧊
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours after adding the pudding to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal texture.
Wafer Crunch Strategy 🍪
Roughly crush vanilla wafers and sprinkle between layers for added texture and a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Whipped Cream Perfection 🌟
Whip heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to create a light, airy topping that doesn't become grainy or over-beaten.

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About the Cook

It is a Keeper

Hi! I’m Christina… welcome to my kitchen! It’s so nice to meet you! I share tried and true recipes that anyone can make. I believe, if you can read, you can cook.