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BANANA PUDDING POKE CAKE

BANANA PUDDING POKE CAKE

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1. Prepare the Cake:

Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the box of cake mix (usually 350°F or 175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Typically, you’ll need to mix the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water, then stir in the vanilla extract for an extra boost of flavor. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for the amount of time specified on the box (usually 25-30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.

2. Poke the Cake:

After the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1-inch apart. Make sure you poke deep enough so that the pudding can seep into the cake, but be careful not to poke through to the bottom.

3. Prepare the Pudding:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens and becomes smooth.

Gently fold in the whipped topping, mixing until it’s fully incorporated. The whipped topping adds a light, creamy texture to the pudding, making it even more irresistible.

4. Pour the Pudding Over the Cake:

Carefully pour the prepared pudding mixture over the cooled, poked cake. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the pudding evenly, making sure it fills all the holes in the cake. The pudding will soak into the cake, creating a moist, delicious layer of flavor.

5. Add Banana Slices:

Once the pudding is spread over the cake, layer the sliced bananas evenly on top of the pudding. The banana slices will add a burst of fresh flavor and texture to the cake.

6. Chill the Cake:

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight if possible). Chilling the cake allows the pudding to fully set and gives the flavors time to meld together.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Before serving, crush the Nilla Wafers (or use whole ones for a more decorative look) and sprinkle them on top of the cake. The Nilla Wafers add a delightful crunch and a touch of nostalgia that pairs perfectly with the creamy pudding and bananas.

Slice and serve the Banana Pudding Poke Cake chilled. Enjoy the soft, moist cake combined with the rich, creamy pudding and the sweetness of fresh bananas!

Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding Poke Cake:

  • Make It Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead, as it needs to be refrigerated for several hours to let the pudding set and soak into the cake. Prepare it the night before your event, and you’ll have a ready-to-serve dessert the next day!
  • Use Fresh Bananas: For the best flavor, use ripe but firm bananas. If you use overripe bananas, they might turn mushy or brown too quickly in the cake.
  • Customize with Toppings: You can add extra toppings like mini marshmallows, caramel drizzle, or even chocolate shavings for a fun twist on the traditional banana pudding.
  • Use Homemade Pudding: If you have the time and want a more homemade touch, feel free to make your own vanilla pudding instead of using the instant version. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before pouring it over the cake.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Poke Cake:

  1. Moist and Flavorful: The cake soaks up the creamy pudding, making every bite rich and flavorful. The combination of bananas, pudding, and cake is simply irresistible.
  2. No Frosting Needed: The pudding acts as both the filling and frosting, which means no extra work for you. Plus, it’s so creamy and delicious that you won’t miss the traditional frosting at all!
  3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or celebrating a special event, this Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a crowd favorite. It’s easy to make, visually appealing, and satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding your own twists, like using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla or adding a drizzle of caramel over the top.

Conclusion:

Banana Pudding Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic flavors of banana pudding but wants a fun and easy twist. With its moist cake, creamy pudding, and fresh bananas, this dessert is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself and your family, this cake is sure to be a hit. Simple to make yet deliciously impressive, it’s a dessert that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection!