Easy Banana Split Poke Cake Recipe
This Banana Split Poke Cake brings all the flavors of a classic banana split into an easy-to-make dessert! Moist cake is layered with vanilla pudding, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, whipped topping, and chocolate syrup. It's perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or anytime you crave something sweet!
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 431kcal
Ingredients
- 1 18.25 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 3.5 ounce packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 2 bananas diced
- 1 cup strawberries stemmed and diced
- 1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, well drained
- Chocolate syrup
- Maraschino Cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Beat together the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the cake for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool.
- Poke holes into the cake in a grid pattern using a wooden dowel or the rounded end of a wooden spoon.
- Combine the milk and pudding mix, beating for approximately 2 minutes or until pudding is thickened.
- Spread the pudding over the cake, creating an even layer.
- Over the pudding, place bananas, strawberries and pineapple, pressing the fruit down into the cake slightly and making an even layer.
- Cover the top with a layer of whipped topping.
- Drizzle the top with chocolate syrup.
- Top the dessert with chopped nuts and cherries.
- Refrigerate until completely chilled. Serve cold.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas: Overripe bananas will become too mushy, while underripe ones won’t provide as much flavor. Look for bananas with a few brown specks for the best texture and sweetness.
- Chill well before serving: This cake tastes best when thoroughly chilled. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Prevent browning: To keep banana slices looking fresh, toss them in a little lemon juice before layering them on the cake. This will help prevent discoloration.
- Customize your toppings: Add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles for extra texture and fun.
- Serve with extra toppings on the side: Set out additional cherries, chocolate syrup, and whipped topping so guests can add even more to their slices.
Nutrition
Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 468mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1mg
