Strawberry Banana Poke Cake

This Strawberry banana poke cake is a simple and tasty dessert that mixes the great flavors of strawberries and bananas. It’s a favorite because it’s easy to make, delicious, and has a great texture. By starting with a basic cake mix and adding banana pudding and whipped cream, this cake becomes a delightful summer treat. It’s perfect for any event, and you’ll love making and eating it!

Strawberry Banana Poke Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Strawberry cake mix
• Butter, melted
• Milk
• Eggs

For the Pudding Layer:

• Banana pudding mix
• Milk
• Whipped topping

For the Fruit Topping:

• Strawberries
• Bananas

How To Make Strawberry Banana Poke Cake

To get started on the cake, I turned the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit to heat it up. Then I lightly coated a 9×13 inch pan with a spray that would keep the cake from sticking.

I wanted the cake to rise well and not get stuck after, so preparing the pan properly was important. The spray created a surface so the batter could bake freely without issue.

In a large bowl, I mixed together a box of cake mix, butter, milk and eggs until blended. I poured the batter into the pan and popped it in the oven for 35-40 minutes until set.

As soon as it was done, I took it out and used a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the hot cake. That would let the pudding seep inside later.

After baking, I let the cake cool down.Add the banana pudding mix to a bowl with milk.I used a whisk to mix it together until it was all one smooth liquid.Once the cake wasn’t hot anymore slowly pour the banana mixture on top.This made the banana filling sink into the cake so it would be layered. I wanted to coat the whole cake evenly with the yellow pudding mixture.

Once the pudding layer was evenly coated, I covered the pan and chilled it for a few hours so the flavors could blend.

When it was time to serve, I spread a layer of whipped topping over the solidified pudding. Then I decoratively arranged sliced strawberries and bananas on top.

When we ate the cake, everyone thought it was delicious! I’ll make it again for more summer parties.

Pro Tips 

Prep the Pan Thoroughly: Use a non-stick spray or grease and flour the pan to prevent the cake from sticking. This is especially helpful when serving the cake directly from the pan.

Poke Even Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool to make evenly spaced holes in the cake. This ensures the pudding seeps evenly into the cake, creating a uniform and flavorful layer.

Cool Completely Before Adding Pudding: Let the cake cool slightly before pouring the pudding mixture. If it’s too hot, the pudding won’t set properly, and the layers may not hold.

Use Fresh, Ripe Fruit: Choose ripe but firm strawberries and bananas for maximum flavor and visual appeal. Overripe bananas may become mushy, and underripe strawberries lack sweetness.

Chill for Best Results: Chill the cake for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) after adding the pudding. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set, giving the cake its signature texture.

Whipped Topping Pro Tip: For extra flavor, fold a splash of vanilla extract or a spoonful of powdered sugar into the whipped topping before spreading it over the cake.

Prevent Banana Browning: Dip the banana slices in lemon juice or pineapple juice before arranging them on the cake. This keeps them fresh-looking and prevents discoloration.

Variations

Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate pudding mix instead of banana for a strawberry-chocolate flavor combination.

Tropical Flair: Add shredded coconut to the whipped topping or sprinkle it on top of the fruit for a tropical vibe.

Berry Medley: Mix other berries like blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for a colorful, mixed-berry topping.

Vanilla Option: Swap the strawberry cake mix for vanilla or yellow cake mix for a more neutral flavor base.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the whipped topping for added texture and flavor.

Cheesecake Layer: Add a layer of cream cheese whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla extract beneath the whipped topping for a tangy, creamy addition.

Graham Cracker Crust: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs over the whipped topping for a “banana cream pie” effect.

Alcohol-Infused Cake: For adult gatherings, drizzle a little banana liqueur or strawberry schnapps into the pudding mixture.

Substitutions 

Cake Mix Substitutes: Replace strawberry cake mix with white or vanilla cake mix and add 1-2 teaspoons of strawberry extract or puree for a similar flavor.

Butter Alternatives: Use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for melted butter.

Dairy-Free Option: Swap milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version of the cake and pudding.

Pudding Mix: Use vanilla pudding mix if banana isn’t your favorite flavor, or make homemade pudding for a richer taste.

Whipped Topping Alternatives: Replace store-bought whipped topping with homemade whipped cream or a non-dairy whipped topping like coconut cream.

Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar-free cake mix, pudding mix, and whipped topping to make a lighter, diabetic-friendly version.

More Cakes

• Strawberry Bavarian Cream Cake
• Strawberry Lava Cake
• Strawberry Banana Cake