• Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
    • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Blog

The Domestic Rebel

Everyday Ingredients, Extraordinary Desserts

  • Recipe Index
    • Browse by Flavor
      • Cake Batter
      • Caramel
      • Cheesecake
      • Coconut
      • Coffee
      • Cookie Dough
      • Lemon
      • Mint
      • Peanut Butter
      • Pumpkin
      • S’mores
      • Snickerdoodle
      • Sweet and Salty
    • Brownies, Blondies & Bars
    • Brownie Bombs
    • Candy, Bark, and Candy Toppers
    • Chocolate
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes & Cake
    • Donuts & Other Breakfast Fare
    • Drinks
    • Fudge
    • Guilt-Free Treats
    • Holiday Goodies
    • Ice Cream & Frozen Confections
    • No-Bake Treats
    • Pie
    • Miscellaneous Truffles & Treats
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me

Banana Split Poke Cake

April 17, 2013 by thedomesticrebel | 52 Comments

64 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

banana split poke cake in front of a jar of cherries and a glass of milk

Recently, my sweet friend Ashton moved her little family into their own home! As a non-home owner myself, I can attest that this is VERY mature and responsible of her! ‘Mortgage’, ‘HOA’ and ‘APR’ are words I do not know of yet and want to shut my eyes and cover my ears and revert back to childhood by screaming songs from Barney when I hear them.

However, I DO enjoy shopping for home goods like vases, lampshades, and general cluttery knick-knacks for my non-existent home. So I totally know what Ashton is going through with the whole ‘new-home-wanting-to-decorate-everything-in-Target-and-Z-Gallerie’ kinda thing. I get it.

And despite not owning a home myself, I HAVE moved homes which, I can say, sucks majorly. You don’t realize how much crap you have until you have to somehow Tetris-status it into eleventy-seven thousand boxes. And it isn’t as simple as throwing every book you own in a single box and calling it a day.

But when it’s all said and done, when you’re all unpacked, settled in and ready to make memories, it’s a rewarding feeling and definitely cause for celebration. So when some of my bloggy friends suggested we throw Ashton a virtual housewarming party, I was immediately on board. Moving definitely requires extra calories for endurance and stamina .. it’s a fact.

ashton housewarming banner logo

And while I may be over 3,000 miles away from Ashton’s house, I know she can still appreciate a tasty poke cake when she sees one–after all, she’s basically the queen of poke cakes! From peanut butter cup to red velvet, rainbow to carrot, she’s got them all covered .. and has me brainstorming inventive poke cake ideas constantly.

banana split poke cake on a polka dotted plate with stars in backgroundAaaaaand since we’re celebrating her new home AND because summer is already approaching (I wore shorts all of last week .. ugh), I thought I’d make a poke cake for Ashton in a fun, summery flavor — Banana Split! You’ll be amazed just how similar this tastes to a frosty banana split sundae. It’s delicious!

Congratulations, Ashton!!

banana split poke cake on a polka dotted plate

Print
Banana Split Poke Cake
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel
Recipe type: Cakes/Cupcakes
Prep time:  10 mins
Cook time:  8 hours 30 mins
Total time:  8 hours 40 mins
Serves: 18-20
 
This cake has all the classic flavors of a banana split and would be perfect for a potluck or picnic.
Ingredients
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup oil
  • 3 eggs
  • About 1 cup mashed banana (I used two large jars of banana baby food--works in a pinch!)
  • 1 small box sugar free/fat free instant banana cream pudding mix
  • ½ of a 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 small jar strawberry sundae sauce (the chunky preserves-kind)
  • 1 tub (8oz) Cool Whip Free, thawed
  • About ¼ cup chopped sundae peanuts
  • About ⅓ cup miniature chocolate chips
  • About ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles
  • Maraschino cherries
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease a 13x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and bananas until blended and smooth. Beat in the box of banana pudding to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake until set, or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.
  3. Once cooled, poke a bunch of holes (approx. 20 or so) with the wooden handle of a spoon on the cake. Evenly drizzle the half can of scmilk over the holes, trying to fill them as best as possible.
  4. Spread the strawberry sundae sauce on top of the cake in an even layer; top with the Cool Whip. Sprinkle the Cool Whip with the peanuts, mini chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles. Allow the cake to set in the fridge for up to 4 hours, but preferably overnight. Before cutting into squares, garnish with drained maraschino cherries and serve! Store leftovers airtight in the fridge.
Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe
3.2.1230

 

a bite of banana split poke cake on a polka dotted plateThis banana cake is out. of. this. world! It’s SO moist and dense — definitely not a light and airy cake! — and tastes identical to a creamy, dreamy banana split sundae. If you prefer your sundaes extra chocolate-y, feel free to use hot fudge instead of the sweetened condensed milk, or increase the amount of chocolate chips on top! However, I found the balance of banana, strawberry, whipped cream, peanuts, chocolate and cherries to be perfect… exactly how a banana split should taste!

Wanna know the best part about a party? The other food guests bring!

Julianne at Beyond Frosting – Pound cake with Champagne Glaze

Kate at Food Babbles – Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake

Anna at Crunchy Creamy Sweet – Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins

Loretta at A Finn in the Kitchen – Caramelized Almond Nougat Mousse Ice-cream

Joanne at Fifteen Spatulas – Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake

Ashley at Kitchen Meets Girl – Blueberry Muffins

Amber at Bluebonnets and Brownies – Lemon Drop Cookies

Dorothy at Crazy for Crust – Reese’s Fudge

Joan at Chocolate Chocolate and more – Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Quiche

Roxana at Roxana’s Home Baking – Banana Sheet Cake

Julie at White Lights on Wednesday – Mocha Cupcake Milkshake

Tanya at Lemons for Lulu – Lemon Muffins

Natasha at The Cake Merchant – Nutella Layer Cake

Again, welcome home Ashton!

xo, Hayley

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Comments

  1. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    April 17, 2013 at 4:23 am

    Banana cake sounds so good to me and leave it to you, to doctor it up, and make it look so moist and unbelievably good!

    Reply
  2. Tons of Fun Party Rentals says

    April 17, 2013 at 5:25 am

    Please remove me from your email list. I love your items and food creativity but emails are too often.

     

    Customer First, Safety Conscience, Quality Items, Fast Service Mary Jo (owner) 502-962-7102  www.mytonsoffun.com

    ________________________________

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:02 am

    Aaaannnddd I just gained 10 pounds right here lol! This looks amazing!

    Reply
  4. noyomoco says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:17 am

    I adore banana cake – this looks so awesome! And, can I just say that I LOVE that you used baby food? You are hilarious, my friend! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Julie (@JuliesEatsTreat) says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:28 am

    Yum! I love poke cakes. Happy House Warming Ashton 🙂

    Reply
  6. faithcatherine says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:33 am

    Moving is no fun at all! I wish I had this poke cake waiting for me every time I’ve moved!

    Reply
  7. Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:41 am

    This is so nice! Housewarming is happy. Banana splits are happy. Poke cakes are happy. Stars on photos are REALLY happy!

    Reply
  8. Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:53 am

    I can’t wait for summer and your colorful sprinkles scream of sunny days. I love banana desserts and can’t wait to try yours.
    Thanks for sharing and thank you for participating in this party

    Reply
  9. somethingswanky says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:01 am

    Oh my gosh! I was SOOOO surprised!! I can’t believe you guys did this!! You are all WAY TOO SWEET!!! I may or may not have teared up a little 🙂 Thank you so much! And this cake looks AMAZING. Home run!

    Reply
  10. beyondfrosting says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:02 am

    OOOH! Banana split poke cake, how FUN!!! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  11. Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:20 am

    Yay, Ashton! We’ll all eat a slice in celebration of your move… deal? Enjoy decorating and nesting!

    Reply
  12. Lemons For Lulu says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:46 am

    This is just good old deliciousness Hayley! I love that you turned an ice cream split into a fabulous cake!!! Ashton is lucky!

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    April 17, 2013 at 10:00 am

    This looks so yummy! I have to make this, I love banana-flavored anything! And um, side note, I am so jealous that you were wearing shorts last week. Do you want to switch locations? It is so miserable and cold here! I live for the summer heat and wearing shorts!

    Reply
    • The Domestic Rebel says

      April 18, 2013 at 8:00 am

      Amanda, wherever you are, YES, I’d love to switch. Just a heads-up, bring your shorts and swimsuit because it’s going to be 88 and 89 next Monday and Tuesday. UGH.

      In the meantime, I’ll pack my trench coat and boots!

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        April 18, 2013 at 10:08 am

        OMG soooo jealous! Those are my FAVORITE temps! I live in Wisconsin and it’s been rainy and cold and they’re talking snow tomorrow. We haven’t even hit 60 degrees yet this year. I might have to go stuff my face with some of your delectable treats to make myself feel better 🙂

        Reply
  14. cookingactress says

    April 17, 2013 at 10:35 am

    Aw!!! This is so sweet! And I am in love with how summery this poke cake makes me feel B)

    Reply
  15. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says

    April 17, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Banana Split is the perfect flavor to work into a poke cake! It looks drool-worthy Hayley and what a nice way to have a virtual housewarming! 😀

    Reply
  16. ashley says

    April 17, 2013 at 11:27 am

    We just moved into a house 6 months ago and yeah, MEGA responsibilities – that’s for sure!! And now I’m not sure how we ever managed to squeeze so much stuff into a one bedroom apartment before this.

    I love poke cakes and this virtual housewarming!

    Reply
  17. Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen says

    April 17, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    This is so sweet and your cake looks totally yummy!

    Reply
  18. Sally says

    April 17, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    Happy Housewarming Ashton!! I just moved in two weeks ago and OMG the stress! So much to do. But there is always poke cake. You two are the queens of it!!!! Banana split – so creative. Love this Hayley girl.

    Reply
  19. FoodBabbles says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    As soon as I saw this cake, I thought “that’s the perfect cake for Ashton!” She really is the queen of poke cakes. I seriously seriously need to make one already! I’ve never made one before. This cake looks AMAZING!! So creative and wish I could have a slice right now.

    Reply
  20. crazyforcrust says

    April 17, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    Ugh moving…yay shopping! You know what would be even better? For you to bring me this cake. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Heather @ French Press says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    what a great cake…seeing as how Ashton is the queen of poke cakes 🙂

    Reply
  22. Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says

    April 17, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    Loving this banana split poke cake, Hayley! I guess I need to get on the poke cake train because every time I see a version of one I immediately start drooling. Actually, it would just be easier (for me) if you would just send me a slice??

    Reply
  23. bakerbynature says

    April 17, 2013 at 8:23 pm

    This cake is so much fun! Now let’s talk about how we’re going to get it to my mouth…

    Reply
  24. laurasmess says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:19 am

    WHY have I never heard of a poke cake? And why is it called a poke cake?! Love the pictures though Hayley… as always, they’re colourful and enticing. Yum yum yum… heading over to check out Ashton’s blog right now! x

    Reply
    • The Domestic Rebel says

      April 18, 2013 at 7:58 am

      Hey Laura! Thanks for your comment, girlie! They’re called poke cakes because after the cake has cooled, you poke holes in it and drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the holes so it seeps into the cake. SO delish!

      Reply
  25. Kiran says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:31 am

    Poke cake deliciousness!! And what a colorful way to celebrate 🙂

    Reply
  26. Back for Seconds says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:25 am

    This cake is pure genius, Hayley! And it’s so pretty too! Love love love this idea.
    I am in the process of packing up my entire house now and it sucks majorly. Crossing my fingers we don’t have to move twice. ugh. I could totally use a cake (or 2) to make things better 😉 Such a sweet thing to do for Ashton, and perfect that you made her a poke cake!!

    Reply
  27. BruCrew Life says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Now that is a crazy awesome summer poke cake!!! You know how much I love banana everything…I can’t wait to give this a try!!!

    Reply
  28. Kelly @ Hidden fruits and veggies says

    April 18, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    I just made your reeses and potato chip cookies for a second time last night…. pretty needless to say even with all that sugar, I still need this in my life! Let’s just never wear shorts again and eat all of the cake. Deal? Deal. Though, there’s fruit in here…. so it’s healthy? 😉

    Reply
  29. afinninthekitchen says

    April 18, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    Banana split? Yum! What a classic summer flavor combination. I never would have thought to put it in a cake! I was hoping someone would do a poke cake for Ashton 🙂

    Reply
  30. Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    Having moved to three different cities in the past three years, I know the stress that comes with it. But this poke cake is like xanax. One bite and your worries melt away.

    Reply
  31. Trish @ Mom On Timeout says

    April 19, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    Loving this Hayley! It looks amazing!

    Reply
  32. PapaChef says

    April 23, 2013 at 5:18 am

    You just brought back so many bad moving memories it’s not even funny! Nonetheless, congrats to Aston for moving into a new home! It’s exactly as you described – once it’s all done and you’re ready to make memories, it’s all worth it.

    The cake sounds great, and if it really tastes exactly like a banana split then I am on board! Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Kayla says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:47 am

    I am making this today, cant wait! You have the cutest, funest (is that a word?) recipes!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Glazed Vanilla Donut Muffins Housewarming Party | Crunchy Creamy Sweet says:
    April 17, 2013 at 4:01 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  2. Mocha Cupcake Milkshake ~ Happy Housewarming Ashton! - White Lights on Wednesday says:
    April 17, 2013 at 4:01 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  3. Reese's Fudge - Crazy for Crust says:
    April 17, 2013 at 4:02 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  4. Banana sheet cake recipe — Roxana's Home Baking says:
    April 17, 2013 at 4:03 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  5. Lemon Drop Cookies | Bluebonnets & Brownies says:
    April 17, 2013 at 4:08 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  6. Butterscotch Banana Muffins says:
    April 17, 2013 at 4:16 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  7. White Chocolate Lemon Muffins with Macadamia Nut Struesel | Lemons for Lulu says:
    April 17, 2013 at 4:24 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  8. Guilt-Free Blueberry Muffins - Kitchen Meets Girl says:
    April 17, 2013 at 5:01 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  9. Little Chocolate Layer Cake with Nutella Buttercream Frosting | The Cake Merchant says:
    April 17, 2013 at 5:09 am

    […] at White Lights on Wednesday – Mocha Cupcake Milkshake Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake Tanya at Lemons for Lulu – Lemon Muffins Jocelyn at Inside Brucrew Life – Butterscoth […]

    Reply
  10. Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake says:
    April 17, 2013 at 11:28 am

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  11. Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Quiche says:
    April 17, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  12. Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Quiche says:
    April 18, 2013 at 8:26 pm

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  13. Grandma’s Classic Pound Cake with Champagne Glaze | BeyondFrosting says:
    July 7, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  14. More than 30 Poke Cake Recipes! | wine & glue says:
    August 19, 2013 at 4:00 am

    […] Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  15. Guilt-Free Blueberry Muffins - Kitchen Meets Girl says:
    June 9, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply
  16. Lemon Drop Cookies | Bluebonnets & Brownies says:
    March 21, 2015 at 8:10 pm

    […] Hayley at The Domestic Rebel – Banana Split Poke Cake […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Rate this recipe:  

About me

Welcome to The Domestic Rebel! My name is Hayley and I am the 28-year old writer, photographer, recipe developer, taste-tester and creator of this blog. I’m so glad you’ve stopped by my little slice of sprinkly, butter-laden heaven on the interwebs. If it wasn’t apparent, I like to bake… a lot. Read More…

Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Featured Post

a couple of banana bars on a wire rack with a bunch of bananas in the background

The BEST Banana Bars Ever

More Posts from this Category

Newsletter

Stay up to date with all posts

Order My Cookbooks!

Out of the box Holiday

Archives

Archives

Categories

Search

Visit my Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Designer Blogs

64 shares