One of my favorite desserts to make is a poke cake! They come out moist, they’re easy to throw together and it’s a great way to layer flavors. This Banana Split Poke Cake recipe has cherry, chocolate, banana and strawberry flavors that will take you back to your favorite retro soda shop.

It’s a sensational dessert that gets better with every bite. The only problem? It disappears too quickly! You’re going to love this poke cake.

I grew up going to and old-fashioned soda shop in my hometown. It was where my parents used to visit when they were kids, but then they took me and my siblings. I have such fond memories of splitting a huge banana split. It’s my favorite soda shop dessert because there’s so many flavors.

Every spoonful of a banana split tastes slightly different and that’s exactly how this Banana Split Poke Cake is! Sometimes you get more of a chocolate flavor and other times it’s cherry or banana. They all come together for the ultimate dessert.

I get more compliments on this cake than anything else when I bring it to an event. It’s light, refreshing and people don’t expect all of the flavors! Over the years, it’s become my go-to cake that I’m always bringing. If I don’t bring it, people ask about it in disappointment.

Looking for more great poke cake recipes? I love poke cakes because they’ve got such great flavors throughout the entire cake! These are my other poke cakes:

• Cherry Jello Poke Cake
• Coffee Caramel Poke Cake
• Lime Poke Cake

How To Make This Banana Split Poke Cake Recipe

The base of this cake is made with cake mix! Don’t worry about making a homemade cake because all of the flavors being added with add to the cake mix. Follow the baking directions, on the cake mix box, and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

When To Serve Banana Split Poke Cake

These flavors just remind me of summer! I love to serve this poke cake during the warmer months of the year. However, the only fresh produce is the garnish – so you can make the cake any time of the year. It serves 12 people, so it’s great for big gatherings.

I bring this Banana Split Poke Cake to BBQ’s, church gatherings and pool parties. The cake is easy to transport, especially if your 9×13-inch baking dish has a cover!

Tips For Making An Awesome Poke Cake Every Time

Poke cakes are fairly easy and this one has a base that’s made from box mix. There are few tips that will help as you follow the recipe. I use these poke cake tips every time I make one:

• It’s best to make the holes in the cake while it is still slightly warm, because as it cools the crust on top of the cake will crumble more easily.
• When you’re pouring the sauce into the holes, tap the pan on the countertop a few times to get rid of any air bubbles and make sure the sauce fills the holes completely.
• As the sauce starts to set, it may sink further and the holes may become visible on the surface. Simply spoon a little more sauce into the holes to top them up again.
• Keep the cake in an airtight container after baking.

How To Keep Your Cake Fresh After Baking

If your cake pan has a cover, use it! Or cover the cake with plastic wrap. I like to store my cake in the baking dish and I don’t worry about transferring it. Keep the cake it in the refrigerator. For best freshness, enjoy the cake within 4-5 days of baking. Let it thaw for a few minutes before enjoying leftovers.

Can You Freeze This Poke Cake?

Yes! You can easily freeze this poke cake. However, I like to remove any garnish before I freezer I place it in the freezer. Carefully scrape off the garnish with a knife. Freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Once the cake thaws on the countertop, add fresh garnish. This is one dessert that tastes just as good once it’s thawed.

How To Make The Cake Ahead Of Time For An Event

To make the cake ahead of time, follow the recipe and add the topping. However, leave the garnish off until right before serving. The fresh fruit garnish can easily turn. Leave it off of the cake topping until right before serving. The cake can be kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Want to add the flavor of pineapple from a classic banana split? Poke holes in the cake and add the additional of canned pineapple filling – find it in your local bakery section of the grocery store.

What You Need From The Grocery Store:

• White Cake Mix
• Chocolate Syrup
• Cherry Syrup
• Cream Cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Banana Pudding Mix
• Frozen Whipped Topping (Cool Whip)
• Milk
• Garnish: Sliced Strawberries and Bananas

Directions To Make Banana Split Poke Cake

Bake cake according to package instructions. Allow to partially cool on a wire rack. Poke holes with a fork or wooden skewer.

Pour chocolate syrup and cherry syrup over the holes in the cake.

Cream together cream cheese with powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in one tub of whipped topping. Spread this out over the cake.

Mix together banana pudding mix with milk. Add the second container of whipped topping. Spread this over the top of the chocolate layer.

Refrigerate for at least an hour prior to serving. Top with strawberries and banana slices to garnish.