Yellow Cake Mix, Instant Pudding, Milk, And Cool Whip Come Together In This Classic Southern-Style Dessert

Banana pudding has made something of a comeback in recent years. No longer just a simple potluck staple, the Southern dessert is now a trendy metropolitan treat gracing Michelin-approved menus and countless social media feeds. This is largely thanks to the success of the celebrity darling that is New York's Magnolia Bakery, but the first banana pudding recipes can be traced almost to the Civil War, so there are a lot of variations out there. You can even give the dessert a sheet cake twist at home by transforming it with a few easy ingredients.

To try it, just gather up some milk, instant banana pudding mix, a container of Cool Whip, and a box of yellow cake mix. You don't even need fresh bananas. The main flavor comes from the pudding, which seeps into the baked cake to create a creamy, tender dessert that is sweet, rich, and packed with flavor in every bite. The Cool Whip, which gets slathered on top, helps balance everything out while also providing the signature fluffy texture of a classic banana pudding.

To get started, bake the cake in a wide, high-walled pan according to the package instructions. Poke holes all over the surface while it's still warm and spread the pudding evenly over the top of the cake. Once it's absorbed, top with a thick layer of defrosted Cool Whip.

Vintage poke cakes are pretty foolproof, but you do need to keep a few things in mind. The first is to buy instant pudding mix, as the dish won't set otherwise. You can also mix the powder right into the cake batter rather than including a pudding layer if you would prefer a more solid texture. If you want a milder flavor, replace some of the banana pudding mix with vanilla.

It's also important to give the cake enough time to absorb the pudding before adding the Cool Whip. This ensures that the bottom sets and makes it easier to spread the topping. Leave it in the fridge for about an hour if possible. You can also use regular whipped cream if you'd like — just keep in mind that it might spoil quicker.

Finally, the best way to finish this dessert is to top it with fresh banana slices and crushed Nilla wafers. These should be added right before serving, as the bananas will start to brown and the cookies will soften as time goes on. You could also add chocolate shavings, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or butterscotch. Shredded coconut and crushed nuts can add a different aroma too. And if you haven't had your fill, try this banana pudding pie recipe or a banana pudding tiramisu.