This week I moved on to bigger and better things…we’re talking a cake! I wanted to challenge myself and make something better than a plain cake. This time I asked my mom for some good websites. She recommended The Cookie Rookie, which sounded perfect for me as a new baker. The first thing that caught my eye was a banana poke cake. My boyfriend loves ALL things banana, so I thought this cake would definitely not go to waste.
If you want to try making this cake (and I highly recommend that you do), here is the link to the recipe on the website I used: Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe
First things first, I LOVED this website. So much easier than following along with a video. They have pictures, step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, reviews, and just so much more! So far, I am finding websites are the way that works best for me. Of course, I copied this link into the app I have been using, Recipe Box, so I can save it for another time.
Now let’s get into the baking part of things. The recipe calls for a yellow cake box mix, which is what I used. It was very good, but next time I make it, I will go one step further and make my own vanilla cake. Then it says to mix vanilla pudding mix with milk. This will be poured on the cake once holes are poked throughout. I did not like how liquidy the pudding mixture was and decided to follow the instructions on the box and actually make the pudding on the stove. I was scared this would ruin it, but I think it made it better! Once I poured that on the cake, I sliced up 3 bananas and laid them on the cake. I then chilled it for about an hour and spread a whole tub of cool whip on it. Again, next time I made it I will try and make my own whipped cream! Finally, I sprinkled a ton of shortbread cookie crumbs on the cake and I was finished. You can watch a quick video of each step here!
Final verdict…this cake was so good. We had no problem finishing it within a few days, which is good because the bananas will start to brown. It is not at all dry because of the pudding. With the cake, pudding, and whipped cream, it had the perfect amount of layers. This was a fun one to make! I feel like I am getting better because of all the layers and the presentation of this cake. I will admit I almost baked the cake for too long…it was a dark brown when I took it out, but it was still good!
The app you are using to keep track of your recipes is such a great idea! I need to start doing that with recipes I find on Pinterest. That cake looks amazing by the way! Great job.
That cake looks delicious!! I am definitely adding it to my list of recipes for the next time a birthday roles around. I agree with Raine, the Recipe Box app is such a great idea! I always try new recipes I find online, and then when I want to remake them, I can’t remember which recipe it was! Thanks for sharing such a useful resource! I will definitely be creating an account.
Your cake looks amazing! So glad it turned out! I am curious how long it took you to make the cake? And did you find the cake to be quit banana flavoured? I think the cookie crumbs and whip cream would add some great flavour to the cake!
Hi Hannah!
I would say it took me roughly an hour and a half to make this cake, plus stopping to take shots for the video. I spent extra time crushing the shortbread cookies fine and placing the banana slices perfectly. I’m reality it would probably only take an hour maximum. The cake was the perfect amount of banana flavour. I don’t love bananas that much haha but this was perfect. I think if you used banana pudding rather then vanilla pudding it would enhance the banana flavouring a lot!
Hi Taylor,
It looks like you are having a lot of fun with your learning project! I watched your video and have saved the recipe as I am also a banana lover. The app you used to save your recipes sounds interesting and I think I will try it out. Right now I just screen shot recipes, but often can’t find them or have to scroll through my phone for what seems like forever to find them.
I like that you want to try and make all of the parts of this recipe from scratch next time, I bet it would taste even better.
Thank-you for sharing your experience.
Amber
Wow! This cake looks absolutely DELICIOUS! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe in the post – I will definitely be trying it out! I have never heard of Recipe Box before, so I will definitely be trying that out – what an amazing concept. I always end up losing all of the recipes I want to try whether they are lost in my camera roll or my search history. There is definitely nothing wrong with using box cake as part of a recipe! They do always end up quite delicious. I ended up using a box cake for my Learning Project this week, and it still tastes great!
Hi Taylor,
I need to learn how to make videos like that! I really enjoyed watching your quick video about your progress and that video could be used as a great resource for people to follow if they are looking to bake their own cakes! Thank you for sharing your recipe as well I really enjoy all the links you have to show us about your cake. This is such a great post I love all the pictures and this is definitely making me excited for baking so thank you!
Noelle