Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Poke Cake
This cake stands out because it is:
- Incredibly moist thanks to the poke-and-pour glaze
- Rich in banana flavor
- Simple to make with pantry ingredients
- Perfect for make-ahead desserts
- Loved by all ages
It has the cozy flavor of banana bread with the softness and indulgence of a bakery-style cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Banana Cake
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
For the Creamy Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Banana slices
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Caramel drizzle
Choosing the Best Bananas
The best bananas for this recipe are:
- Deep yellow with lots of brown spots
- Very soft and fragrant
The riper the banana, the sweeter and more intense the flavor.
Making the Banana Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk:
- Mashed bananas
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and buttermilk.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix—this keeps the cake soft.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poking the Cake (The Magic Step)
While the cake is still warm:
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer
- Poke holes all over the cake, about 2–3 cm apart
These holes allow the glaze to soak deep into the cake.
Making the Creamy Vanilla Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
The glaze should be smooth, pourable, and silky.
Glazing the Cake
Slowly pour the vanilla glaze over the warm cake, making sure it flows into all the holes. Spread gently if needed.
Let the cake rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Texture & Flavor Experience
- Cake: Soft, tender, banana-rich
- Glaze: Creamy, sweet, vanilla-forward
- Overall: Ultra-moist, comforting, indulgent
Each bite melts in your mouth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Using Ripe Bananas
Green bananas = weak flavor.
Skipping the Poke Step
This is what makes the cake special.
Overbaking
Overbaking dries the cake before glazing.
Delicious Variations
Banana Chocolate Poke Cake
Add chocolate chips to the batter.
Banana Caramel Version
Replace half the glaze with caramel sauce.
Banana Nut Poke Cake
Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Replace vanilla glaze with sweetened cream cheese icing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake:
- Chilled for best texture
- With whipped cream
- With vanilla ice cream
- With caramel drizzle
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual desserts.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge
The flavor gets even better the next day.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Slice)
- Calories: 360–400
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
A rich treat worth every bite.
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Poke Cake with Creamy Vanilla Glaze is the ultimate comfort dessert—soft, sweet, and packed with banana goodness. It’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for sharing. Once you serve it, expect everyone to ask for the recipe 🍌🍰