Cream Cheese Banana Bread Poke Cake

Let me tell you, this one is a game-changer. Imagine the comforting, nostalgic flavors of banana bread—but turned into a soft, moist, and indulgently creamy cake. That’s right: this Cream Cheese Banana Bread Poke Cake is exactly what your dessert dreams look like. It’s got the perfect balance of sweet bananas, rich cream cheese, and a touch of crunch from walnuts and Skor toffee bits. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been making this every week.

This cake is more than just dessert—it’s a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners, birthday celebrations, or just a “treat yourself” kind of day. And the best part? It’s deceptively simple to make, even if you’re not normally a baker. Let’s dig in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting & Cozy

Banana bread flavor meets a creamy, dreamy poke cake—soft, moist, and packed with sweet banana goodness. Every bite is like a little slice of heaven.

Decadent but Approachable

The cream cheese filling and frosting make it feel luxurious without being intimidating. Plus, the toffee bits add a fun, crunchy surprise that elevates it from classic banana bread to something truly special.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or a random Wednesday where you need a pick-me-up, this cake works for all occasions. It’s versatile, festive, and crowd-pleasing.

Quick-ish & Easy

No need to worry about complicated techniques—this recipe uses a box cake mix as a base, so you get the flavor and fun without extra stress. Even beginner bakers can succeed with this one.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or skewer for poking holes
• Rubber spatula
• Knife for chopping walnuts and toffee bits

Ingredients in Cream Cheese Banana Bread Poke Cake

Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s made with familiar pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, but the result is more decadent than you’d imagine. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Milk

Adds moisture and helps make the cake tender and soft.

Vegetable Oil

Keeps the cake rich and gives it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Eggs

Bind everything together and add structure, while still keeping the cake light.

Very Ripe Bananas

The star ingredient! Sweet, fragrant, and packed with natural flavor. The riper, the better—they’ll make your cake smell like heaven while baking.

Yellow Cake Mix

The convenient base for this poke cake. It’s soft, fluffy, and a perfect canvas for the creamy fillings.

Cream Cheese (for filling)

Softened cream cheese is the ultimate secret to turning a simple cake into a luxurious dessert. Creamy, tangy, and rich.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Poured over the cake after baking, it seeps into the holes and creates that signature “poke cake” decadence.

Cream Cheese Frosting

The crowning glory. Smooth, sweet, and creamy, it makes every bite irresistible.

Chopped Walnuts

Add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweet creaminess.

Skor Toffee Bits

Tiny bursts of buttery, crunchy sweetness that make every bite a little party.

Instructions

Let’s break it down into simple, approachable steps so you can nail this cake like a pro:

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even baking and helps the cake rise beautifully.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and mashed bananas. Mix until smooth. Add the yellow cake mix and stir until fully incorporated. You want a thick, luscious batter that smells like banana heaven.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly springy.

Poke the Cake

While still slightly warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cake. This is where the magic happens—it allows the sweetened condensed milk to seep in and make the cake ultra-moist.

Add the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly pour over the poked cake, pressing lightly to fill the holes.

Chill & Frost

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the cream cheese set. Once chilled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Garnish

Sprinkle chopped walnuts and Skor toffee bits generously over the frosted cake for added texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

Serve & Enjoy

Slice generously and serve chilled or at room temperature. Each bite is creamy, sweet, and slightly nutty—a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use very ripe bananas—they’re the key to maximum flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter; you want it thick, not overly runny.
• Let the cake cool slightly before poking for best results.
• Chill the cake before frosting—it makes spreading easier and prevents sliding.
• Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: [insert]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)

How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread Poke Cake

• As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Coffee Companion: Perfect with a cup of coffee or chai latte.
• Party Dessert: Slice into squares for a simple yet impressive potluck dessert.
• Snack Time: Small slices make a wonderful mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
• Garnish Creatively: Add banana slices or a drizzle of caramel on top for extra flair.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Bake the cake the night before and add frosting just before serving.
• Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Frosted slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Variations to Try

• Substitute the yellow cake mix with a spice or banana cake mix for added flavor.
• Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty crunch.
• Swap Skor bits with chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.
• Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.

Additional Tips

• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and frosting.
• Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to taste if you like it extra moist.
• Make individual servings by baking in muffin tins and poking each one for mini poke cakes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix, and make sure all add-ins are certified gluten-free.

Q2: Can I use frozen bananas?
A2: Absolutely—just thaw and mash them thoroughly before mixing into the batter.

Q3: Can I make this without a boxed cake mix?
A3: Yes! A homemade yellow cake batter works perfectly; just adjust the liquid ratios.

Q4: How long should I chill before frosting?
A4: At least 1 hour, but overnight is even better—it lets the flavors meld and makes frosting easier.

Q5: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A5: Yes! Bake and poke the cake the day before, refrigerate, and frost just before serving.

Q6: Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
A6: You can use whipped cream, mascarpone frosting, or even a glaze if you prefer something lighter.

Q7: How do I prevent the cake from sinking?
A7: Don’t overmix the batter, and avoid opening the oven door too early while baking.

Q8: Can I use other nuts?
A8: Pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts all work wonderfully—choose your favorite crunch.

Q9: Can I make mini poke cakes?
A9: Definitely! Use muffin tins, adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes, and poke each mini cake individually.

Q10: Can I add chocolate or caramel drizzle?
A10: Yes! Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top for extra indulgence—it’s a showstopper.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Banana Bread Poke Cake is a little slice of heaven you’ll want to bake again and again. Soft banana cake, creamy pockets of sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese, crunchy nuts, and toffee bits make every bite a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this cake will bring smiles and maybe even a few happy “oohs” and “aahs.”

So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to something truly indulgent. Trust me—you won’t regret it.

Cream Cheese Banana Bread Poke Cake

Indulge in this moist, cheesecake-filled banana cake—here’s how to make it: