Punch Bowl Cake is a vibrant layered dessert known for its colorful presentation and irresistible combination of fruit, pudding, cake, and whipped topping. Traditionally assembled in a large glass punch bowl, this Southern-style treat showcases alternating layers of strawberries, bananas, crushed pineapple, soft cake cubes, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip. The interplay of textures, from tender cake to juicy fruit and airy topping, makes it a perfect showpiece for parties, church socials, and holiday gatherings. This recipe calls for yellow cake, which adds a richer flavor, especially when made with a butter-based mix.
Ingredients
- 3 pints strawberries (2 boxes, hulled and sliced)
- 4 bananas (sliced)
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box)
- 16 oz Cool Whip
- 20 oz crushed pineapple, (drained well)
- 1 box white cake mix ( or yellow cake mix, butter recipe yellow preferred)
- Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.
- Bake in two 8- or 9-inch round pans.
- Cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit and Pudding
- Hull and slice the strawberries.
- Slice the bananas just before assembly to prevent browning.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly.
- Prepare the instant pudding according to package instructions.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
- Place half the strawberries in the bottom of a large punch bowl.
- Add one cake layer, broken or cut into pieces.
- Spread half the pudding over the cake.
- Add half the crushed pineapple and two sliced bananas.
Step 4: Repeat Layers
- Repeat the layers with remaining strawberries, cake, pudding, pineapple, and bananas.
Step 5: Top with Cool Whip
- Spread Cool Whip evenly over the top layer.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips
- Use yellow cake mix as noted on the card for best flavor
- A butter-based cake mix gives a richer result
- Chill at least 2 to 4 hours before serving for cleaner slices
- Slice bananas just before layering to prevent browning
- Add a final garnish of strawberries on top for presentation
- Substitute vanilla pudding with banana pudding for variation
- Use a glass punch bowl to showcase the layers
- This dessert improves in texture after resting overnight
- Drain pineapple very well to avoid sogginess
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 1.4mg
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