Description

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, nostalgic, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this Southern Punch Bowl Cake is it! This layered dessert is a showstopper—fluffy cake, creamy vanilla pudding, tart fruit, and pillowy whipped topping, all stacked high in a trifle-style punch bowl. It’s the kind of sweet treat that makes appearances at family gatherings, church picnics, and Sunday suppers across the South.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Base:

1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Filling Layers:

1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
2 large bananas, sliced
1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

Extra whipped topping
Maraschino cherries
Sliced strawberries or bananas
Additional crushed nuts

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Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or according to box instructions).
Prepare the cake mix in a large mixing bowl following the package directions. Add vanilla extract for enhanced flavor, if desired.
Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed.
Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Make the Pudding
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk.
6. Whisk for 2 minutes until thickened, then chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Layer the Dessert
7. In the bottom of your punch bowl, place a layer of cubed cake.
8. Spoon a layer of pudding over the cake.
9. Add a layer of crushed pineapple.
10. Next, spoon a layer of cherry pie filling.
11. Add a layer of banana slices.
12. Spread a layer of whipped topping.
13. Sprinkle with coconut and nuts if using.
14. Repeat all layers until you reach the top of the bowl or run out of ingredients—usually 2 to 3 layers total.
15. Finish with a final layer of whipped topping and optional garnishes like maraschino cherries or fresh fruit.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
16. Cover the punch bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the cake absorb the juices.
17. Serve chilled with a big spoon and enjoy every nostalgic bite!

Notes

Cool the Cake – Make sure your cake is fully cooled before layering.
Drain the Pineapple – Too much juice can make the dessert soggy.
Use Firm Bananas – Slightly underripe bananas work best and won’t turn mushy.
Chill Overnight – This dessert tastes even better the next day.
Customize It – Swap the cherry pie filling with strawberry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for variety.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Southern American