Name: Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-491976H22M43S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Baking spray; 1 (15 1/4-oz.) package yellow cake mix; 5 cups whole milk; 2 (5.1-oz.) packages vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix; 4 cups sliced bananas (from 7 medium [6 oz.] bananas), divided, plus more for garnish; 2 (20-oz.) cans crushed pineapple, drained and divided; 2 (21-oz.) cans cherry pie filling, divided; 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes (from 1 [14-oz.] bag), divided, plus more for garnish; 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped fresh pecans, divided, plus more for garnish; 1 (16-oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; Whole red maraschino cherries with stems for garnish

If you’re craving a dessert that embodies the heart and soul of Southern charm, you have to try this Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe. This show-stopping treat layers tender yellow cake cubes with luscious vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, tropical crushed pineapple, vibrant cherry pie filling, toasty coconut flakes, crunchy pecans, and clouds of whipped topping. Served right out of a punch bowl, it’s a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a celebration in every bite. Whether it’s a holiday, family gathering, or just a weeknight craving, this dessert promises creamy, fruity bliss that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, including two clear bowls filled with bright red cherry pie filling placed near the center; a stack of three yellow bananas with brown stems to the right; a small white bowl holding smooth, white cream; a glass measuring cup with white milk, positioned near a white plastic-wrapped package; two small clear bowls containing light yellow crushed pineapple; a small clear bowl with chopped brown nuts; a box of JELL-O vanilla pudding mix lying flat near the front; and a clear bowl filled with white shredded coconut. All items are spaced evenly, creating a clean and organized look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To whip up this Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe, you don’t need a pantry full of fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Each item here is key for building those magnificent layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every spoonful a delight.

Baking spray: Essential for keeping your cake from sticking to the pan, ensuring clean removal every time.
1 (15 1/4-oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix: This forms the fluffy base of the dessert, neutral and sweet to soak up all the other flavors.
5 cups whole milk: Needed to whip up the creamy vanilla pudding, giving the dish its signature silky texture.
2 (5.1-oz.) pkgs. vanilla instant pudding and pie filling: Adds that rich, sweet pudding layer that holds every fruit and crumble together with perfection.
4 cups sliced bananas (from 7 medium [6 oz.] bananas), divided, plus more for garnish: Fresh bananas bring natural sweetness and a buttery softness that balances the tangier fruit.
2 (20-oz.) cans crushed pineapple, drained and divided: This juicy tropical element brightens every bite with its zing and moisture.
2 (21-oz.) cans cherry pie filling, divided: The ruby-red cherries lend a pop of tart color and syrupy sweet fruitiness.
1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes (from 1 [14-oz.] bag), divided, plus more for garnish: Toasted coconut flakes add a lovely chew and crunch with a whisper of tropical flavor.
1 1/2 cups roughly chopped fresh pecans, divided, plus more for garnish: Pecans bring a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
1 (16-oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed: For that dreamy, pillowy finish that crowns the cake.
Whole red maraschino cherries with stems: The perfect bright and festive garnish to complete the look and taste.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, then pour it into your pan. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about the time recommended on the box. Once done, set the cake on a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for about 30 minutes. This cooling step is crucial for creating neat cake cubes that don’t crumble apart later.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding

While the cake cools, grab a large mixing bowl and vigorously whisk the instant vanilla pudding with whole milk until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Then let it sit for 5 minutes to set into that perfect creamy consistency that’s not quite firm but silky smooth. This pudding layer is what makes the Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe so irresistibly luscious.

Step 3: Cut the Cake into Cubes

Once the cake has cooled, cut it into 1-inch cubes. You should end up with about 14 cups total. These cubes serve as the foundation for alternating dreamlike layers of pudding and fruit, so try to keep the sizes fairly uniform for the most stunning presentation and texture.

Step 4: Start Assembling the Layers in Your Punch Bowl

Choose a large 2-gallon punch bowl to showcase the vibrant layers of this dessert. Begin by evenly layering about half (7 cups) of your cake cubes in the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture, about 2 ½ cups, right over the cake, carefully spreading to the edges for an even layer. Next, arrange 2 cups of sliced bananas in a neat layer atop the pudding. Then, spoon 1 can of the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the bananas, followed by 1 can of cherry pie filling. Finally, sprinkle ¾ cup each of the shredded coconut and chopped pecans evenly over the fruit. You’re already building gorgeous textures and flavors!

Step 5: Repeat the Layers and Chill

Now repeat everything in the same order: cake cubes, pudding, bananas, pineapple, cherry pie filling, coconut, and pecans. Finish off the entire thing by gently spreading the thawed whipped topping on the very top, creating a cloudlike crown. Cover the punch bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally up to 24, allowing all these heavenly flavors to meld into one wonderfully creamy, fruity Southern classic.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving your Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe, decorate with fresh slices of banana, extra coconut flakes, chopped pecans, and those iconic maraschino cherries with stems. This final touch makes it look as festive as it tastes. Serve cold straight from the punch bowl for a welcome centerpiece dessert that everyone will adore.

How to Serve Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe

This dish is a round trifle with three visible layers inside a clear glass bowl. The bottom layer is a light yellow custard, smooth and creamy. The middle layer is a bright red cherry mixture with whole cherries scattered evenly across the surface. Around the cherries, a ring of white shredded coconut is placed close to the bowl's edge. Topping the trifle is a thick, swirled layer of white whipped cream, softly textured and covering the entire surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this dessert is in its colorful layers, so your garnishes should complement while enhancing its visual appeal. More banana slices add a soft sweetness and beautiful contrast. Toasted coconut flakes bring eye-catching texture and tropical flair. Pecans contribute crunch and nutty warmth, while the maraschino cherries lend that classic Southern pop of red—all atop a swirl of fresh whipped topping.

Side Dishes

Punch Bowl Cake stands powerfully on its own, but if you want to serve it with something else, keep it simple. A cup of Southern sweet tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness. For a celebratory meal, consider light fruit salads or a crisp green salad to balance sweetness with fresh greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like switching things up? You can assemble this Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe in individual parfait glasses for an elegant party look. Or layer it in a trifle dish to showcase every jewel-toned fruit and textured layer. Whatever container you choose, just make sure you have a big spoon to dig into all the creamy, fruity goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dessert actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors really have a chance to meld together. Store leftovers in the punch bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezing Punch Bowl Cake is not recommended because the whipped topping and pudding layers may separate or become watery upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this Southern classic fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating. In fact, warming it would ruin the creamy texture and vibrant fruit. Just scoop and serve straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I make Punch Bowl Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead is ideal so the flavors can develop fully. Just cover it and chill it for at least 8 hours before serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have yellow cake mix?

You can bake a homemade yellow cake or even a white cake from scratch if you prefer, but make sure it’s cooled completely before cubing and layering.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh ripe pineapple works beautifully, just be sure to drain it well to avoid adding too much extra moisture.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels.

What if I don’t like bananas?

You can swap bananas for other fruits like kiwi, mango, or even sliced strawberries for a different twist while still maintaining the creamy and fruity balance.

Final Thoughts

If you want to experience a dessert that feels like a big warm Southern hug, you can’t go wrong with this Punch Bowl Cake: A Deliciously Creamy Southern Dessert Recipe. Its layers of cake, pudding, fruit, and nuts come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and incredibly indulgent. Invite friends and family over, make a big batch, and watch it disappear as smiles grow. This is comfort food with a festive flair, perfect for any occasion.