Best Desserts
Punch Bowl Cake this creamy, sweet Southern dessert is one of a kind. Best Desserts to Impress Your Guests
What Is a Punch Bowl Cake?
A punch bowl cake is much like a trifle: an assembly of layers of cake, fruit, and cream. It is easy to make but it’s even easier to make your own.
This punch bowl cake recipe keeps it simple with classic cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping. Ask a cooker what a punch bowl cake is and you might get several different answers depending on personal preference and experience. It is an amazing sweet dish for someone special.
To Make a Punch Bowl Cake, you will need:
A simple dessert requires a short ingredient list.
- Ready to bake cake mix: Soaks up all the flavors and gives structure to the dish.
- Vanilla instant pudding mix it give you keeps cake moist, tender, and flavorful.
- While this recipe uses tart red cherry pie filling, you can swap that out for your favorite filling of choice.
- Nuts use for you like.
- Crushed pineapple brings a fresh zing of tartness to each layer and helps all the sweetest flavors shine.
- Coconut flakes use for a subtle buttery, sweet coconut flavor and texture.
- Use fresh bananas for a burst of freshness
- Whipped topping for a decadent, fluffy, and slightly sweet finish.
- Maraschino cherries for a candy-like pop of red.
Mix-and-Match Toppings
Depending on the season or occasion, try different topping combinations:
- Blueberry pie filling with chopped almonds
- Strawberry pie filling and chopped pecans
- Apple pie filling and chopped walnuts for a fall-forward favorite
Ingredients
- Baking spray
- 1 pkg. yellow cake mix
- 5 cups whole milk
- 2 pkg. vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
- 4 cups sliced bananas (from 7 medium [6 oz.] bananas), divided, plus more for garnish
- 2 cans crushed pineapple, drained and divided
- 2 cans cherry pie filling, divided
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes, divided, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped fresh pecans, divided, plus more for garnish
- 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Whole red maraschino cherries with stems
Directions
-
Cook cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare cake in a 13- x 9-inch baking pan according to package directions. Let cool completely in baking pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
2. Make pudding:
Meanwhile, vigorously whisk together milk and pudding mix in a large bowl until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Let stand until soft set, about 5 minutes.
- Cut cooled cake into 1-inch cubes (about 14 cups total).
- Place half of cake cubes (about 7 cups) in an even layer on bottom of a large (2 gallon) punch bowl.
- Scoop half of pudding mixture (about 2 1/2 cups) over cake cubes, spreading pudding to edge of bowl.
- Arrange 2 cups of the banana slices in an even layer over pudding layer in punch bowl.
- Top banana slices with 1 can of the pineapple followed by 1 can of the pie filling.
- Sprinkle pie filling evenly with 3/4 cup each of the coconut and pecans.
- Repeat layers once, beginning with cake cubes and ending with whipped topping. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, garnish with cherries and additional bananas, coconut, and pecans. Serve cold.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Punch Bowl Cake
Infuse Your Cake:
Before assembling your punch bowl cake, infuse your cake cubes with a flavored syrup. This can be as simple as a mixture of sugar and water, or you can use fruit juices like pineapple or orange juice for an added zest. Just brush the syrup lightly over the cake cubes to add extra moisture and flavor.
Layering Precision:
When layering your cake, ensure each layer is even and covers the entire surface area of the bowl. This not only looks aesthetically pleasing but ensures every scoop includes a bit of each delicious layer.
Homemade Whipped Cream:
While frozen whipped topping is convenient, homemade whipped cream can add a richer, fresher flavor. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Add Texture:
Incorporate a variety of textures in your punch bowl cake. Toast your coconut flakes and nuts lightly before adding them to the layers. This adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and soft layers.
Flavor Variations:
Experiment with different flavor combinations. For example, add a splash of rum or almond extract to your pudding mix for a subtle, sophisticated flavor.
Fruit Options:
Use fresh, seasonal fruits instead of canned pie fillings for a fresher taste. Fresh berries, peaches, or even mango can bring a vibrant, natural sweetness to your cake.
Presentation Matters:
Use a clear punch bowl to showcase the beautiful layers of your dessert. This visual appeal will definitely impress your guests before they even take their first bite. Best Desserts to Impress Your Guests
Make Ahead:
Prepare the punch bowl cake a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making the dessert even more delicious. However, add the final garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Customizable Portions:
For a more elegant presentation, consider making individual punch bowl cakes in mason jars or clear cups. This way, each guest gets their own perfectly layered dessert.
Garnish Creativity:
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes. Edible flowers, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a touch of sophistication and visual appeal to your punch bowl cake. Best Desserts to Impress Your Guests
Bonus Tip:
Themed Variations:
Adapt your punch bowl cake to match the theme of your event. For a tropical theme, use coconut cake, mango, and pineapple layers with a coconut cream topping. For a winter holiday, try gingerbread cake with spiced pudding and cranberry filling.
By incorporating these pro tips, you can transform a simple punch bowl cake into a show-stopping dessert that will leave your guests talking long after the party is over. Best Desserts to Impress Your Guests