Making the Banana Pudding Poke Cake can be effortless when you follow these clear and concise steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Cake: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, and any other ingredients required per the cake box instructions. Mix until smooth.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (usually around 30-35 minutes).
4. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
5. Poke Holes: After cooling for a bit, take a fork or a skewer and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are deep enough to allow liquids to seep in.
6. Prepare Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant banana pudding mix. Stir for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
7. Spread Pudding: Pour the banana pudding over the cake, spreading it evenly into the holes you made.
8. Refrigerate: Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This helps it set and meld the flavors.
9. Top with Whipped Topping: After the chilling period, spread the whipped topping over the cake.
10. Garnish: Decorate with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for an extra touch if desired.
11. Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!

These steps will guide you toward creating a perfect Banana Pudding Poke Cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds!