Southern Punch Bowl Cake

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Southern Punch Bowl Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes!

This no-bake beauty features gorgeous layers of fluffy cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy fruit, and billowy whipped topping all piled high in a clear glass bowl for maximum visual impact.

It's a staple at church potlucks, family reunions, baby showers, and summer gatherings throughout the South, and for good reason—it serves a crowd, can be made ahead, and requires absolutely no baking skills.

The best part? You can see every delicious layer through the bowl, making it almost too pretty to dig into (but you will, because it's irresistible!). This dessert is endlessly customizable with your favorite cake flavors, fruits, and toppings, but the classic version with yellow cake, vanilla pudding, and tropical fruit remains a timeless favorite.

Whether you're feeding a dozen people or fifty, this punch bowl cake is guaranteed to disappear fast and have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: eggs, oil, water)

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 4 cups cold whole milk

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained well

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 3 medium bananas, sliced

• 1 container (16 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

• Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the yellow cake according to package directions. Bake in a 9x13-inch pan and let cool completely. This can be done a day ahead.

2. Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thick and smooth. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to set completely.

4. Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly by pressing it in a fine-mesh strainer or squeezing it in cheesecloth to remove excess liquid. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy.

5. Slice the strawberries and bananas. To prevent browning, you can toss the banana slices lightly with a little lemon juice if desired.

6. Now it's time to assemble! In a large punch bowl or trifle dish (at least 4-quart capacity), create your first layer with half of the cake cubes, covering the bottom of the bowl.

7. Spread half of the prepared pudding over the cake layer, spreading it gently to the edges.

8. Add half of the drained crushed pineapple, distributing it evenly over the pudding.

9. Layer half of the sliced strawberries and half of the sliced bananas over the pineapple.

10. Spread half of the whipped topping over the fruit layer, smoothing it gently.

11. Sprinkle half of the shredded coconut over the whipped topping.

12. Repeat all the layers one more time: remaining cake cubes, remaining pudding, remaining pineapple, remaining strawberries and bananas, remaining whipped topping, and remaining coconut.

13. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top and garnish with maraschino cherries for that classic Southern touch.

14. Cover the punch bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

15. When ready to serve, use a large spoon to scoop down through all the layers so each serving gets a bit of everything!

Tips

Use a clear bowl: The whole point of a punch bowl cake is showing off those beautiful layers! A glass trifle dish or clear punch bowl is essential.

Drain your fruit well: Excess liquid from the pineapple will make your cake soggy. Press it firmly in a strainer to remove as much juice as possible.

Prevent banana browning: Toss banana slices in a little pineapple juice or lemon juice, or add them just a few hours before serving.

Make it ahead: This dessert actually tastes better when made 8-24 hours in advance, as the flavors meld and the cake softens perfectly.

Customize your fruit: Try mandarin oranges, blueberries, peaches, kiwi, or mixed berries. Just avoid watery fruits like watermelon.

Flavor variations: Use chocolate cake with chocolate pudding, strawberry cake with cheesecake pudding, or lemon cake with lemon pudding for different flavor profiles.

Portion control: Use individual clear cups or mason jars to make single-serving punch bowl cakes—perfect for parties!

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Keep the punch bowl cake covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture is best within the first 2 days.

Not freezer-friendly: Due to the fresh fruit, pudding, and whipped topping, this dessert doesn't freeze well.

Serving time: Remove from the refrigerator just before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed cold.

Leftovers: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. The cake will continue to absorb moisture and become softer over time, which many people actually prefer!

Transport tips: If taking to a potluck, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Keep it level during transport and refrigerate upon arrival if possible.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 16 servings)

• Calories: 340

• Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 15mg

• Sodium: 420mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 55g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 38g

• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Southern Punch Bowl Cake is more than just a dessert—it's a showstopper that brings people together and creates memories around the table!

There's something so joyful about watching everyone's eyes light up when you bring out this colorful, towering creation, and the oohs and ahhs when you serve that first spoonful with all those gorgeous layers.

The combination of soft cake, creamy pudding, fresh fruit, and fluffy whipped topping creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Best of all, you can make it your own by switching up the cake flavors, trying different fruits, or adding your favorite toppings.

It's foolproof, forgiving, and always delicious—even if your layers aren't perfect, it will still taste amazing! This is the kind of dessert that becomes a family tradition, the one everyone requests for birthdays and holidays year after year.

Give this Southern classic a try at your next gathering and watch it become the talk of the party. Share your beautiful creations and any fun variations you come up with in the comments below.

Happy layering!