Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully, adding bright flavor and a bit more texture. Just hull and slice them before layering.

What size bowl should I use for layering?

A large trifle dish, deep glass salad bowl, or even a punch bowl works. The clearer the better—it shows off those beautiful layers.

Can I skip the bananas?

The bananas add wonderful creaminess, but if you’re not a fan (or have allergies), simply leave them out or swap for another fruit, like peaches or kiwi.

How far ahead can I make this cake?

Ideally, assemble it the night before so the flavors meld. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, especially for peak freshness and to keep the bananas looking great.

Southern Strawberry Punch Cake Recipe

Southern Strawberry Punch Cake is that vibrant, no-stress dessert you’ll find yourself gravitating to again and again—especially when time is tight, but you still want to bring something irresistibly delicious to the table. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures, with soft cake, lusciously creamy pudding, juicy bursts of strawberry, and a blanket of whipped topping. It’s layered, crowd-pleasing, and is honestly one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever assemble—no need for fancy frosting, piping bags, or artistic skills. If you love those joyful, sun-drenched flavors that make every Southern gathering feel special, this one’s sure to become your go-to weeknight treat or any time you need a low-fuss showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously Easy and Fast: There’s nothing complicated here. Bake some cake, stir up the pudding—layer, chill, and pat yourself on the back. Just a few minutes hands-on and you’re done.
No Baking Stress: Store-bought cake mix and instant pudding take all the guesswork out. Perfect if you’re not a seasoned baker or just want reliability.
Fresh, Creamy, Fruity: Every bite feels like a little party—fruity pineapples, sweet banana, tender cake, and plenty of strawberries, all topped with a cool, creamy cloud.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: This dessert only gets better as it sits, so prep it ahead and relax.
Impresses Everybody: Even though the shortcut ingredients keep it simple, the layered look and joyful flavors light up any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these essentials and get ready to build layers of flavor and fun in minutes:

Frozen Strawberries: Thawed strawberries add a juicy, tangy-sweet punch and the unmistakable taste of summer. Tip: Use sliced fresh strawberries when in season for extra brightness.
Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: The pudding layer adds creamy richness and helps bind everything together. Pro tip: Chill it well so it thickens up nicely.
Cool Whip (Whipped Topping): Fluffy, pillow-soft, and impossibly easy—this topping ties the whole dessert together. Use any whipped topping you love, or swap for homemade whipped cream if you want.
Crushed Pineapples (Canned): Pineapples bring a hint of tart and a tropical vibe. Drain lightly so your layers stay perfectly moist, not soggy.
White Cake Mix: Your base for structure and sweetness. Follow box directions for the fluffiest, most reliable sponge every time. Yellow cake works, too, if that’s on hand.
Bananas: Sliced for the freshest note of creaminess and subtle flavor—never skip the bananas, they really finish it off.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Berry Medley: Go with a mix of berries—think blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a rainbow of flavor.
Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cake mix or add chocolate pudding for a crowd-pleasing spin.
Nut Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts between layers for added texture and a nutty kick.
Tropical Dream: Try mangoes and shredded coconut to double down on those sunshine flavors.
Low-Sugar or Dairy-Free: Use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping, or plant-based options—this recipe is easily adaptable.

How to Make Southern Strawberry Punch Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round pans, then prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely—this is important, so your fillings stay set.

Step 2: Make the Pudding

While the cake is baking, whisk up the vanilla pudding mix according to the package directions. Pop it into the fridge so it gets nice and thick by the time you’re ready to layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

If you haven’t already, thaw the strawberries and drain them if they’re super juicy. Slice the bananas and open that can of crushed pineapple.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, break one layer into chunky pieces and scatter them into the bottom of a big trifle dish or serving bowl.

Spoon half the vanilla pudding on top of the cake.
Spread half the crushed pineapple evenly.
Layer in a package of strawberries and top with slices from one banana.

Step 5: Repeat and Finish

Repeat those layers: cake pieces, pudding, pineapple, strawberries, and banana. Finish with a thick, fluffy layer of Cool Whip on the very top.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Chill your cake for a few hours, or even overnight if you’ve got time. Let those flavors mingle and meld! Serve cool and scoop out generous helpings—every spoonful should capture a bit of every layer.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cool Everything: Let your cakes and pudding cool fully—warm layers will make things messy, and pudding could seep too much.
Drain Pineapple Gently: Too much liquid can lead to a soggy dessert, but a little moisture keeps things luscious.
Layer Generously, But Evenly: Press down slightly as you go to compact the layers for clean serving but avoid squishing too hard, as you still want that bouncy texture.
Bananas Turn Brown: Tossing banana slices in a squeeze of lemon juice helps preserve their color.
Double the Batches: This cake goes quickly—make a double batch if serving a crowd.

How to Serve

This Southern Strawberry Punch Cake is best served with a big spoon and a sense of celebration. Scoop straight from the bowl or trifle dish for a casual, rustic presentation. It pairs beautifully with a tall glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a cup of coffee for a comforting finish. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the top with a few extra strawberries or a light dusting of cake crumbs.

For parties, set out extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of chopped nuts—let everyone add a bit of their own flourish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Punch cake stores like a dream. Scoop leftovers into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The cake stays ultra-moist from the juicy fruit and creamy pudding.

Freezing

While not every trifle holds up well to freezing, you can freeze extra cake by itself for later use, but assembled punch cake is best enjoyed fresh to keep the bananas and whipped topping perfect.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—this is meant to be served chilled! If almost too cold, just let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully, adding bright flavor and a bit more texture. Just hull and slice them before layering.
What size bowl should I use for layering?

A large trifle dish, deep glass salad bowl, or even a punch bowl works. The clearer the better—it shows off those beautiful layers.
Can I skip the bananas?

The bananas add wonderful creaminess, but if you’re not a fan (or have allergies), simply leave them out or swap for another fruit, like peaches or kiwi.
How far ahead can I make this cake?

Ideally, assemble it the night before so the flavors meld. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, especially for peak freshness and to keep the bananas looking great.

Final Thoughts

Southern Strawberry Punch Cake isn’t just simple, it’s pure joy layered in a bowl—effortless but memorable, and perfect for making any evening a little sweeter. Let yourself play with the flavors, trust the process, and don’t stress about perfection. Dive in, share it generously, and watch it become an instant favorite at your table. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious this classic Southern treat can be!