Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Of course! You can make it up to a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge enhances the flavors. Just cover it well and store it cold till serving.

Can I swap out the cake flavor?

Definitely. Though yellow cake is traditional, white, vanilla, or lemon cake are great too. Chocolate is a fun twist that pairs nicely with the cherries!

What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?

Feel free to pick any pie filling you like—strawberry or blueberry are fantastic. For a less sugary option, go for fresh berries and lightly sweeten them.

Do I have to use a clear punch bowl or trifle dish?

Not at all, but a see-through bowl does show off the layers. A large serving bowl (4 quarts) works fine or even a 9x13 pan if that’s all you’ve got, though it won't look as dramatic.

How long does this cake stay fresh in the fridge?

You can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. After that, the bananas may brown, and the texture gets a bit mushy.

Can I skip the nuts if there are allergies?

Yes, just leave out the pecans! You can swap them with toasted coconut, cookie crumbs, chocolate curls, or just leave it plain—it’s up to you.

Delicious Punch Bowl Treat

Category: Sweet Treats for Every Craving

Bake and cube yellow cake, make pudding, then stack layers of cake bites, pudding, pineapple, banana slices, cherries, and whipped cream twice in a large bowl. Sprinkle pecans on top and chill.

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By Ana

Updated on Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:33:06 GMT

Layered Dessert Bowl | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this dessert in advance?: Of course! You can make it up to a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge enhances the flavors. Just cover it well and store it cold till serving.
→ Can I swap out the cake flavor?: Definitely. Though yellow cake is traditional, white, vanilla, or lemon cake are great too. Chocolate is a fun twist that pairs nicely with the cherries!
→ What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?: Feel free to pick any pie filling you like—strawberry or blueberry are fantastic. For a less sugary option, go for fresh berries and lightly sweeten them.
→ Do I have to use a clear punch bowl or trifle dish?: Not at all, but a see-through bowl does show off the layers. A large serving bowl (4 quarts) works fine or even a 9x13 pan if that’s all you’ve got, though it won't look as dramatic.
→ How long does this cake stay fresh in the fridge?: You can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. After that, the bananas may brown, and the texture gets a bit mushy.
→ Can I skip the nuts if there are allergies?: Yes, just leave out the pecans! You can swap them with toasted coconut, cookie crumbs, chocolate curls, or just leave it plain—it’s up to you.

Layered Dessert Bowl

An eye-catching dessert made with yellow cake, creamy pudding, pineapple chunks, sliced bananas, cherry filling, and whipped cream all layered beautifully in a glass bowl.

Prep Time

20 min

Cooking Time

25 min

Total Time

45 min

By: Ana

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yields: 16 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup of water

02 ½ cup of oil (vegetable, your choice)

03 15.25 ounces of yellow cake mix (pick your favorite brand)

04 3 large eggs, warmed to room temperature

05 6.8 ounces of vanilla pudding powder, instant mix

06 4 cups of whole milk, chilled

07 40 ounces of crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained

08 4 bananas, cut into slices

09 42 ounces of cherry pie filling

10 16 ounces of whipped topping, already thawed

11 ⅓ cup pecans, chopped finely

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and give your 9x13 pan a good coating of baker's spray. Toss the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs into a medium bowl. Blend the mixture with a handheld mixer until it’s smooth and everything’s combined. Pour into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let the cake completely cool off.

Step 02

Pour the pudding mix and cold milk into a medium-sized bowl, then blend at medium-low speed with a handheld mixer until it starts to thicken up.

Step 03

Cut your cooled cake into cubes. Take half and scatter them across the bottom of a 4-quart bowl. Follow with half of the pudding mix, then half of the pineapple. Add half the banana slices on top and spread one can of cherry filling over them. Finally, cover it all with a layer of whipped topping.

Step 04

Repeat all the layers in the same order—starting with cake cubes to the whipped topping—using the rest of your ingredients. Sprinkle the top layer of whipped topping with chopped pecans to finish off.

Step 05

Pop the bowl into the fridge, covered, for at least two hours so everything can set before you dig in.

Notes

It’s perfect for feeding a crowd if you’re headed to a potluck or big gathering.
If you want something fancier, swap the punch bowl for a clear trifle dish.
Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes the closer it gets to being done.
This dessert can be made the day before. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready to enjoy.