If you’re looking for a festive and fun dessert that bursts with color and flavor, this Easter Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute dream come true. It’s not just a delicious treat, but a showstopper that’s perfect for celebrating the season. The way the pastel-hued batter swirls together and becomes infused with creamy vanilla pudding makes every bite a delightful surprise. Topped with fluffy Cool Whip and adorned with cheerful sprinkles or Easter candies, this cake brings joy and sweetness to any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easter Poke Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a unique role. From the tender white cake base to the smooth vanilla pudding filling and the light, fluffy topping, every component works together to create a balanced and festive dessert.
- White cake mix (15.25 oz): A reliable base that bakes up moist and tender, perfect for absorbing flavors.
- Eggs or egg whites (3 large): Using egg whites keeps the cake extra white and light, enhancing its pastel appeal.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Adds moisture without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavor.
- Milk (3 cups, divided): Part for the cake batter and part to mix with the pudding, crucial for the creamy filling.
- Gel food coloring (3-4 colors): Pink, purple, and blue make this cake festive and vibrant, creating a playful marbled effect.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz): Infuses the cake with rich, smooth flavor once poured into the poked holes.
- Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Delivers a light, fluffy finish that complements the pudding-soaked cake.
- Sprinkles or Easter candy: Adds that final festive touch and a fun crunch on top.
How to Make Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven according to your cake mix instructions. Combine the white cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and part of the milk, mixing until smooth. Then, divide the batter evenly into separate bowls—one for each color you want to create. Adding gel food coloring to each bowl will give your cake that signature Easter vibrancy. Stir the colors gently; you want bold hues without overmixing.
Step 2: Create the Marbled Effect and Bake
Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish to keep your cake from sticking. Pour the different colored batters into the dish in alternating dollops to create a marbled, tie-dye look when baked. Avoid swirling them too much to maintain beautiful distinct patches of color. Pop it in the oven and bake according to package directions until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool just enough so it’s comfortable to handle, but still warm to soak up the pudding.
Step 3: Poke Holes and Add Pudding Filling
Grab a wooden spoon handle or a similar tool and poke holes all across the cake, spacing them evenly. This is the magic step that turns a simple cake into a spectacular poke cake. Mix the instant vanilla pudding with the remaining milk until smooth and pour it gently over the cake, filling the holes. The pudding will seep into the cake, making each bite moist and creamy with that irresistible vanilla flavor.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Once the pudding has had time to settle, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top using an offset spatula for a smooth finish. This fluffy layer adds lightness and balances the richness beneath. Finally, sprinkle on colorful Easter-themed sprinkles or candy for a festive finish that will delight all ages. The cake is now ready for its close-up and to be devoured!
How to Serve Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Easter Poke Cake Recipe is where you can truly let your creativity shine. Beyond classic pastel sprinkles and miniature Easter eggs, consider edible flowers, crushed nuts for texture, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. These little additions elevate the look and offer intriguing contrasts in flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides that won’t overpower its delicate taste. Think fresh fruit salad with berries, a scoop of lemon sorbet to cut the sweetness, or even a cup of herbal tea. Such accompaniments complement the creamy and colorful dessert perfectly, making your celebration feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a whimsical presentation, serve your Easter Poke Cake Recipe in a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and pudding layers. Alternatively, cut it into squares and place each piece on pastel-colored plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a spring flower on the side. Presentation is half the fun, and with this cake, you’ve got a lot of room to get playful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. This keeps the whipped topping fresh and the pudding moist. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain its texture and vibrant appearance.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t highly recommended for this particular Easter Poke Cake Recipe because the whipped topping can lose its fluffiness and the pudding might separate upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, remove any garnish first, wrap the cake tightly, and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This cake is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If the cake feels too chilled from the fridge, simply let it sit on the counter for 15–20 minutes to take the edge off before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake batter can work wonderfully and may add a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s a sturdy enough batter to hold up when you poke holes and pour in the pudding.
What if I don’t have gel food coloring? Can I use liquid instead?
Gel food coloring is preferred because it gives vivid colors without thinning the batter, which can affect baking. If you only have liquid, use it sparingly to avoid altering the batter’s consistency.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute cow’s milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free pudding mix and whipped topping. Just check labels to ensure all ingredients align with your dietary needs.
How long does it take for the pudding to soak in properly?
It’s best to let the pudding sit in the poked holes for about 30 minutes before adding the whipped topping. This gives the cake enough time to absorb the creamy filling fully.
Can I prepare this cake a day ahead for a party?
Definitely! In fact, making it the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Poke Cake Recipe is simply one of those wholesome, colorful treats that bring smiles and festive cheer to any table. Whether you’re baking with kids or looking to wow your guests, it offers that perfect combination of fun, flavor, and flair. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch as it becomes a beloved part of your Easter traditions!
Print
Easter Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate Easter with this vibrant and easy Easter Poke Cake featuring a marbled colorful white cake filled with creamy vanilla pudding, topped with fluffy Cool Whip and festive sprinkles or Easter candies. Perfect for spring gatherings and holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients
Cake
- 15.25 ounce package of white cake mix
- 3 large eggs or egg whites (for a whiter cake)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 cups milk, divided
- Gel food coloring in 3-4 colors (pink, purple, and blue recommended)
Filling
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup milk (remaining milk from total 3 cups)
Topping
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Sprinkles or Easter candy for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven as directed on the white cake mix package. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs or egg whites, vegetable oil, and 2 1/2 cups of milk. Mix according to the package instructions until smooth. Divide the batter evenly into 3 to 4 separate bowls and tint each portion using gel food coloring (pink, purple, and blue recommended) to create vibrant colors.
- Bake the Cake: Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Pour the colored batters alternately or in sections into the dish to create a marbled, colorful effect. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the colors gently if desired. Bake according to the cake mix instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a dowel, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake, spacing them evenly to allow the pudding mixture to soak in thoroughly.
- Prepare and Pour the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the remaining 1/2 cup milk until it begins to thicken. Pour this pudding mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and flavor the cake thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let it set.
- Frost the Cake: Once the pudding has settled, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
- Decorate: Garnish the cake with colorful sprinkles or Easter candies to add a festive touch perfect for the holiday. Chill the cake until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a whiter cake, use only egg whites instead of whole eggs.
- Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without altering the cake’s texture.
- Ensure the pudding is slightly thickened but not fully set before pouring to allow it to soak properly.
- Keep the cake refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and Cool Whip stability.
- Use an offset spatula for an evenly smooth frosting layer.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for convenient serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
