This festive Easter Poke Cake is a colorful, delicious dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any springtime gathering! With a moist cake base, creamy filling, and a fun pop of pastel colors, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and fun – A simple cake with a playful twist, perfect for any skill level.
Moist and flavorful – The poke technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Perfect for Easter celebrations – Bright, colorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Customizable – Switch up the colors and flavors to make it your own.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

Cake mix (vanilla or yellow cake)
Sweetened condensed milk
Pudding mix or gelatin
Whipped topping
Food coloring

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.

Directions

1. Bake the Cake

Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions and bake in a 9×13 pan. Let it cool completely.

2. Poke the Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. This is where the filling will seep in and add extra flavor.

3. Prepare the Filling

Mix the pudding or gelatin with sweetened condensed milk, then pour it over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.

4. Chill the Cake

Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Decorate with Whipped Topping

Spread whipped topping evenly over the cake. For a festive touch, tint portions of the topping with pastel food coloring and swirl it together.

6. Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle with Easter-themed decorations like colored sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or shredded coconut dyed green for a grass effect.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a skewer for smaller holes – If you want the filling to distribute more evenly, use a skewer instead of a spoon handle.
Let it chill longer – For the best flavor and texture, let the cake sit overnight in the fridge.
Don’t overmix the colors – If you want a marbled effect, swirl the food coloring gently into the whipped topping.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap vanilla cake mix for chocolate or lemon for a different flavor profile.
Use flavored pudding or gelatin to match your Easter theme.
Add a layer of crushed cookies between the cake and whipped topping for extra texture.
Top with fresh berries for a fresh, fruity twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Easter Poke Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light citrus salad for a refreshing contrast. It’s also a perfect dessert after a classic Easter ham dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
This cake is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it!
If making ahead, prepare and store the cake without the toppings, then add them just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?

Yes! A from-scratch vanilla or yellow cake works just as well.

2. What’s the best way to poke the holes?

A wooden spoon handle works great, but a skewer will give you smaller, more evenly distributed holes.

3. Can I freeze Easter Poke Cake?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to a month and add the toppings after thawing.

4. Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Conclusion

This Easter Poke Cake is the perfect sweet treat to brighten up your holiday table. It’s fun, festive, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making it for kids, family, or friends, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Easter Poke Cake

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This vibrant and moist Easter Poke Cake features a white cake base swirled with pastel colors, infused with creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with a light whipped cream frosting. It’s a festive and easy-to-make dessert that will brighten up your holiday table.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including chilling time)
Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 box white cake mix
Ingredients as per cake mix instructions (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Gel food coloring in pastel shades (such as pink, blue, and purple)
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
Easter-themed sprinkles or candies for decoration

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls.
- Add a few drops of different gel food coloring to each bowl to achieve your desired pastel colors. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Spoon the colored batters into the prepared baking dish in a random pattern. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
- Bake according to the package instructions, typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Poke and Fill:
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes approximately 1 inch apart all over the cake.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Spread any remaining pudding evenly over the top of the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for about 2 hours, allowing the pudding to set.
Frost and Decorate:
- Once the cake has set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top.
- Decorate with Easter-themed sprinkles or candies as desired.
- Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

For a homemade touch, you can substitute the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream.
Feel free to get creative with the colors and decorations to match your Easter theme.
This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.