Easter is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious desserts! If you’re looking for a fun, colorful, and easy-to-make Easter dessert, this Easter Poke Cake is the perfect choice. With vibrant pastel colors, a moist cake base, and a creamy topping, this cake is not only eye-catching but also irresistibly delicious.
Whether you’re making it for an Easter brunch, a springtime gathering, or even transforming it into a Unicorn or Rainbow Cake for a birthday, this simple step-by-step recipe will ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Let’s dive in and make the best Easter Poke Cake ever!
Table of Contents
ToggleWhy You’ll Love This Easter Poke Cake
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
Fun & Colorful – Perfect for Easter, birthdays, or any celebration.
Super Moist & Delicious – The pudding filling keeps it extra moist.
Customizable – Adjust colors and flavors for any occasion.
Kid-Friendly – A fun baking project for little hands to help with.
Ingredients for Easter Poke Cake
For the Cake Base:
1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
Food coloring in pastel Easter shades (pink, blue, green, purple)
For the Pudding Filling:
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
For the Topping:
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
Easter sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
Mini chocolate eggs, marshmallow Peeps, or other festive toppings (optional)
How to Make Easter Poke Cake – Step by Step
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the Cake Mix: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box, using the ingredients called for (eggs, oil, and water).
Add Color: Divide the cake batter into 4 small bowls and add a few drops of different pastel food colors to each one. Stir well.
Create a Colorful Swirl: Spoon the different colored batters randomly into the prepared cake pan to create a tie-dye or rainbow effect. Gently swirl with a toothpick or skewer, but be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake: Bake according to the package instructions (usually 25-30 minutes), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Poke the Cake & Add the Filling
Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes.
Poke Holes: Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
Prepare the Pudding Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, until it thickens.
Pour the Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
Refrigerate: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping & Decorations
Spread the Topping: Evenly spread the Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) over the cake.
Decorate: Sprinkle with fun Easter sprinkles, colored sugar, or coconut flakes for extra flair.
Optional Extras: Add mini chocolate eggs, marshmallow Peeps, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Easter Poke Cake
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors give vibrant shades without thinning the batter.
Chill Before Serving: Let the cake sit in the fridge to develop the best flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: The cake tastes even better the next day!
Try Different Flavors: Swap the vanilla cake mix for chocolate or try cheesecake or white chocolate pudding instead.
Add Coconut Flavor: Mix coconut extract into the whipped topping and top with shredded coconut for extra Easter vibes.
Best Ways to Serve Easter Poke Cake
By Itself: This cake is amazing on its own, but you can make it even more special with:
Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, to enhance the sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy contrast.
Coffee or tea as a delightful afternoon snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~280
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 30g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftovers
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 1 month.
How to Reheat
Enjoy it cold directly from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs – Common Questions About Easter Poke Cake
Q: Do I have to make my own cake from scratch instead of using a box mix?
A: You can absolutely make your own homemade cake! Just use your favorite vanilla or white cake recipe if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s best chilled for a couple of hours, which makes it an ideal make-ahead dessert.
Q: What else can I use instead of pudding?
A: Try sweetened condensed milk or flavored yogurt for a different filling.
Q: Can I use buttercream instead of whipped topping?
A: Yes! Light buttercream frosting also works well for those who prefer a richer topping.
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Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to create the most delicious Easter Poke Cake, it’s time to add some bright festive fun to your tables! Whether you’re baking for Easter, a birthday, or just a simple sweet treat for the weekend, this moist and colorful cake will surely be a hit with everyone!
Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to tag us on social media using @optimalrecipes. Happy Baking!