If you’re looking for a dessert that brings a burst of color, flavor, and pure joy to your spring celebration, this Easter Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a bright and playful twist on a classic poke cake, layering vibrant gel-colored batter with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with fluffy whipped topping. Every bite is a delightful combination of moist cake and silky pudding, making it the perfect centerpiece for any Easter gathering or springtime party. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means you’ll get to enjoy the process as much as the final scrumptious result!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easter Poke Cake Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role—whether it’s providing that moist cake texture, that creamy pudding surprise, or the vivid splash of Easter colors that brings the cake to life.
- 15.25 ounce package of white cake mix: A reliable base that creates a tender, light cake perfect for soaking up pudding.
- 3 large eggs or egg whites: Using egg whites helps keep the cake beautifully white for a cleaner palette to show off the colors.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and gives it a soft crumb without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cups milk, divided: Part for the cake batter and the rest for the pudding—this dual-purpose ingredient adds richness and moisture.
- Gel food coloring in 3-4 colors (pink, purple, and blue recommended): These concentrated colors provide vivid hues for that signature Easter look without changing the batter’s consistency.
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix: The creamy filling that seeps through the cake, creating moist pockets of vanilla goodness.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping, thawed: The light, fluffy frosting that brings everything together with a silky finish.
- Sprinkles or Easter candy for garnish: Adds festive, colorful decoration and a little crunch to top off the cake beautifully.
How to Make Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on your cake mix box. Follow the package instructions to combine the white cake mix, eggs (or egg whites for a whiter result), vegetable oil, and part of the milk. This creates a smooth, classic batter ready for that Easter twist.
Step 2: Tint the Batter
Divide the batter evenly into 3 or 4 separate bowls. Add a few drops of each gel food coloring color to the bowls, stirring gently until you achieve rich, vibrant hues. Using gel coloring is key—it ensures your batter holds bright colors without diluting the texture.
Step 3: Create a Marbled Cake
Grease a 13×9 baking dish thoroughly. Alternate dollops of each colored batter into the pan, layering them to build a marbled, almost tie-dye effect. Don’t swirl too much—keeping the colors distinct makes the final cut slices visually stunning!
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake the colorful batter according to the cake mix instructions—usually around 30 to 35 minutes. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly but not fully, as it still needs to absorb the pudding mixture in the next step.
Step 5: Poke and Fill with Pudding
Take a wooden spoon handle or a dowel and poke holes evenly all over the surface of the warm cake. In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the remaining milk, whisking until thickened. Pour the pudding slowly over the top, letting it seep down into every hole. This step is where the magic happens, creating moist, creamy pockets.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Spread the thawed Cool Whip smoothly over the entire cake surface with an offset spatula. This light, fluffy layer balances the vibrant colors and rich pudding with airy sweetness, giving you that classic poke cake finish.
Step 7: Decorate with Easter Flair
Finally, sprinkle your favorite Easter sprinkles or candies over the whipped topping. This not only makes the cake irresistible but adds a playful texture and festive spirit that your family and friends will adore.
How to Serve Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the sprinkles and candy, consider fresh edible flowers, pastel-colored candies, or even tiny chocolate eggs to crown your cake. These garnish choices elevate the presentation and really capture the joyful essence of Easter.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a light lemon sorbet to cut through the sweetness. These sides keep the dessert course balanced and refreshing, a perfect complement for springtime feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into square portions and serve on pastel plates with a dollop of extra whipped topping. For a fun twist, try serving in clear cups layered with additional pudding and sprinkles for individual Easter poke pudding parfaits. Presentation with colorful napkins and fresh flowers really makes your table pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easter poke cake covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days, allowing the pudding to get even more luscious as it settles in the cake.
Freezing
Freezing this cake isn’t recommended because the pudding and whipped topping can separate and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a couple of days of making.
Reheating
This cake is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm a slice, heat it gently for just a few seconds in the microwave but be aware it may cause the pudding to lose its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake batter can give your Easter Poke Cake Recipe a personal touch, but using a box mix simplifies the process while delivering consistent, fluffy results.
What if I don’t have gel food coloring? Can I use liquid food coloring?
You can, but gel is preferred because it provides more vivid colors without watering down the batter. If you only have liquid, add less to avoid thinning your cake batter.
Can I use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, fresh whipped cream is a delicious alternative, though it may be less stable over time. For the best texture and longevity, Cool Whip or similar frozen whipped toppings are great choices.
Is it necessary to poke holes all over the cake?
Definitely! Poking holes ensures the pudding soaks through evenly, giving this cake its signature moist, creamy texture with every bite.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure your pudding mix and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. This cake can be easily adapted for dietary needs!
Final Thoughts
This Easter Poke Cake Recipe is the kind of treat that brings a smile just by looking at it and even more joy while eating. Its bright colors and luscious layers make it a show-stopping dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering—you’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and your family and friends will be raving about it long after the last crumb is gone.
