If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the joyful spirit of springtime, you simply must try this Easter Poke Cake Recipe. It’s a light and fluffy white cake filled with a luscious vanilla pudding that seeps into every bite, then topped with whipped cream, colorful shredded coconut, and festive candies like Cadbury Mini Eggs and Peeps Bunnies. This cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes as well, making it an absolute showstopper on any Easter table. Whether you’re celebrating with family or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a brunch, this cake brings a delightful mix of creamy textures and seasonal charm that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this cheerful and irresistible Easter Poke Cake Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the fluffy cake base to the creamy pudding filling, and the colorful toppings that bring everything to life. Using a boxed white cake mix makes baking a breeze, while instant pudding and whipped cream combine to create that signature moist and dreamy texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- 1 box white cake mix (+ ingredients to make): The foundation of our cake, ensuring a soft and tender crumb that pairs perfectly with pudding.
- 3.4 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix: This powder thickens with milk to form the creamy surprise inside the cake.
- 2 cups milk: Needed to prepare the vanilla pudding, making it smooth and flavorful.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection to top the cake for a light and airy finish.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just right without overpowering it.
- ⅓ cup instant vanilla pudding mix (dry): Adds extra flavor and stability to the whipped topping.
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut: Provides a fun texture and, when colored with food coloring, an Easter-themed burst of color.
- Green, pink, and purple food coloring (optional): Use these to tint your coconut for festive pastel hues that pop.
- 30 Cadbury Mini Eggs: The quintessential Easter candy that adds a chocolatey crunch.
- 15 Peeps Bunnies: These marshmallow favorites bring a whimsical, traditional Easter touch to decorate your cake.
How to Make Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing your white cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at the recommended temperature for about 13 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Baking it perfectly ensures a tender, moist base that will soak up the pudding just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding
While the cake is still warm, whisk together the 3.4 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of milk until thickened. The pudding should be creamy and smooth—this will be poured over the cake and gently soaked in to create that signature “poke” effect that makes every bite deliciously moist.
Step 3: Poke the Cake and Pour the Pudding
Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled but still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly all over the top. Slowly pour the prepared pudding over the cake, allowing it to seep into every crevice for maximum flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Whip the Cream Topping
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and ⅓ cup dry instant vanilla pudding mix until stiff peaks form. This whipped topping will provide a luscious, fluffy layer atop the pudding-soaked cake, balancing creaminess with lightness.
Step 5: Color and Add the Coconut
Divide the shredded coconut into three bowls and tint each with green, pink, and purple food coloring. Mix the colors in until evenly coated. This colorful coconut topping adds texture and Easter cheer. Sprinkle it generously over the whipped cream layer, letting the pastel hues make your cake truly festive.
Step 6: Decorate with Candy
Finish off your Easter Poke Cake Recipe by topping it with Cadbury Mini Eggs and Peeps Bunnies. Arrange them with care for a whimsical, inviting look that promises sweet bites of chocolate and marshmallow in every slice.
How to Serve Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the coconut and candies, you can add extra freshly sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of edible glitter to make the Easter theme pop even more. Mint leaves or pastel sprinkles can also bring a pop of freshness and additional color contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake shines wonderfully alongside light, fresh fruit salads or a bright citrus punch. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness if you’re serving it as part of a larger Easter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake in individual clear cups layered with extra pudding and shredded coconut, perfect for picnics or potlucks. Alternatively, slice the cake into bars and place each on a pastel-colored plate with a candy bunny for an easy grab-and-go dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easter Poke Cake Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake moist and the whipped topping fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it covered well to prevent the cake from absorbing any other fridge odors.
Freezing
While you can freeze this cake, it’s best to do so before adding the whipped cream and coconut toppings. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh toppings before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Because this is a chilled pudding cake, reheating isn’t recommended as it can compromise the texture. Instead, simply serve the cake cold or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake works beautifully if you prefer. Just ensure it’s fluffy and not too dense so that the pudding can soak in well.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
Heavy cream whips best for that rich topping, but you can try whipping coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can prepare the cake base and pudding layer a day ahead but add the whipped cream topping and decorations the same day you plan to serve it for the freshest look and taste.
What can I use instead of Cadbury Mini Eggs and Peeps?
Feel free to swap in any favorite Easter candies or chocolate eggs. Jelly beans, pastel M&Ms, or small marshmallow chicks also work nicely.
Is it okay to skip the food coloring in the coconut?
Totally! The cake will still taste fabulous without it; the colored coconut just adds a fun visual Easter touch.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Poke Cake Recipe is truly a must-make if you want to wow your friends and family with a dessert that’s as joyful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with vibrant colors and nostalgic Easter candies, will bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and bake a slice of spring happiness today!
