If you are looking to create a show-stopping dessert that embodies the spirit of springtime fun and easy delight, this Easter Poke Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant colors and layers of creamy vanilla goodness, this cake offers a marbled visual treat that tastes just as amazing as it looks. The magic happens when you poke holes into the freshly baked cake and pour luscious pudding over it, creating moist bursts of flavor that melt in your mouth. It’s a festive, joyful dessert that’s sure to be a centerpiece at any Easter gathering or spring celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, approachable ingredients make this Easter Poke Cake Recipe a breeze to prepare, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the fluffy cake base to the creamy pudding filling and light whipped topping, every component works in harmony to deliver a delightful texture and spring-inspired color palette.
- 15.25 ounce package of white cake mix: Provides a light, fluffy base and neutral flavor perfect for colorful additions.
- 3 large eggs or egg whites: Using egg whites makes the cake whiter, enhancing the pastel hues beautifully.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 3 cups milk, divided: Vital for mixing batter and pudding, ensuring smoothness and creaminess.
- Gel food coloring in 3-4 colors: Pink, purple, and blue recommended to create a beautiful marbled Easter effect.
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds rich, creamy flavor that soaks into the cake’s holes for a burst of delight.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping, thawed: This fluffy frosting balances the sweetness and adds a light finish.
- Sprinkles or Easter candy: For a festive, fun garnish that completes the look and adds crunch.
How to Make Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven as directed on the cake mix package. Combine the white cake mix with eggs (or egg whites), vegetable oil, and part of the milk according to package instructions. Split the batter evenly into bowls, then add gel food coloring to each to create your chosen palette of pastel colors. This is where the cake starts becoming a work of art, so have fun with the colors!
Step 2: Create the Marbled Batter and Bake
Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish for easy release. Alternate spoonfuls of each colored batter into the pan. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the colors together to create a beautiful marbled effect. Bake the cake based on the package directions, then allow it to cool until it’s warm but not hot—just right for the next step.
Step 3: Poke the Cake and Add Pudding
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a dowel, poke holes evenly throughout the entire cake surface. This simple step lets the delicious vanilla pudding soak in and infuse every bite with creamy richness. Mix the instant vanilla pudding mix with the remaining milk until smooth and pour it evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into those precious holes. Chill the cake for at least one hour to let everything set perfectly.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate Your Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the chilled cake with an offset spatula for a perfectly smooth finish. Then go wild with sprinkles or Easter candies, adding pops of color and texture that make this dessert irresistibly festive. Now your Easter Poke Cake Recipe is ready to impress friends and family alike!
How to Serve Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While sprinkles and Easter candies are classic finishes, you can also consider adding pastel-colored mini marshmallows, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. These little details make your cake even more festive and inviting for guests.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, which add a burst of natural sweetness and balance the indulgence. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side is also a perfect complement, especially when serving this as a celebratory dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the cake in clear glass dishes to showcase its marbled layers and pudding-filled pockets. You can also cut the cake into neat squares and place each slice on a pastel plate with a drizzle of berry sauce to amplify the springtime vibe. Personalizing the cake with edible name tags or messages elevates the serving experience, making it truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easter Poke Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain the cake’s moisture and freshness for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy more of this delicious treat without any compromise on quality.
Freezing
Freezing this cake is possible but not ideal due to the pudding and whipped topping. If you must freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to help preserve texture and avoid sogginess.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. This brings out the flavors without compromising the creamy texture of the pudding and whipped topping.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can prepare a homemade white cake batter if you prefer, but using a cake mix keeps this Easter Poke Cake Recipe quick and foolproof — which is especially helpful when preparing for a holiday gathering.
What types of food coloring work best?
Gel food coloring is highly recommended for this recipe because it provides vibrant colors without thinning the batter, helping you achieve those bright pastel hues perfect for Easter.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Vanilla is classic and complements the light cake, but feel free to experiment with other flavors such as lemon or coconut to add a unique twist to your Easter Poke Cake Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, by choosing dairy-free pudding mix, non-dairy milk, and whipped topping alternatives, you can adapt the recipe to be suitable for those with dairy restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can prepare the cake a day ahead, which allows the pudding to fully soak in and flavors to meld. Just cover and refrigerate it overnight for a perfectly moist and flavorful dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Poke Cake Recipe is a true celebration of color, flavor, and ease that brings family and friends together around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is a joyful project that rewards your effort with a deliciously festive finale. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved tradition in your own holiday celebrations.
Print
Easter Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours including cooling and setting
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Easter with this vibrant and fun Easter Poke Cake, featuring a colorful marbled white cake infused with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles or Easter candy. Perfect for spring gatherings, this cake combines moist texture and sweet flavors with an eye-catching presentation.
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
- 3 cups milk, divided
- Gel food coloring in 3-4 colors (pink, purple, and blue recommended)
Filling and Topping
- 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Sprinkles or Easter candy for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix package. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix with eggs or egg whites, vegetable oil, and part of the milk as instructed on the package. Mix until smooth.
- Color the Batter: Divide the cake batter evenly into 3 to 4 separate bowls. Add gel food coloring to each bowl to create bright pink, purple, blue, and any other colors you like, mixing well to incorporate.
- Create Marbled Effect and Bake: Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Carefully spoon the differently colored batters into the dish in layers or dollops to create a marbled pattern. Gently swirl if desired. Bake the cake following the package’s suggested time until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes until slightly warm but still pliable. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a wooden dowel, poke holes evenly across the entire cake surface to allow the pudding mixture to seep in.
- Prepare and Pour Pudding Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with the remaining milk until smooth and thickened per package instructions. Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, letting it fill the holes and absorb fully into the cake.
- Frost the Cake: Once the pudding has seeped in and the cake has cooled completely, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
- Decorate: Finish by garnishing the whipped topping with colorful sprinkles or Easter candy to add festive flair and texture.
Notes
- Using egg whites instead of whole eggs will yield a whiter cake.
- Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without watering down the batter.
- For best results, ensure the cake is warm but not hot before poking holes so it holds together well.
- Allow the pudding to fully absorb into the cake for at least 15-20 minutes before frosting.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher topping.
