Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Celebrate Easter with this vibrant and festive Easter Poke Cake! This easy and colorful dessert features a soft white cake infused with pastel-tinted pudding, topped with a fluffy whipped topping and cheerful sprinkles. It’s a fun, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for Easter gatherings, potlucks, or just adding a splash of spring to your table.

What Is Easter Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a classic dessert where holes are poked into a baked cake and filled with pudding, Jell-O, or other fillings to add flavor and moisture. This Easter version uses vanilla pudding in pastel shades, making each bite a delicious and colorful surprise. Topped with whipped topping and festive sprinkles, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick – Uses a boxed cake mix for convenience.
• Festive & Colorful – Perfect for Easter celebrations.
• Moist & Delicious – The pudding adds a rich, creamy texture.
• Kid-Friendly – Fun for kids to help decorate!
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for preparing in advance.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)

For the Filling:

• 1 box (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• Food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, or any Easter colors)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
• ½ cup pastel sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions.
3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
4. Bake as directed on the box, usually 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool completely.

2. Poke & Fill the Cake

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake, about 1 inch apart.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the pudding mix with milk until smooth.
3. Divide the pudding into small bowls and tint each one with a few drops of food coloring.
4. Carefully pour the colored pudding into the holes, alternating colors for a fun effect.

3. Add the Topping

1. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake, covering all the pudding-filled holes.
2. Sprinkle the top with pastel sprinkles for a festive touch.

4. Chill & Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the pudding to set.
2. Slice and enjoy this colorful Easter delight!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
• Garnish with additional Easter decorations like chocolate eggs or marshmallow bunnies.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate the cake, covered, for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
• Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezing Instructions

• You can freeze the cake (without the whipped topping) for up to 1 month.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the whipped topping and sprinkles before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Twist – Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
• Lemon Poke Cake – Swap vanilla pudding for lemon pudding and use yellow food coloring.
• Jell-O Version – Use dissolved Jell-O instead of pudding for a fruity, colorful effect.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cake mix.
• Dairy-Free Version – Use almond milk for the pudding and dairy-free whipped topping.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Yes! You can bake a homemade white cake if you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before poking the holes.

What if I don’t have a wooden spoon to poke holes?
You can use a skewer, straw, or fork, but a wooden spoon handle makes the best-sized holes for pudding to soak in.

How far in advance can I make this cake?
This cake can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Add sprinkles just before serving to keep them from dissolving.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Use 1 cup of heavy cream and whip it with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until fluffy.

This Easter Poke Cake is an easy, festive, and fun dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday. With its colorful pudding filling, creamy topping, and cheerful sprinkles, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Make it ahead for an effortless Easter treat that looks as amazing as it tastes. Try it this Easter and let us know how you like it!

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