This Easter Poke Cake is a fun, festive, and colorful dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday! A soft and fluffy cake is infused with vibrant pastel colors, soaked with sweet pudding or Jello, and topped with a luscious whipped topping. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and guaranteed to be a hit at your Easter gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Uses simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Super moist and flavorful – The “poke” method ensures every bite is rich and delicious.
- Perfect for Easter – Beautiful pastel colors make it a festive treat.
- Customizable – Choose different flavors and colors to match your preference.
- Make-ahead friendly – Ideal for prepping a day before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (or Jello, depending on preference)
- Milk (for pudding mix)
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Food coloring (pastel shades: pink, yellow, green, blue)
- Easter sprinkles or candy for decorating
Directions
1. Bake the Cake
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed.
- Let the cake cool completely.
2. Poke the Cake
- Using a wooden spoon handle or a straw, poke holes all over the cooled cake.
3. Prepare the Filling
- If using pudding: Whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth. Pour over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
- If using Jello: Dissolve Jello in hot water, then pour it over the cake.
4. Chill the Cake
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to soak in.
5. Add the Topping
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Swirl food coloring into the topping for a marbled effect, or divide it into bowls, tint with different colors, and dollop onto the cake.
6. Decorate and Serve
- Sprinkle Easter-themed decorations (like pastel sprinkles or mini eggs) on top.
- Slice and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Use different cake flavors – Try lemon, Funfetti, or strawberry cake mix.
- Make it extra fruity – Use Jello in flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or lemon.
- Add cream cheese frosting – Mix softened cream cheese with whipped topping for a richer topping.
- Make it gluten-free – Use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Use homemade cake – Instead of a mix, make a simple vanilla cake from scratch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without whipped topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and add topping before serving.
- Serving: Best served chilled straight from the fridge.
FAQs
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is a baked cake that has holes poked into it, allowing fillings like pudding, Jello, or syrup to seep in for extra moisture and flavor.
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better after chilling overnight.
Do I have to use Jello or pudding?
No, you can also use sweetened condensed milk or fruit puree for a different twist.
How do I make pastel swirls in the whipped topping?
Drop small amounts of food coloring into the whipped topping and gently swirl with a toothpick or knife.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon for large holes or a fork for smaller ones.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla for a homemade alternative.
What decorations work best for Easter?
Pastel sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, shredded coconut dyed green for “grass,” or Peeps make great toppings.
Can I make this cake in cupcake form?
Yes! Bake cupcakes, poke small holes, add filling, and top with whipped cream.
How do I prevent my cake from getting soggy?
Make sure not to overpour the filling—just enough to seep into the holes.
Can I use chocolate cake instead?
Yes! A chocolate poke cake with vanilla or caramel filling is delicious.
Conclusion
This Easter Poke Cake is the ultimate festive dessert—fun, colorful, and irresistibly moist! Whether you choose pudding or Jello for the filling, the result is a sweet and creamy cake that will be the highlight of your Easter table. Try it out and enjoy a delightful springtime treat!
Description
This Easter Poke Cake is a moist, colorful, and creamy dessert that’s perfect for spring! Made with white cake, vibrant pastel pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, it’s an easy make-ahead treat that will wow your guests.
For the Cake:
For the Poke Filling:
For the Topping:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions, adding vanilla extract if using.
- Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Poke & Color the Filling
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
- In a bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Divide the pudding into 3-4 small bowls and add a few drops of gel food coloring to each, stirring until well mixed.
- Spoon the colored pudding into the holes, alternating colors for a fun effect.
Step 3: Chill & Decorate
- Spread Cool Whip evenly over the cake.
- Sprinkle with Easter sprinkles or top with pastel candy eggs.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (best if chilled for 4 hours).
Notes
- For extra flavor, swap vanilla pudding for lemon or coconut.
- Make it from scratch! Use homemade white cake and whipped cream for a fully homemade version.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a chocolate twist, use chocolate cake with pastel-colored pudding!