This Easter Poke Cake is the dessert your spring table has been waiting for: a soft, fluffy white cake filled with pastel-hued vanilla pudding, decked out with clouds of whipped topping and a festive rainfall of sprinkles. Every forkful is bright, creamy, and full of playful color, perfect for sunny celebrations. Whether you’re making memories with little ones or need an easy showstopper for brunch, this simple poke cake captures the magic and delight of Easter in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
White Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Vanilla Pudding:
- 1 package (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Pastel Pudding:
- Pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, green)
Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
- Easter sprinkles or candy for garnish
How to Make Easter Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the White Cake
Start by preparing the white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour it into a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things classic and fuss-free. Bake until it springs back lightly to the touch or a toothpick comes out clean—your whole kitchen will smell like a bakery! Let it cool just a bit, enough that it’s not too hot to handle but still slightly warm for the next step.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
This is honestly the most fun part! Grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes evenly all over the cake, about an inch apart. Aim for a patchwork effect, making sure you don’t go all the way through to the bottom. These little wells are what let your colorful pudding seep down into the cake and create that beautiful mosaic when you slice it.
Step 3: Tint and Prepare the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together your instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes—just until it starts to thicken. Then divide the pudding into four small bowls and tint each one with a different pastel food coloring. Go for pink, yellow, blue, and green to echo all the best parts of spring. Swirl each color well, but don’t worry about perfection—it only adds charm!
Step 4: Fill with Colored Pudding
Gently spoon or pour your colored pudding into the holes in the cake, alternating the colors for a truly eye-catching effect. Use a spoon or offset spatula to smooth the top and encourage the pudding into every nook. The result will be as beautiful inside as it is outside, and every cut reveals a vibrant surprise.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Cover the filled cake and slide it into the fridge for at least an hour. This chill time allows the pudding to fully set and soak into the sponge, transforming every bite into a dreamy, creamy forkful. It also makes the cake easier to slice and serve—great for busy hosts or for prepping ahead of time.
Step 6: Top and Decorate
Once chilled, spread a thick, even layer of thawed whipped topping all over the cake. Finish with a generous scatter of Easter sprinkles or pastel candies—don’t be shy, it’s a celebration after all! The final flourish makes the cake sparkle and instantly invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Easter Poke Cake
Garnishes
A cake this playful deserves plenty of pizzazz! Sprinkle pastel jimmies, mini chocolate eggs, or bunny-shaped candies on top just before serving. For a grown-up twist, a scattering of toasted coconut or white chocolate shavings takes things up a notch. If you want that fresh-from-the-garden feel, a few edible flowers would look gorgeous and elevate your Easter Poke Cake to centerpiece status.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with light, refreshing sides to balance all the sweetness. A simple fruit salad with berries, grapes, and citrus segments works beautifully, adding lively color and tartness. For a brunch spread, consider serving with coffee, hot tea, or even sparkling lemonade—each sip helps round out the creamy, dreamy flavors of your Easter Poke Cake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, cut the cake into squares and nestle each one into a colorful cupcake wrapper for an easy grab-and-go treat. Glass trifle bowls also make a stunning alternative for layering cake cubes, pudding, and whipped topping for personal desserts. You can even use cookie cutters to create adorable shapes or “egg” slices that are guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easter Poke Cake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to keep the pudding and whipped topping fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. The cake gets even creamier and more delicious as it sits!
Freezing
If you want to make the cake well in advance, you can freeze it (minus the sprinkles and whipped topping) for up to one month. Wrap the cooled, filled cake tightly in a double layer of plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add your whipped topping and decorations just before serving.
Reheating
Easter Poke Cake is at its absolute best served chilled or at cool room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve frozen the cake, let it thaw in the fridge until cold and creamy throughout—no oven or microwave needed, just slice, garnish, and enjoy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite white cake recipe, you can substitute it for the box mix. Just make sure it bakes up fluffy and moist, so the pudding soaks in nicely. Homemade or boxed, your Easter Poke Cake will still be a crowd-pleaser.
What other pudding flavors work in Easter Poke Cake?
Vanilla is classic, but don’t hesitate to get creative! White chocolate, cheesecake, or even lemon instant puddings are all delicious options. Each brings a subtle twist to the cake’s flavor and pairs well with those lovely pastel colors.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Look for a gluten-free white cake mix and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free as well. All your add-ins, like food coloring and sprinkles, should also be gluten-free for a dessert everyone can enjoy worry-free.
Can I make Easter Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is actually better when made ahead, as it gives the pudding time to meld with the cake. You can prepare everything but the whipped topping and decorations a day in advance, and just finish decorating before serving.
How do I avoid the colors bleeding together?
The trick is to use a small spoon or piping bag to add each pudding color slowly and precisely into the holes. If you see a bit of mixing, don’t stress—those happy swirls are all part of Easter Poke Cake’s charm!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add fun, color, and plenty of smiles to your spring table, there’s nothing quite like Easter Poke Cake. From its rainbow surprise center to its irresistibly creamy bite, this dessert is pure festive joy. Gather your favorite people, get creative with the colors and toppings, and enjoy making (and eating) this beloved treat together!
PrintEaster Poke Cake Recipe
This Easter Poke Cake is a colorful and delicious dessert that’s perfect for your holiday celebrations. With layers of moist white cake filled with pastel-colored pudding and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, it’s a festive treat that will delight both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
White Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Vanilla Pudding:
- 1 package (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Pastel Pudding:
- Pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, green)
Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
- Easter sprinkles or candy for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the directions on the white cake mix to prepare and bake a cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Make the Pudding: Whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until slightly thickened. Divide into 4 bowls and tint each with a different pastel color.
- Fill the Cake: Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes in the cake. Pour the colored pudding into the holes, alternating colors.
- Chill and Decorate: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour. Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake and decorate with Easter sprinkles or candies.
Notes
- You can use white chocolate or cheesecake pudding for a different flavor.
- Add crushed cookies or coconut between layers for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
