If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than this Festive Easter Poke Cake. Picture fluffy white cake soaked with puddles of pastel pudding, all crowned with a cloud of whipped topping and showered in Easter sprinkles — it’s like springtime captured in a pan! With its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, the Festive Easter Poke Cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or any spring celebration.

Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- Pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue)
For Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
- Easter sprinkles or candy for decoration

How to Make Festive Easter Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Begin by preparing the white cake mix according to the instructions on the package. Pour it into a 9×13-inch pan for a classic sheet cake shape and bake it in the oven until a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean. Once the cake is golden and fluffy, take it out and let it cool for about 15 minutes—just enough time to protect your hands and create the perfect consistency for “poking.”

Step 2: Poke the Cake

This is the fun part! Grab the handle of a wooden spoon (or something similarly rounded) and poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart from each other. Don’t hold back—the more holes you make, the more those colorful layers will swirl through every slice.

Step 3: Mix and Color the Pudding

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it just starts to thicken. Split the pudding evenly among four bowls, using one for each color, and stir in a few drops of pastel food coloring per bowl. You’ll be amazed by how quickly these vibrant hues appear.

Step 4: Fill the Holes with Pudding

Spoon or gently pour your colorful puddings into the holes in the cake. Alternate between colors so every bite is a lovely mosaic of pink, yellow, green, and blue. If you have leftover pudding, smooth it across the top so nothing goes to waste and the entire cake stays deliciously moist.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pop the whole cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling ensures that the pudding sets perfectly inside the cake, locking in all the playful colors and making your Festive Easter Poke Cake ultra-refreshing.

Step 6: Add Whipped Topping and Decorate

Once chilled, spread a generous layer of thawed whipped topping all over the top. Now comes the magic — scatter Easter sprinkles, pastel candies, or even edible grass to tie your masterpiece together. It instantly looks ready for a holiday celebration!

How to Serve Festive Easter Poke Cake

Garnishes

Let your creativity shine with the toppings! A handful of Easter sprinkles or candy eggs makes your Festive Easter Poke Cake look like it came straight from a spring bakery window. You can also add coconut dyed green for a grass effect, or arrange chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks for extra whimsy. The result is always photogenic, totally charming, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light spring salads, fresh fruit platters, or a bubbly punch. Since Festive Easter Poke Cake is sweet and flavorful, serve it alongside dishes that won’t overshadow its cheerful profile. Classic ham, deviled eggs, or asparagus are all ideal for rounding out your Easter spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You’re not limited to a simple cut-and-serve! Try slicing the cake into individual squares and placing them in cupcake liners for party-ready treats. Arrange slices in a rainbow pattern, or top each piece with a personalized message written in icing. You could even make mini poke cakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins—perfect for little hands or dessert buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Festive Easter Poke Cake, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it keeps beautifully moist for up to four days. In fact, many find it tastes even better after sitting overnight as the flavors continue to mingle.

Freezing

To freeze, first let the cake chill completely, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite, just let your slice sit at room temp for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying — it will soften the pudding slightly without curdling the whipped topping.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade white cake recipe, feel free to use it as the base for your Festive Easter Poke Cake. Just make sure the cake is sturdy enough to hold the pudding and that it’s cooled before poking the holes.

What’s the best way to make vibrant pastel colors?

Gel food coloring works wonders for bold, beautiful pastels. Start with just a few drops and add more as needed, mixing well to achieve your perfect shade. Liquid colors can work, but may be less vivid and might thin the pudding.

Can I use different pudding flavors?

Definitely! While vanilla keeps things classic, you can try white chocolate, lemon, or even coconut pudding for a delicious twist on Festive Easter Poke Cake. Just make sure your flavor choice doesn’t overpower the fun, colorful appearance.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

This dessert is ideal for making a day ahead! Chilling it in the fridge overnight actually enhances the texture and flavor. Just wait to add the whipped topping and decorations until right before serving so they stay fresh and fluffy.

Are there any gluten-free options?

You can easily use a gluten-free white cake mix for the same delicious results. Double-check your pudding mix and toppings to make sure they’re gluten-free as well, and everyone can enjoy a slice of Festive Easter Poke Cake.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings joy to the table quite like a slice of Festive Easter Poke Cake. Its colorful layers, creamy filling, and cheerful sprinkles are guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike. If you’re ready to spread a little sweetness and sunshine this spring, this cake is your answer — give it a try and make your Easter truly memorable!

Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with this colorful and delightful Festive Easter Poke Cake. A moist white cake filled with vibrant pastel pudding layers, topped with fluffy whipped cream and Easter sprinkles, this dessert is a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

For the Pudding Layer:

1 (3-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
Pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue)

For Topping:

1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
Easter sprinkles or candy for decoration

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.
Create Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
Make Pudding: Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Divide into 4 bowls and tint each with food coloring.
Fill the Holes: Spoon or pour the colored pudding into the holes, alternating colors. Spread any remaining pudding over the top.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.
Top and Decorate: Spread whipped topping over the cake and decorate with Easter sprinkles or candy.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel shades.
For a fun twist, add crushed chocolate eggs or shredded coconut dyed green on top.
Best served chilled.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American