Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that’s as magical as it is tasty, look no further than the Unicorn Poke Cake. It’s a color-packed treat bursting with creamy pastel pudding and crowned with clouds of whipped topping and a shower of sparkles. Every bite brings a playful pop of color and melt-in-your-mouth softness, making this cake the star of any birthday, party, or simply just because you want to sprinkle a little joy into your day. The best part? It’s incredibly fun to make—with easy ingredients and no fancy baking skills required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Pudding Filling:
- 1 (3-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- Pastel food coloring (pink, purple, blue, yellow)
Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
- Unicorn sprinkles or edible glitter for topping
How to Make Unicorn Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by preparing the white cake mix according to the directions on the box. Grab your favorite 9×13-inch pan and give it a quick spray or butter, then pour in the cake batter and bake as instructed. The white cake is a blank canvas for the fun colors to come later! Once baked, let the cake cool for 15 minutes. You want it to be warm but not hot—this makes poking holes easier and helps the pudding absorb beautifully!
Step 2: Poke the Holes
Now comes the fun part: using the handle of a wooden spoon (or anything of similar size), poke holes all over the top of your cake, about one inch apart. Don’t worry about perfect lines! Kids will love helping with this step, and these little craters are the secret to pockets of pastel deliciousness swirling in every bite.
Step 3: Make and Color the Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it starts to thicken just slightly but is still pourable. Divide the pudding evenly into three or four small bowls—one for each of your pastel colors. Add a squeeze or drop of food coloring to each bowl and stir well. Gel food coloring is ideal for mixing up those dreamy unicorn hues without thinning out your pudding!
Step 4: Fill the Cake and Swirl the Top
Grab a spoon for each color and carefully fill the holes with your colored pudding, alternating colors as you go for a whimsical, unicorn-inspired effect. Don’t worry if some pudding spills onto the cake surface—it just adds to the magical look! When you’ve filled all the holes, gently spread any remaining pudding over the top of the cake in a light swirl pattern so you see a marbled cascade of colors.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Slide the cake into the fridge for at least two hours. This time lets the pudding set and soak into the cake, blending flavors and colors into every bite. When thoroughly chilled, whip out your container of thawed whipped topping and spread it smoothly over the entire surface. Now the real magic: scatter unicorn sprinkles or edible glitter across the top, making your Unicorn Poke Cake sparkle and shine.
How to Serve Unicorn Poke Cake
Garnishes
No Unicorn Poke Cake is complete without finishing touches that make it truly enchanting! After frosting with whipped topping, generously scatter unicorn sprinkles, pastel confetti, or edible glitter over the top. For extra flair, try adding a few piped swirls of colored whipped cream or tucking in edible sugar pearls, mini marshmallows, or luster dust. These pretty garnishes make every slice feel like a little celebration.
Side Dishes
Since this cake is delightfully sweet and eye-catching, pair it with simple sides that let it shine. Glasses of ice-cold milk, fragrant herbal teas, or a platter of fresh berries bring a nice balance without taking the spotlight away. For birthday parties, serve alongside fruit kabobs, lemonade, or a tray of mini sandwiches to round out your unicorn-themed spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really dazzle your guests? Try cutting the Unicorn Poke Cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters—hearts, stars, or classic unicorn outlines! For individual portions, scoop the cake into clear cups or jars to show off those magical pastel layers and sprinkles. Top each with a single unicorn horn cupcake topper for the ultimate party treat. Every serving becomes a little moment of magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cake pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. The pudding layer keeps the cake ultra-moist for up to 3 days, and the flavors might even intensify after a little refrigerator magic. Always keep it chilled to maintain that creamy texture and fresh taste.
Freezing
Want to make the magic last even longer? You can freeze slices of Unicorn Poke Cake after the pudding and before adding the whipped topping and sprinkles. Wrap each piece in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh whipped topping and garnishes right before serving for best results. Note: Sprinkles and edible glitter fare best when added after thawing to keep their shine.
Reheating
This cake is best served cold, so no reheating is needed! If you’ve just taken it from the fridge or freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a softer, slightly less-chilled bite. Enjoy it cool for those creamy ribbons of pastel pudding and light-as-a-cloud whipped topping.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! While a boxed white cake mix makes this Unicorn Poke Cake extra quick and foolproof, you can swap in your favorite homemade white cake recipe as the base. Just be sure it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan and fully cooled before poking the holes and adding the pudding magic.
Will regular food coloring work instead of gel?
You can use regular liquid food coloring in a pinch, but gel food coloring is recommended because it produces brighter, more vivid pastels without making the pudding too runny. If using liquid, add it gradually so the pudding stays thick and luxurious.
Can I make Unicorn Poke Cake ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, this cake tastes even better made a day in advance, since the pudding has extra time to soak into the cake. Simply wait to add the whipped topping and sprinkles until right before serving to keep everything looking fresh and magical.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Poke holes that go about three-quarters of the way down—enough for the pudding to soak into the cake, but not so deep that it drenches the bottom. After assembling, keep the cake well-covered in the fridge to maintain the right balance of moistness and fluffiness.
What occasions are perfect for Unicorn Poke Cake?
Anytime you want to spread a little cheer! This cake is a hit at birthday parties, baby showers, themed family gatherings, or just as a fun baking project with kids. Its whimsical colors and sweet flavors make it an instant mood-booster for both everyday celebrations and milestone moments.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something genuinely joyful about baking—and sharing—a Unicorn Poke Cake. Its vibrant colors, creamy layers, and playful sprinkles make every bite feel special. Whether you’re hosting a party, surprising someone you love, or brightening up your own day, this recipe is pure magic in every slice. Give it a try, and let yourself be whisked away on a swirl of sweetness and fun!
Print
Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Unicorn Poke Cake is a delightful and colorful dessert that is perfect for birthdays or themed parties. This fun and whimsical cake feature a white cake base filled with pastel-colored pudding and topped with whipped cream and unicorn sprinkles or edible glitter.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Pudding Filling:
- 1 (3-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- Pastel food coloring (pink, purple, blue, yellow)
Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
- Unicorn sprinkles or edible glitter for topping
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the white cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to package instructions. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Pudding Filling: Whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until slightly thickened. Divide into bowls and tint with pastel food coloring.
- Fill the Cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake. Spoon the colored pudding into the holes, alternating colors. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Finish and Decorate: Spread whipped topping over the cake, then decorate with unicorn sprinkles or edible glitter.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel shades without thinning the pudding.
- This cake is perfect for birthdays or themed parties and can be made a day in advance. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
