Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—just bake, poke, fill, and chill
- Fun and festive—perfect for Easter or any springtime event
- Moist and creamy—the pudding filling keeps the cake soft and delicious
- Customizable—change up the colors and decorations for any occasion
- Make-ahead friendly—tastes even better after chilling overnight
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box of white cake mix (plus any ingredients it requires, such as eggs, oil, and water)
- Gel food coloring (a variety of pastel colors for an Easter palette)
- 2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups of milk (to prepare the pudding)
- 1 container of Cool Whip, thawed
- Easter-themed sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Divide the batter into separate bowls, one for each color you want to use. Add a few drops of pastel gel food coloring to each bowl and gently swirl the colors together in the pan for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the colored batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the cake mix instructions, usually 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the Cake:
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare the Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Fill the Cake:
- Pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
- Top with Cool Whip:
- Once the cake has chilled, spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the top.
- Decorate with Easter-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Different Colors: Swap pastel shades for bright summer colors, red and green for Christmas, or team colors for a party.
- Flavor Twist: Try chocolate cake with chocolate pudding for a rich variation.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Replace Cool Whip with freshly whipped heavy cream for a fresher taste.
- Fruity Addition: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or crushed pineapple before the whipped topping.
- Extra Toppings: Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce for more indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is a baked cake that has holes poked into it, allowing a flavorful filling like pudding, Jell-O, or condensed milk to soak in, making it extra moist and delicious.
Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
Yes! You can use a homemade white or vanilla cake if you prefer.
Do I have to use pudding, or can I use another filling?
You can also use Jell-O, sweetened condensed milk, or fruit puree for different flavors.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
How do I keep my cake from getting soggy?
Don’t overfill the holes with pudding—just enough to soak in without making the cake mushy.
Can I use different pudding flavors?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, banana, or lemon pudding for a twist.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon, a straw, or a chopstick to make evenly spaced holes.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Whip 1½ cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form.
Do I need to refrigerate this cake?
Yes! Since it contains pudding and whipped topping, it must be stored in the fridge.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Crushed cookies, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts make great crunchy additions.
Conclusion
This Easter-themed poke cake is an easy, colorful, and delicious dessert perfect for spring gatherings. With its soft cake, creamy pudding filling, and fluffy whipped topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any celebration. Try it out and enjoy a fun, festive treat!
Print
Poke Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Poke cake is a fun and easy dessert featuring a soft, fluffy cake infused with creamy pudding and topped with whipped cream. This festive version is decorated with pastel colors, making it perfect for Easter and spring celebrations. Moist, colorful, and delicious, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus required ingredients: eggs, oil, water)
- Gel food coloring (pastel shades)
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups milk
- 1 container Cool Whip, thawed
- Easter-themed sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Divide batter, color with gel food coloring, swirl in a 9×13-inch greased pan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes: Using a wooden spoon handle or straw, poke holes 1 inch apart across the cake.
- Prepare Pudding: Whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Fill the Cake: Pour pudding over the cake, spreading evenly so it fills the holes. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Top with Cool Whip: Spread Cool Whip evenly over the chilled cake. Add sprinkles for decoration.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Customization: Try different colors, pudding flavors, or homemade whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
