Delicious Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Are you ready to add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your Easter celebration? Look no further than this delightful Easter Poke Cake recipe! With its vibrant pastel swirls and creamy vanilla pudding filling, this dessert is a showstopper that will leave your guests in awe. Perfect for spring gatherings, this cake not only looks stunning but also delivers a moist and flavorful experience with every bite.

Crafted from a white cake mix and tinted with pink, purple, and blue gel food coloring, this Easter Poke Cake is a breeze to make yet delivers impressive results. The magic happens when the cake is poked and filled with luscious vanilla pudding, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout. Topped with a cloud of Cool Whip frosting and festive sprinkles or Easter candy, this cake is as fun to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate brunch, this make-ahead dessert is sure to become a new Easter tradition in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dessert that will steal the show at your Easter table.

Quick Benefits

• Vibrant pastel swirls create a stunning spring dessert with minimal effort needed for decorating.
• Pudding-filled pockets make every bite incredibly moist and flavorful, elevating the texture of the cake.
• Using cake mix and instant pudding allows for a quick and impressive dessert perfect for Easter gatherings.
• Make-ahead option enhances flavor, making it a convenient choice for busy holiday preparations.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Easter Poke Cake Recipe Recipe

• Eye-catching Appearance: The vibrant pastel swirls create a stunning spring dessert with no fancy decorating skills required.
• Moist and Flavorful: The pudding-filled pockets make every bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Minimal Effort: Using cake mix and instant pudding means this impressive dessert comes together with minimal effort.
• Make-ahead Option: Make it a day ahead for even better flavor, perfect for busy holiday preparations.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike are drawn to its festive appearance and nostalgic flavor combination.
• Versatile: Easily adapt for other holidays like Fourth of July or Halloween by changing colors and flavors.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Cut into small or larger portions for easy serving at any event.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze the unfrosted cake for up to a month.

Ingredients for Delicious Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Cake Base

• Gel food coloring in 3-4 colors (pink, purple, and blue recommended)
• 1 cup milk (from the 3 cups total)
• 3 large eggs or egg whites (egg whites for truer colors)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 15.25 ounce package of white cake mix

Filling and Topping

• 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
• 8 ounces Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2 cups milk (remaining from the 3 cups total)
• Sprinkles or Easter candy for garnish

Pro Tips for Delicious Easter Poke Cake Recipe

For a visually stunning Easter Poke Cake, use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant pastel hues without thinning the batter. Minimal swirling through the colored batters creates the best marbled effect – aim for 4-5 gentle passes. To ensure clean slices, cut with a warm knife and wipe clean between cuts for perfect presentation.

To enhance the flavor and texture of your Easter Poke Cake, make it a day ahead for even better taste. This make-ahead dessert not only saves time on busy holiday preparations but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. To keep leftovers fresh, store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to prepare in advance for a larger gathering, freeze the unfrosted, pudding-filled cake for up to a month and add the Cool Whip topping before serving.

How to Make Delicious Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 glass baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

Step 2: Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs (or egg whites), oil, and 1 cup of milk until smooth.

Step 3: Step 03

Separate the cake batter into three bowls. Add a drop or two of food coloring at a time to each bowl, adjusting the amount to reach the desired color.

Step 4: Step 04

Spoon dollops of batter into the baking dish in alternating colors. Use a knife to lightly swirl the colors without overmixing.

Step 5: Step 05

Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs. Allow the cake to cool.

Step 6: Step 06

Once the cake has cooled, use the round end of a wooden spoon or a wooden dowel to poke holes all over the cake, going about two-thirds deep and spacing them ¾ to 1 inch apart.

Step 7: Step 07

Make the pudding mixture by whisking together instant pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until fully combined and slightly thickened. Pour over cake and spread evenly, pressing down to fill the holes.

Step 8: Step 08

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to thicken the pudding. Garnish with Cool Whip and sprinkles before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Easter Poke Cake, it is best stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake slices beautifully and maintains its shape well when chilled, making it convenient for serving to guests over a few days or enjoying leftovers. To keep the cake fresh and flavorful, ensure it is tightly covered or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage options, you can freeze the unfrosted, pudding-filled cake for up to a month. Thaw the frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before adding the Cool Whip frosting and serving. Freezing the cake allows you to prepare it in advance for special occasions or busy holidays, providing a convenient make-ahead dessert option that retains its moistness and flavor when properly stored and thawed.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the white cake mix, you can substitute it with a homemade white cake recipe if you prefer not to use a boxed mix. You can make a simple white cake batter using flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, milk, and vanilla extract.

If you don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix, you can make a homemade pudding filling by cooking a vanilla custard on the stovetop. This will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor to the cake. Alternatively, you can use a different flavor of instant pudding mix such as chocolate or butterscotch for a unique twist.

If you prefer not to use Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping, you can make your own whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This homemade whipped cream can be used as a delicious and fresh alternative to the store-bought topping, adding a touch of homemade charm to your Easter Poke Cake.

Serving Suggestions

For a whimsical and festive presentation of the Easter Poke Cake, consider serving it in individual mason jars. Layer the pastel-colored cake cubes with the pudding filling and top with a dollop of Cool Whip and colorful sprinkles. This individualized serving not only looks adorable but also makes it easy for guests to enjoy their own portion without the need for slicing.

To take the Easter Poke Cake to the next level of creativity, transform it into a trifle dessert. In a clear glass trifle dish, layer cubes of the colorful cake with generous spoonfuls of vanilla pudding and whipped topping. Repeat the layers to create a visually stunning dessert that showcases the marbled effect of the cake. Top the trifle with extra sprinkles or Easter candy for a show-stopping centerpiece at your holiday gathering.

FAQs for Delicious Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites for this recipe?

You can use whole eggs instead of egg whites, but using egg whites will help keep the cake mix brighter for better color contrast.

How far in advance can I make this Easter Poke Cake?

You can make this Easter Poke Cake up to 24 hours in advance for the best results. The flavors meld and the pudding fully absorbs into the cake, enhancing the overall taste.

What is the best way to store leftovers of this cake?

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake slices beautifully when chilled and holds its shape well when serving.

How can I achieve vibrant pastel colors without thinning the batter?

To achieve vibrant pastel colors without thinning the batter, it is recommended to use gel food coloring. Add the gel food coloring to a small portion of the batter first, then mix it into the full batch for even distribution.

Conclusion

As you prepare to celebrate Easter with your loved ones, consider adding this delightful Easter Poke Cake to your dessert spread. The vibrant pastel swirls and creamy pudding pockets make every bite a celebration of spring flavors. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table.

Making this Easter Poke Cake can become a cherished tradition in your family, just as it has in mine. The combination of colors, flavors, and textures creates a dessert that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. So go ahead, whip up this festive treat, and watch as it becomes a beloved part of your Easter celebrations for years to come. Happy baking and happy Easter with this delightful Easter Poke Cake!