Easter is just around the corner, and if you’re like me—a busy mom juggling work, kids, and the occasional moment to breathe—you’re probably on the hunt for a dessert that’s both delightful and uncomplicated. Enter the Easter Poke Cake: a vibrant, fun, and oh-so-delicious treat that will brighten up your holiday table without adding stress to your schedule.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easter Poke Cake
- Visually Stunning: The marbled pastel colors inside the cake make each slice a feast for the eyes.
- Kid-Friendly: Decorated with marshmallow Bunny Peeps and festive sprinkles, it’s a surefire hit with the little ones.
- Simple Preparation: Using a boxed cake mix as the base means less time measuring and more time enjoying.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: typically eggs, water, and oil)
- 2 (3.2-ounce) boxes instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix
- 3 1/2 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pink, blue, yellow, and green food coloring gels
- Easter sprinkles
- Marshmallow Bunny Peeps
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter:
1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and set aside. Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Color the Batter:
1.Divide the cake batter evenly into five bowls. Add a few drops of pink, blue, yellow, and green food coloring to four of the bowls, leaving one bowl plain. Stir each until the colors are well combined.
- Create the Marbled Effect: Using a spoon, drop dollops of each colored batter into the prepared baking dish, alternating colors and layering them to cover the bottom. Gently tap the dish on the counter to even out the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Bake according to the cake mix package instructions, typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Poke the Cake:
1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes across the entire surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Prepare the Pudding
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mixes and milk until smooth. Before the pudding sets, pour it over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pudding is set.
- Make the Whipped Cream: With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Decorate with Easter sprinkles and arrange the Marshmallow Bunny Peeps on top. Slice and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the food coloring with the batter, mix just until the color is uniform to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
🧀 Looking for a rich and hearty dinner before dessert? Try this Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe—cheesy, meaty, and full of flavor!👉👉Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe..
- Chill the Bowl and Beaters: For the best whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before whipping.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Feel free to add other Easter-themed candies or use different colors to match your celebration’s theme.
A Personal Touch
This Easter Poke Cake has become a staple in our family’s Easter celebrations. I remember the first time I made it; my kids’ eyes lit up at the sight of the colorful slices and the adorable Bunny Peeps on top. Now, it’s a tradition they look forward to every year, and it’s a joy to see them eagerly await that first bite.
🍔 Looking for a savory dish to balance out the sweetness? These Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups are a game-changer—flaky, cheesy, and loaded with flavor!👉Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups
Recipe Variations
Other Topping Ideas for Easter Poke Cake
Get creative with your toppings! Try adding:
- Chocolate Easter bunnies
- Cadbury eggs
- Easter-themed M&M’s
🍫 If you love festive Easter desserts, you have to try this Easter Dirt Cake Casserole—a no-bake treat packed with Oreos, pudding, and all the fun Easter toppings!👉👉 Easter Dirt Cake Casserole…
Cake Mix Options
Instead of white cake mix, you can use:
- Vanilla cake mix
- Lemon cake mix
- Funfetti cake mix
- Strawberry cake mix
🍪 If you’re craving something extra indulgent, try these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies—a perfect combo of cinnamon-sugar churros, creamy cheesecake, and soft donuts!👉👉Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies…
Pudding Mix Options
Switch up the flavors by using:
- White chocolate pudding mix
- Lemon pudding mix
- Banana pudding mix
- Chocolate pudding mix
- Pistachio pudding mix
- Any of your favorite pudding flavors!
🍌 For a flourless treat, check out this No-Flour Banana Bread Recipe—moist, naturally sweet, and a healthier option for Easter brunch!👉👉Recipe for Banana Bread (No Flour)..
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding?
Absolutely! While vanilla or white chocolate pudding complements the cake’s flavors, feel free to experiment with other pudding flavors like lemon or cheesecake for a unique twist.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead. Add the whipped cream and decorations just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
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Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of making whipped cream?
Certainly! If you’re short on time, a store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip can be a convenient alternative.
This Easter Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings joy and color to your holiday celebration. Its easy preparation and delightful presentation make it a must-try recipe this Easter. Gather your loved ones, share a slice, and create sweet memories together.
Happy Easter and happy baking!
Easter Poke Cake Recipe – A Fun & Colorful Treat!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
For the Pudding Filling:
- 2 3.2 oz boxes instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding
- 3 1/2 cups milk whole or low-fat
- Pink blue, yellow, and green food coloring gels
For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Easter sprinkles
- Marshmallow Bunny Peeps
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions.
- Prepare cake batter as directed on the box.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as instructed.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- Step 2: Poke & Fill
- Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Step 3: Prepare the Pudding
- Whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Divide into four bowls and tint each with a different pastel food coloring.
- Spoon the colored pudding into the holes, alternating colors.
- Smooth any excess pudding over the top of the cake.
- Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake.
- Step 5: Decorate & Serve
- Sprinkle Easter sprinkles over the whipped cream.
- Arrange marshmallow Bunny Peeps on top.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream.
- Try different pudding flavors like lemon or banana for a unique twist.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.