Easter Poke Cake

Celebrate spring and Easter with this vibrant and delicious Easter Poke Cake. This recipe transforms a classic white cake into a festive, colorful dessert perfect for any Easter gathering. The fluffy homemade white cake serves as the base, while the creamy vanilla whipped cream and white chocolate pudding filling add a smooth, luscious texture. What makes this cake truly special is the fun twist of colorful food coloring, creating pastel hues inside the cake that are both visually stunning and appetizing. The poke cake technique allows the pudding to soak deep into the cake, making every bite moist and flavorful.

Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress with its delicate flavors and bright, cheerful appearance. The use of simple ingredients like a boxed cake mix and instant pudding makes it an easy recipe to follow, but the end result feels homemade and festive. Candy eggs or pastel sprinkles on top add the perfect finishing touch to this colorful dessert that both kids and adults will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vibrant pastel colors make it perfect for Easter and spring celebrations.
• Moist and fluffy texture thanks to the pudding filling.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients and a boxed cake mix.
• Creamy vanilla whipped cream topping complements the cake perfectly.
• A fun, crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for family gatherings and parties.

this …

Ingredients

• White cake mix and ingredients required by the box
• Instant white chocolate pudding mix
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Food coloring (pink, green, blue, yellow)

Variations

• Use strawberry cake mix instead of white for a fruity twist.
• Swap vanilla whipped cream with chocolate whipped cream for added richness.
• Add candy eggs, sprinkles, or edible flowers for decorative topping.
• Use different pudding flavors like vanilla or banana for variety.
• Make mini poke cakes using cupcakes for individual servings.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

Whisk together instant white chocolate pudding with milk until thickened.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes all over the cooled cake.

Step 4: Pour the Pudding

Pour the pudding evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Make Vanilla Whipped Cream

Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Divide and Color Whipped Cream

Separate the whipped cream into four bowls and tint each with a different food coloring: pink, green, blue, and yellow.

Step 7: Decorate the Cake

Spread the colored whipped cream over the pudding-soaked cake in sections or swirl for a colorful effect.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to set flavors.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure the cake is completely cooled before poking to prevent crumbling.
• Use room temperature milk for smoother pudding consistency.
• Whip cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid overbeating.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without thinning the cream.
• Refrigerate the cake for several hours for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Cut the Easter Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for Easter brunch, potlucks, or any springtime celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Serve chilled; reheating is not recommended as it is a pudding-soaked cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade white cake instead of a mix?

Yes, homemade white cake works perfectly with this recipe.

2. What if I don’t have food coloring?

You can use natural alternatives like beet juice or spinach juice for coloring, or serve with plain whipped cream.

3. Can I use other pudding flavors?

Absolutely, vanilla or banana pudding flavors pair well with this cake.

4. How long should I chill the cake before serving?

At least 1 hour, but overnight chilling enhances the flavors.

5. Can I make this cake vegan?

You would need to substitute dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives and use a vegan cake mix.

6. How do I keep the whipped cream from separating?

Use cold cream and chill your mixing bowl; whip cream just to stiff peaks.

7. Can I add fresh fruit to this cake?

Yes, fresh berries or sliced fruit on top add freshness and flavor.

8. Is it okay to use light whipped cream?

Light whipping cream won’t hold peaks as well; heavy cream is preferred.

9. Can I prepare the pudding ahead of time?

Yes, but add it to the cake shortly after mixing to keep it fresh.

10. What size pan is best for this recipe?

A standard 9×13 inch baking pan works best for this cake.

Conclusion

Easter Poke Cake is a delightful, colorful dessert that combines the moistness of pudding-soaked cake with creamy whipped cream and festive pastel hues. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration or springtime gathering. With simple ingredients and vibrant presentation, this cake is sure to become a family favorite year after year.

Print