Easter Poke Cake Recipe – A Colorful & Festive Dessert
When it comes to Easter celebrations, nothing is more joyful than a bright, colorful dessert that brings smiles to the table. This Easter poke cake recipe is the perfect treat—fun, festive, and absolutely delicious. Soft vanilla cake is poked and filled with pastel-colored pudding, then topped with fluffy whipped cream and candy decorations. It’s not only eye-catching but also incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Perfect for Easter brunch, spring parties, or family gatherings, this cake is a show-stopper that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 2 boxes instant pudding mix (3.4 oz each, vanilla flavor works best)
- 4 cups cold milk
- Food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, green – pastel shades for Easter)
For the Topping:
- 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- ½ cup pastel sprinkles or Easter-themed candies (like mini eggs or jelly beans)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the cake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake – Bake for 28–32 minutes (or according to box directions) until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Poke the cake – Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Make pudding – In separate bowls, prepare pudding mix with cold milk. Divide into 3–4 portions and tint each portion with different pastel food coloring.
- Fill the cake – Spoon the colored pudding into the holes of the cake, alternating colors for a festive effect. Spread a thin layer of pudding on top as well.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
- Top & decorate – Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with sprinkles, candies, or crushed Easter chocolates.
- Serve – Slice and enjoy your festive Easter poke cake!
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~2 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 12–15 slices
Tips & Variations
- Different flavors: Try lemon cake mix for a tangy spring twist.
- Chocolate version: Use chocolate pudding for a rich contrast.
- Homemade option: Bake a scratch-made vanilla cake if you prefer.
- Topping ideas: Add coconut flakes dyed green to look like “Easter grass.”
- Make-ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day as the pudding sets in perfectly.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate, based on 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 26 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Sugar: Use sugar-free pudding mix and sugar-free whipped topping.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free cake mix.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk for pudding and dairy-free whipped topping.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap cake with almond flour-based low-carb cake and sugar-free pudding.
Serving Suggestions
This Easter poke cake recipe is light, colorful, and fun—perfect for spring celebrations. Serve it chilled after Easter dinner, pair it with coffee or tea during brunch, or let it shine as the centerpiece on your dessert table. Kids love the colorful surprise inside, and adults appreciate its nostalgic sweetness.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make Easter poke cake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best made a day in advance so the pudding has time to set.
Q2: What can I use instead of pudding?
You can use colored gelatin (Jell-O) for a more vibrant, jiggly effect.
Q3: How long does Easter poke cake last?
It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
Freezing is not recommended due to the pudding texture.
Q5: Do I have to use food coloring?
No, but the pastel colors give it the festive Easter look.
