Easter Poke Cake is a bright and playful dessert that brings all the joy of spring to your table. With its layers of soft white cake, bursts of pastel-colored pudding, and a cloud of creamy whipped topping, this cake is as fun to make as it is to serve. Every slice offers surprise pockets of flavor and color, making it the ultimate centerpiece for your Easter celebration or any springtime gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on easy-to-find ingredients that each work their own special magic. Whether it’s the pillowy cake, creamy filling, or those cheery bursts of color, each component of this Easter Poke Cake ensures a delightful experience in every bite.

White cake mix: The perfect blank canvas, moist and fluffy, ready to be infused with vibrant colors and flavors.
Eggs, oil, & water (for cake mix): Essential for baking the cake, follow your mix’s instructions for quantities to ensure perfect texture.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (3 oz box): Silky smooth, this quick-whipping pudding fills the cake with sweet, creamy pockets. Try white chocolate or cheesecake flavor for a twist!
Cold milk (2 cups): This is what transforms the pudding mix into a thick, luscious filling—make sure it’s cold for the fastest set.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup): Adds rich sweetness, making the pudding extra decadent and ensuring the cake stays ultra-moist.
Pink, yellow, and blue food coloring: Pastel shades give the cake its signature springtime hues and put the “Easter” in Easter Poke Cake.
Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): For a fluffy, creamy top layer that seals in moisture and adds a light finish; homemade whipped cream works too!
Pastel sprinkles or Easter candy: The finishing touch—choose your favorites or mix and match for extra celebratory flair.

How to Make Easter Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preparing your white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This will be the deliciously tender foundation for your Easter Poke Cake.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Let the freshly baked cake cool for about 15 minutes—just until it’s warm but not hot. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the top. These holes will be perfect wells for all the colorful, creamy pudding!

Step 3: Make and Color the Pudding

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk; this keeps the pudding extra luscious. Divide the pudding evenly among three bowls and tint each with a drop or two of pink, yellow, and blue food coloring. Watching those colors come alive is half the fun!

Step 4: Fill and Frost the Cake

Spoon the colored pudding into the holes, alternating colors as you go for that classic pastel patchwork. Once all the pudding is used up, gently spread any excess pudding across the top of the cake. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld and the filling sets.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, pile on the whipped topping, smoothing it evenly over the pudding-filled cake. Scatter pastel sprinkles or Easter candy on top for a final pop of festive color. Your Easter Poke Cake is ready to wow your friends and family!

How to Serve Easter Poke Cake

Garnishes

A thick blanket of whipped topping is classic, but don’t forget to shower your cake with pastel sprinkles or your favorite Easter candy. Mini chocolate eggs, jellybeans, or even shimmering edible glitter all look beautiful. A scattering of shredded coconut can also add playful texture and an extra bit of spring flair.

Side Dishes

This sweet showstopper loves to be the star, but you can pair Easter Poke Cake with a platter of fresh berries, a bright citrus salad, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These lighter sides balance the cake’s rich, creamy texture while adding lovely pops of flavor and color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra wow factor, cut the cake into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or serve individual squares in cupcake liners for easy sharing. Layer cubes of Easter Poke Cake, more whipped topping, and fruit in parfait glasses for a dazzling trifle-style dessert. With so much color and personality, this cake is as fun to style as it is to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the Easter Poke Cake with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get cozier as they blend overnight!

Freezing

If you need to plan far ahead, you can absolutely freeze the cake (without the whipped topping or garnishes). Wrap slices tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and top with whipped topping and sprinkles just before serving.

Reheating

Easter Poke Cake is best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge! Reheating isn’t recommended, as it may impact the pudding’s creamy texture and the whipped topping. If you like, simply let the cake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to take off the chill before slicing.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake base instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade white or vanilla sponge works beautifully here. Just aim for the same 9×13-inch size so the pudding can spread evenly into the poked holes.

Is it possible to use another pudding flavor for this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute vanilla pudding with white chocolate, cheesecake, or even coconut flavor for a fun twist. The method stays the same, and the pastel colors will look just as lovely.

What’s the best way to poke the holes in the cake?

The handle of a wooden spoon works perfectly for making uniform holes without tearing the cake. Aim for holes about 1 inch apart so each piece of cake catches a rainbow of pudding colors.

Can I make Easter Poke Cake gluten free?

Yes, simply swap the white cake mix for your favorite gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten free. All the colors and excitement, none of the gluten!

How far ahead can I make Easter Poke Cake?

You can prepare the cake up to two days in advance, keeping it chilled and covered in the fridge. Add the whipped topping and garnishes just before serving for the best presentation and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a burst of color and big smiles to your spring festivities, this Easter Poke Cake absolutely delivers. Every pastel layer tells a story of celebration and sweet, homemade joy. Don’t wait—gather your favorite candies, grab a mixing bowl, and treat your loved ones to this vibrant delight!

Easter Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit of Easter with this colorful and flavorful Easter Poke Cake. A delightful white cake infused with vibrant vanilla pudding colors, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, perfect for your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box such as eggs, oil, and water)

Pudding Filling:

1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Pink, yellow, and blue food coloring

Topping:

1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
Pastel sprinkles or Easter candy for garnish

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Instructions

Cake: Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake.
Pudding Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Divide the pudding into three small bowls and tint each with a different food coloring (pink, yellow, and blue). Spoon the colored pudding into the holes of the cake, alternating colors for a festive look. Once all the pudding is used, gently spread any excess over the top of the cake.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set.
Topping: Before serving, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake and decorate with pastel sprinkles or your favorite Easter candy.

Notes

You can substitute the vanilla pudding with white chocolate or cheesecake flavor for a twist.
For a homemade touch, make your own whipped cream instead of using store-bought topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American