Easter is a time for joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious desserts! If you’re looking for a fun, colorful, and easy-to-make Easter dessert, this Easter Poke Cake is the perfect choice. With vibrant pastel colors, a moist cake base, and a creamy topping, this cake is not only eye-catching but also irresistibly delicious.
Whether you’re making it for an Easter brunch, a springtime gathering, or even transforming it into a Unicorn or Rainbow Cake for a birthday, this simple step-by-step recipe will ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Let’s dive in and make the best Easter Poke Cake ever!
Why You’ll Love This Easter Poke Cake
Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
Fun & Colorful – Perfect for Easter, birthdays, and celebrations.
Super Moist & Delicious – Thanks to the pudding filling!
Customizable – Change the colors and flavors to fit any occasion.
Kid-Friendly – A great baking project for little helpers.
Ingredients for Easter Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and festive Easter Poke Cake:
Cake Base:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
- Food coloring in pastel Easter shades (pink, blue, green, purple)
Pudding Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
- Easter sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
- Mini chocolate eggs, marshmallow Peeps, or other festive toppings (optional)

How to Make Easter Poke Cake – Step by Step
Step1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Divide the batter evenly into 4 small bowls.
- Add a few drops of different pastel food coloring to each bowl and mix well.
- Spoon the different colors of batter randomly into the cake pan to create a tie-dye or rainbow effect.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors gently (do not overmix!).
- Bake according to the box instructions, usually 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step2: Poke the Cake & Add the Filling
- Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for 30-60 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Step3: Add the Whipped Topping & Decorations
- Spread the Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) evenly over the cake.
- Sprinkle with festive Easter sprinkles, colored sugar, or coconut flakes.
- Add extra decorations like mini chocolate eggs, Peeps, or edible glitter for a fun Easter touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Easter Poke Cake
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the batter.
Chill before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Make it ahead – This cake tastes even better the next day!
Try different flavors – Use chocolate cake mix or swap the vanilla pudding for cheesecake or white chocolate pudding.
Add coconut flavor – Mix coconut extract into the whipped topping and sprinkle shredded coconut for extra Easter vibes.
Best Ways to Serve Easter Poke Cake
This cake is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with:
Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries complement the sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream – A creamy contrast to the fluffy cake.
Coffee or tea – A delightful afternoon treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftovers
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat
- Enjoy cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs – Common Questions About Easter Poke Cake
Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed cake mix?
A: Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade white or vanilla cake recipe.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s best when chilled for a few hours, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Q: What can I use instead of pudding?
A: Try using sweetened condensed milk or flavored yogurt for a different filling.
Q: Can I use buttercream instead of whipped topping?
A: Yes! A light buttercream frosting works great if you prefer a richer topping.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
-
Easter Jell-O Pie – Easy Layered Dessert Recipe
-
Easy Carrot Cake Roll Recipe – Moist & Irresistible Dessert
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make the best Easter Poke Cake, it’s time to bring some colorful fun to your holiday table! Whether you’re baking for Easter, a birthday, or just a weekend treat, this moist and delicious cake is sure to be a hit.
💬 Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Share your creations by tagging us on social media with #fenrecipes. Happy Baking!
Print
Easter Poke Cake – Easy & Colorful Spring Dessert
Description
Easter is a time for joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious desserts! If you’re looking for a fun, colorful, and easy-to-make Easter dessert, this Easter Poke Cake is the perfect choice. With vibrant pastel colors, a moist cake base, and a creamy topping, this cake is not only eye-catching but also irresistibly delicious.
Whether you’re making it for an Easter brunch, a springtime gathering, or even transforming it into a Unicorn or Rainbow Cake for a birthday, this simple step-by-step recipe will ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Let’s dive in and make the best Easter Poke Cake ever!
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
- Food coloring in pastel Easter shades (pink, blue, green, purple)
Pudding Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
- Easter sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
- Mini chocolate eggs, marshmallow Peeps, or other festive toppings (optional)
Instructions
Step1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350degF (175degC) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Divide the batter evenly into 4 small bowls.
- Add a few drops of different pastel food coloring to each bowl and mix well.
- Spoon the different colors of batter randomly into the cake pan to create a tie-dye or rainbow effect.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors gently (do not overmix! ).
- Bake according to the box instructions, usually 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step2: Poke the Cake & Add the Filling
- Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for 30-60 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Step3: Add the Whipped Topping & Decorations
- Spread the Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) evenly over the cake.
- Sprinkle with festive Easter sprinkles, colored sugar, or coconut flakes.
- Add extra decorations like mini chocolate eggs, Peeps, or edible glitter for a fun Easter touch.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the batter.Chill before serving for the best flavor and texture.Make it ahead – This cake tastes even better the next day!Try different flavors – Use chocolate cake mix or swap the vanilla pudding for cheesecake or white chocolate pudding.Add coconut flavor – Mix coconut extract into the whipped topping and sprinkle shredded coconut for extra Easter vibes.