As you dig in, you’re greeted by Easter Poke Cake a luscious surprise—pudding soaked into every nook and cranny of the cake. The first bite is a burst of joy! It’s the kind of dessert that brings back childhood memories of egg hunts and family dinners filled with laughter and love. Come on! Who needs chocolate bunnies when you can have this masterpiece?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Easter Poke Cake is simple to whip up, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings
- With its colorful layers and creamy filling, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table
- The versatility allows you to customize flavors based on your preferences or what’s on hand
- Plus, it’s an absolute showstopper that will have everyone snapping pictures before they dive in!
My friend once made this cake for an Easter potluck, and let me tell you—the look on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Vanilla Cake Mix: Grab your favorite brand to keep things easy; it sets a great base for all those flavors.
- Eggs: You’ll need three large eggs for binding; fresh ones always yield the best results.
- Milk: Use whole milk for added richness; it makes every bite creamy and delicious.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is where the magic happens—choose a good quality mix for maximum flavor!
- Food Coloring: Pick your favorite colors to create a festive look; think springtime shades like pinks and yellows.
- Whipped Topping: This adds a lightness; feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Easter Sprinkles: These are essential for that Instagram-worthy finish—because who doesn’t love sprinkles?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so nothing sticks later.
Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and milk until smooth. You want a lump-free batter that looks like silky sunshine.
Bake the Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean—your kitchen should smell heavenly!
Prepare the Pudding Mixture: While cakes cool down, whisk together instant pudding mix with milk per package instructions until thickened. Don’t forget to add food coloring here to make it pop!
Poke It Up!: Once cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over each cake layer—think of this as giving them tiny spa treatments!
Add Filling & Frosting: Spread pudding mixture generously over each layer. Top with whipped topping and decorate lavishly with sprinkles—it’s time for some serious fun!
Now you’re ready to slice up this beauty and watch everyone’s faces light up! Enjoy every moment—you’ve earned it after all that hard work!
You Must Know
- This delightful Easter Poke Cake not only tastes heavenly but also adds a splash of color to your holiday table
- The combination of moist cake, vibrant flavors, and creamy toppings creates a dessert that everyone will love
- The aroma alone will have your guests lining up for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions. Allow it to cool, then poke holes and pour in the flavored gelatin mixture for maximum infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the gelatin flavor based on your favorite fruits or seasonal offerings. Adding sprinkles or whipped cream can bring an extra festive flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Easter Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Easter Poke Cake is perfectly moist, consider using homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought
- Experimenting with different gelatin flavors can create exciting variations
- Always let the cake cool completely before poking holes for better absorption of flavors
This recipe reminds me of my first attempt at baking for an Easter gathering. I was nervous, but my family devoured it and insisted I make it every year!
FAQ
What is Easter Poke Cake?
Easter Poke Cake is a moist cake infused with flavored gelatin and topped with whipped cream.
Can I use any cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to choose your favorite cake mix flavor as a base!
How long does Easter Poke Cake last in the fridge?
The cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for about three days when stored properly.
Easter Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Easter Poke Cake is a vibrant, festive dessert featuring moist vanilla cake infused with creamy pudding and topped with colorful whipped cream and sprinkles, perfect for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- Food coloring (spring colors)
- 1 cup whipped topping
- Easter sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened; add food coloring to achieve desired color.
- Poke holes in cooled cakes with a fork, then pour the pudding mixture over each layer.
- Top with whipped topping and decorate generously with sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
