Can I use a homemade cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Any vanilla cake recipe that makes enough batter for a 9x13 pan will work beautifully. Just divide the batter and color as directed. Keep in mind that homemade cakes sometimes have a different texture, which might affect how the pudding soaks in.

What if I don't have neon food coloring?

Regular food coloring works fine, though the colors won't be as vibrant. You can also use natural food coloring options like beet powder for pink, matcha powder for green, or butterfly pea flower tea for blue/purple tones.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cake mix, dairy-free pudding mix, plant-based milk, and a non-dairy whipped topping. There are several brands making dairy-free versions of all these ingredients now, making this adaptation quite simple.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

This cake is perfect for making 1-2 days ahead of your event. The flavors actually meld and improve as it sits in the refrigerator. Just add the sprinkles right before serving if you want them to maintain their vibrant colors.

Easter Poke Cake Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix; 3 eggs; 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 (3.4 oz) box Jello Instant Vanilla or French Vanilla Pudding; 3 cups milk; 1 carton Cool Whip; 1 box McCormick Neon Colors Food Coloring (Pink, Purple, Green); Easter sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

This festive Easter Poke Cake is a showstopper that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact! With a beautiful marbled interior of spring colors, creamy pudding-filled pockets, and a cloud-like topping, this cake is perfect for your Easter celebrations or any springtime gathering. The vibrant colors and delicious vanilla flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eye-Catching Appearance: The marbled pastel colors inside create a stunning slice that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually tastes better after it sits for a while, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations.
Customizable: You can easily swap colors and flavors to match any season or celebration throughout the year.
Kid-Friendly: Little ones love the bright colors and helping with the sprinkles — it’s a treat that gets everyone excited!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vanilla Cake Mix: The base of our creation that provides a perfect canvas for our colorful masterpiece. Betty Crocker French Vanilla adds a richer flavor than regular vanilla.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Water: Hydrates the dry ingredients and creates the right consistency in the batter.
Vegetable Oil: Creates a moist cake with a tender crumb that stays fresh longer than butter-based cakes.
Instant Vanilla Pudding: The magic that soaks into the poked holes, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the cake.
Milk: When mixed with the pudding, it creates the perfect consistency for seeping into the cake holes.
Cool Whip: Provides a light, fluffy topping that doesn’t compete with the flavorful cake beneath it. It also holds its shape better than fresh whipped cream.
Neon Food Coloring: Creates those beautiful spring colors that make this cake special. McCormick’s neon colors are particularly vibrant.
Easter Sprinkles: The finishing touch that transforms this into a true celebration cake.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Flavors: Try strawberry cake mix with strawberry pudding or chocolate cake with chocolate pudding for a different taste experience.
Seasonal Colors: Use red and blue for July 4th, orange and black for Halloween, or red and green for Christmas.
Fruit Addition: Layer fresh berries between the cake and Cool Whip for a fruity twist.
Pudding Varieties: Experiment with different pudding flavors like cheesecake, coconut, or lemon for unique flavor combinations.

How to Make Easter Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Colorful Batters

Mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large bowl until smooth. Divide the batter evenly between three separate bowls. Add different neon food coloring to each bowl—pink in one, purple in another, and green in the third. Stir each until the color is fully incorporated.

Step 2: Create the Marbled Effect

Transfer each colored batter into its own zip-top bag and snip off a corner to create a makeshift piping bag. Grease a 9×13 baking pan, then squeeze the batters into the pan, alternating colors. Don’t worry about being too precise—the random pattern creates the most beautiful marbled effect!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Slide your colorful creation into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Poke and Fill

Using the handle end of a wooden spoon, poke holes throughout the cake, spacing them about 1½ inches apart. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding and milk for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken but is still pourable. Immediately pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.

Step 5: Top and Decorate

Spread the entire container of Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake, creating swirls and peaks for visual interest. Finish with a generous sprinkling of Easter-themed sprinkles. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the pudding to set completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs aren’t cold from the refrigerator—they’ll incorporate much better at room temperature.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the food coloring, stir just until incorporated to avoid deflating the batter.
Poke While Warm: Create the holes while the cake is still slightly warm so they form cleanly without crumbling.
Be Quick With Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture over the cake before it sets too firmly. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to pour and seep into the holes.
Chill Thoroughly: Let the cake chill for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better—to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly.

How to Serve

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices that showcase the beautiful marbled interior. A clear glass cake stand will highlight the colorful sides of the cake.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries on the side, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a mug of hot coffee or tea.

Special Occasions

Make this the centerpiece of your Easter dessert table, or bring it to spring potlucks, baby showers, or birthday celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the pudding fully infuses the cake.

Freezing

While you can freeze portions of the cake for up to 1 month, the texture of the Cool Whip may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! Simply allow frozen slices to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving cold.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Any vanilla cake recipe that makes enough batter for a 9×13 pan will work beautifully. Just divide the batter and color as directed. Keep in mind that homemade cakes sometimes have a different texture, which might affect how the pudding soaks in.
What if I don’t have neon food coloring?

Regular food coloring works fine, though the colors won’t be as vibrant. You can also use natural food coloring options like beet powder for pink, matcha powder for green, or butterfly pea flower tea for blue/purple tones.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cake mix, dairy-free pudding mix, plant-based milk, and a non-dairy whipped topping. There are several brands making dairy-free versions of all these ingredients now, making this adaptation quite simple.
How far in advance can I make this cake?

This cake is perfect for making 1-2 days ahead of your event. The flavors actually meld and improve as it sits in the refrigerator. Just add the sprinkles right before serving if you want them to maintain their vibrant colors.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Poke Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate! The combination of soft cake, creamy pudding-filled pockets, and fluffy topping creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a new tradition in your home. Whether you’re hosting a big Easter gathering or just want to bring some spring joy to your family dinner, this colorful creation is guaranteed to brighten everyone’s day. Give it a try and watch faces light up when you slice into those beautiful pastel swirls!