Colorful Easter Poke Cake Recipe: A Springtime Treat

Sweet memories of childhood gatherings bloom around this delightful easter poke cake recipe that promises pure delight.

Spring celebrations call for something special and wonderfully indulgent.

Creamy layers whisper nostalgic tales of grandmother’s kitchen and festive moments.

Soft, moist textures promise a delectable journey through classic dessert comfort.

Pastel colors dance across each slice, inviting warm smiles and joyful connections.

Each forkful carries the magic of seasonal traditions and cherished recipes.

Colorful and Sweet with a Surprise Inside

• Celebrate with Minimal Effort
• Whip up this delightful Easter cake in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking a festive treat.
• Designed for novice bakers, this recipe uses simple box cake mix and requires no advanced culinary skills.
• Create a colorful, fun dessert that children will love helping to prepare and enjoying at the Easter table.
• Simplify your Easter menu with a foolproof dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal time and effort.

Ingredients for an Easter Cake That Pops

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the foundational structure and flavor for the Easter dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cake's overall taste with a warm, sweet flavor note.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the cake mix ingredients.
• Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cake batter.

• Whipped Cream, Cool Whip: Creates a light, fluffy layer that complements the cake's texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist, creamy filling.

• Pastel Sprinkles, Colored Marshmallows: Adds festive color and playful Easter-themed visual appeal.

Tips for Filling, Frosting, and Decorating

• Choose Quality Cake Mix: Select a white or vanilla cake mix for the best Easter-themed color and texture.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick at the cake's center; it should come out clean without wet batter to confirm perfect baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool thoroughly before adding toppings or decorations to prevent soggy or melting results.
• Use Pastel Colors: Add food coloring to create soft, springtime shades that match Easter's festive palette for a more visually appealing dessert.

Keeping Your Cake Fresh for Spring Celebrations

• Store the cooled poke cake covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The gelatin or pudding filling helps maintain moisture and freshness.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake's delicate structure.
• Enjoy the cake chilled for the best flavor and texture, as the cool temperature helps set the filling and keeps the dessert refreshing.

Best Pairings for This Bright, Sweet Cake

• Pair this sweet Easter poke cake with a chilled glass of creamy vanilla almond milk for a delightful taste experience that complements the cake's rich vanilla notes.
• Serve alongside a bright, zesty lemon spritzer or fresh raspberry lemonade to cut through the cake's sweetness and add a vibrant Easter-inspired touch.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream topped with pastel-colored sprinkles or mini marshmallows to enhance the cake's festive Easter aesthetic and provide a light, airy contrast.
• Accompany the cake with a smooth, mild cappuccino or a delicate lavender Earl Grey tea to elevate the dessert's flavor profile and create a sophisticated Easter treat moment.

Swaps and Add-Ons to Personalize It

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular cake mix with a sugar-free cake mix and use sugar-free gelatin. Select natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for added sweetness without calories.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cake mix and replace milk in the recipe with almond milk or coconut milk. Select non-dairy whipped topping for a creamy finish that accommodates lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Choose a plant-based cake mix and replace eggs with applesauce or commercial egg replacer. Select vegan gelatin or agar-agar to maintain the cake's traditional poke cake structure.

Easter Poke Cake FAQ

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without any wet batter, the cake is done baking.

• Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade vanilla cake recipe as a substitute for the boxed mix. Just ensure the batter consistency is similar.

• What's the purpose of adding vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract enhances the cake’s flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall taste of the dessert.

• Is it important to grease the baking dish?

Absolutely. Greasing the dish prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove and serve slices cleanly.

How to Make This Festive Poke Cake from Scratch

Preheat And Prep The Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Mix The Cake Batter

• Vanilla extract
• A splash of almond extract
• Zest of one lemon

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread.

Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on the cake. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Cool Down The Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes. The cake needs to cool completely before the next steps.

Create Colorful Holes

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke evenly spaced holes across the entire surface of the cake. Don’t be shy – make lots of holes!

Add Vibrant Gelatin

Prepare blue and pink gelatin separately in bowls. Slowly pour the gelatin mixtures into the holes, allowing them to seep down into the cake. Alternate colors for a fun, marbled effect.

Chill And Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the gelatin set and creates a moist, colorful dessert.

Top With Fluffy Frosting

Once chilled, spread a layer of whipped cream or vanilla frosting over the entire cake. For extra festivity, sprinkle pastel-colored sprinkles on top.

Serve And Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve chilled. This Easter poke cake is a delightful treat that brings color and joy to any celebration!

Easter Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet springtime celebrations come alive with this Easter Poke Cake, a delightful dessert that blends creamy textures and pastel colors. Moist layers and festive toppings invite guests to savor each delectable bite of this charming holiday treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 (3.4 ounces) box instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix
• 1 (8 ounces) tub Cool Whip

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Eggs (as specified on cake mix box)
• Oil (as specified on cake mix box)
• Water (as specified on cake mix box)

Decorative Ingredients:

• ½ cup Easter sprinkles or pastel-colored candy eggs
• Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, or pastel colors of choice)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix cake batter according to package directions, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Carefully transfer batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution and smooth surface.
4. Place cake in preheated oven and bake approximately 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without wet batter.
5. Remove cake from oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to settle and slightly cool.
6. While cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to create uniform, evenly spaced holes across the entire surface.
7. Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into each created hole, saturating the interior.
8. Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour to allow complete cooling and absorption of liquid.
9. Spread white frosting evenly across the cake’s surface, covering all previously created holes.
10. Decorate with pastel-colored sprinkles or Easter-themed candy decorations for festive presentation.
11. Chill cake for an additional 30 minutes before serving to set frosting and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Ensure cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent the filling from becoming too runny and losing its distinct texture.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to create uniform, evenly spaced holes throughout the cake for perfect filling distribution.
• Customize the cake’s flavor by experimenting with different flavored gelatin or pudding mixes to match seasonal themes or personal preferences.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with almond or skim milk, and use a sugar-free gelatin mix to reduce overall calories without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg