Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Colorful Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe: A Sweet Celebration

Springtime celebrations call for a delightful easter poke cake that promises pure indulgence.

Soft, moist layers bursting with vibrant colors and sweet flavors make this dessert a showstopper.

The creamy texture and delectable filling create a mouthwatering experience that everyone will adore.

Each slice reveals a delightful surprise of pastel hues and rich, creamy goodness.

Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this cake a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Elevate your Easter gathering with this irresistible treat that will have guests asking for seconds.

This dessert is sure to become a cherished tradition that brings smiles and joy to your celebration.

How to Make an Eye-Catching Easter Poke Cake

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350 degrees and give your baking dish a light butter massage to prevent sticking.

  • Mix the Magic

Whip up your cake batter with care, adding a splash of vanilla for an extra burst of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour the silky batter into the prepared dish and slide it into the oven. Let it dance and rise for about 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.

  • Cool and Calm

Allow your beautiful cake to take a little rest, letting it cool down for a short 10-15 minutes. This gives it time to settle and become the perfect canvas for your Easter creation.

  • Poke and Prep

Grab a fork and gently poke holes all across the cake’s surface. These little tunnels will help absorb all the delicious flavors you’re about to add.

  • Drench in Color

Pour your vibrant gelatin mixture over the cake, watching it seep into every single hole. The cake will transform into a festive Easter masterpiece.

  • Chill and Set

Pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it hang out for a few hours. This allows all the flavors to mingle and the cake to become wonderfully moist.

  • Frost and Decorate

Top your cake with fluffy white frosting and sprinkle with festive Easter-themed decorations. Your showstopper is ready to impress!

Fun Twists for Your Easter Poke Cake Layers

  • Poke deep holes evenly across the cake's surface using the back of a wooden spoon for perfect gelatin absorption.
  • Use different colors of gelatin to create a vibrant, marbled effect that screams Easter celebration.
  • Swap regular cake mix with sugar-free or low-fat alternatives to reduce calories without compromising taste.
  • Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all additional ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Decorate with pastel-colored whipped cream, sprinkle with mini chocolate eggs, or add colorful marshmallow chicks for festive flair.

Serving Easter Poke Cake at Spring Gatherings

  • Pastel Paradise Plating: Slice the cake into adorable squares and arrange on a pastel-colored serving platter for a festive Easter display.
  • Whipped Cream Wonderland: Top each slice with fluffy white whipped cream and sprinkle pastel-colored sugar pearls or sprinkles for a playful touch.
  • Egg-cellent Garnish: Decorate the cake with small chocolate eggs, marshmallow peeps, or edible sugar flowers to create a charming seasonal centerpiece that captures Easter's cheerful spirit.
  • Fresh Fruit Finale: Add a bright pop of color by garnishing with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries around the cake's edges for a light, refreshing complement.

Chill and Store Easter Poke Cake Just Right

  • Store the cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moist and delightful texture.
  • Prepare the entire cake 1-2 days before serving to allow flavors to blend and enhance the overall taste experience.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and release its full flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 12

What Goes Into Easter Poke Cake

For Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the foundational fluffy texture, choose a high-quality mix for richer flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cake's warmth and depth, use pure extract for best results.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness, select a neutral-flavored oil.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.
For Filling and Moisture:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a luscious, creamy filling that seeps into cake layers, opt for a full-fat version.
  • Blue Gelatin: Adds vibrant color and Easter-themed visual appeal, select a bright blue flavor like berry or tropical.
For Topping and Decoration:
  • Whipped Cream: Provides a light, airy covering that complements the dense cake, choose stabilized whipped cream for better structure.
  • Pastel Sprinkles: Adds festive Easter touch and delightful crunch, select mix with soft spring colors.
  • Easter Candy Eggs: Creates playful decoration and adds sweet surprise, choose small chocolate or candy-coated varieties.

Tools That Help With a Colorful Easter Poke Cake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating a large, shareable cake.
  • Mixing bowl: Essential for preparing cake batter smoothly.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Helps blend cake ingredients thoroughly.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Springtime sweetness comes alive with this Easter Poke Cake, a delightful dessert that whispers of holiday joy. Pastel-colored layers and creamy filling promise a delectable celebration perfect for your Easter gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 (8 oz) tub cool whip
  • ½ cup easter sprinkles or pastel-colored candy eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • gel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, or pastel colors)
  • eggs (as listed on cake mix box)
  • oil (as listed on cake mix box)
  • water (as listed on cake mix box)

Instructions

  1. Cake Preparation: Mix cake batter thoroughly according to package instructions, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced flavor. Transfer mixture into greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
  2. Baking Process: Place cake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), monitoring closely and baking for 25-30 minutes. Test cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
  3. Cooling Stage: Allow cake to rest and cool down for 10-15 minutes, creating a stable temperature environment for subsequent decorating steps. The cake surface should appear slightly firm and uniform.
  4. Poke Technique: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or similar utensil, carefully create evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface. These perforations will help absorb additional flavoring and create interesting texture.
  5. Filling Infusion: Gently pour prepared gelatin or flavored liquid over the cake, ensuring the mixture seeps into the created holes. This step adds moisture and introduces vibrant color throughout the dessert.
  6. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and gelatin to set completely. This resting period enhances overall taste and texture.
  7. Frosting Finale: Spread whipped cream or prepared frosting smoothly across the cake’s surface, creating an elegant and inviting presentation. Optionally, garnish with festive sprinkles or decorative elements.

Notes

  • Accuracy ensures the cake’s perfect texture and prevents dense or dry results.
  • Use the toothpick test, inserting it in the center to confirm no wet batter remains.
  • Allow cake to reach room temperature to prevent frosting from melting or sliding.
  • Substitute gluten-free cake mix or use dairy-free whipped topping for alternative diet requirements.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star