Description
Easter is a time for family, fun, and, of course, delicious desserts! One of the most festive treats you can serve is an Easter Poke Cake. This colorful and easy-to-make cake is a favorite for spring celebrations. It’s not just tasty—it’s also visually stunning with its pastel hues and sweet, creamy filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (or homemade cake)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water or milk
Filling Options:
- 1 box (3 oz) Jell-O gelatin (strawberry, lemon, or berry blue)
- OR 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (vanilla, lemon, or chocolate)
- 1 cup boiling water (if using Jell-O)
- 1/2 cup cold water (if using Jell-O)
Toppings & Decorations:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping or homemade frosting
- Pastel sprinkles, edible glitter, or shredded coconut
- Mini chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or marshmallow bunnies
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions (or use a homemade vanilla cake recipe).
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Poke Holes in the Cake
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire cake.
- Make sure the holes are deep enough to allow the filling to seep in.
Add the Filling
For Jell-O Filling:
- In a bowl, dissolve Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully mixed.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water, then stir.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
For Pudding Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk until thickened.
- Spoon the pudding into the holes and spread any excess over the top.
Chill the Cake
- Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
Frost and Decorate
- Spread whipped topping or frosting over the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle with pastel-colored sprinkles, coconut, or crushed candy.
- Add mini chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or marshmallow bunnies for decoration.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the cake and serve chilled.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Use different Jell-O colors to create a rainbow effect inside the cake.
Don’t skip the chilling step—this allows the flavors to fully soak in.
Try different toppings, like crushed Oreos, white chocolate drizzle, or Easter candy for extra fun!
Make it ahead—this cake tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes