Colorful Easter Poke Cake

This festive Easter Poke Cake is a vibrant showstopper that combines moist white cake, colorful pastel pudding, and fluffy whipped topping for a dessert that practically screams spring. The beautiful pastel colors seeping through each slice make this the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration.

I first created this cake for my daughter's spring birthday party years ago. What started as a simple way to incorporate her favorite pastel colors has now become our most requested Easter tradition, with everyone arguing over which colored pudding section tastes best.

Ingredients

• White cake mix plus box ingredients: The neutral canvas allows the colorful pudding to shine through beautifully
• Vanilla extract: This optional addition elevates the box mix with homemade flavor
• Instant vanilla pudding: Creates the magical colorful filling that seeps into every bite
• Cold milk: Must be cold to properly set the pudding for perfect texture
• Gel food coloring: Provides vibrant colors without thinning the pudding. Liquid coloring works but gel gives more intense results
• Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream: The cloud-like topping that balances the sweetness below
• Easter sprinkles or candy eggs: These festive decorations transform a simple cake into a celebration dessert

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Base:

Prepare your white cake according to package directions, adding optional vanilla extract for enhanced flavor. The cake should be baked until just done. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking as a slightly underdone cake actually works better for absorbing the pudding. Let cool just enough that the cake is set but still warm enough to welcome the pudding.

Create the Colorful Magic:

After poking holes throughout your cake, prepare the pudding mixture with cold milk, whisking vigorously for the full two minutes. The pudding will seem thinner than you expect. This is perfect. Divide into separate bowls and add food coloring with a light touch. Start with just a drop or two for true pastel shades. The colored pudding becomes the star of this dessert, creating a stained-glass effect when sliced.

Fill and Chill:

Pour the colored pudding carefully into the holes, alternating colors in a pattern or randomly for a surprise effect in each slice. Work methodically across the entire cake, ensuring pudding fills every hole. Allow the cake to absorb the pudding completely before adding the topping. The longer it chills, the more the flavors meld and develop.

Crown with Creamy Topping:

Apply the whipped topping in gentle sweeps rather than pressing down, which could push pudding out of the holes. Create decorative swirls or keep it smooth based on your preference. Add sprinkles or candy just before serving to maintain their color and texture.

The most magical part of this recipe is watching children's faces light up when they see the rainbow of colors inside each slice. My niece once declared it looked like the Easter Bunny had hidden tiny jars of pastel paint inside our dessert. That moment of pure wonder is why I keep making this cake year after year.

Make It Your Own

This highly adaptable recipe welcomes your personal touch. For chocolate lovers, substitute devil's food cake with pastel pudding for a striking contrast. Lemon or coconut pudding creates wonderful flavor variations perfect for spring. You might even layer colored batters in the cake itself for a double rainbow effect. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a signature version that becomes your own family tradition.

Storage Success

The beauty of this poke cake is how well it keeps. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, though good luck having any remain that long. The cake actually improves after a day of chilling as the pudding fully sets and flavors deepen. Avoid freezing as the texture of the whipped topping will suffer upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this Easter Poke Cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries on the side. For an extra-special dessert table, serve alongside vanilla ice cream. Cut smaller pieces and arrange on a tiered stand for a beautiful dessert buffet display. Individual slices look stunning on white plates where the pastel colors truly pop.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?

Yes, you can substitute the boxed cake mix with a homemade white cake recipe if preferred.

→ What food coloring works best for this cake?

Gel food coloring is recommended for bright, vibrant colors without altering the pudding consistency.

→ How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can prepare it up to a day in advance, as it tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge.

→ Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip for a fresher taste.

→ How do I store this cake?

Cover the cake and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.