Easter Poke Cake

Spring is in the air, and Easter is the perfect excuse to gather with family, celebrate, and indulge in a sweet treat that everyone will love. One dessert that never fails to impress is a colorful, soft, and flavorful poke cake. With its creamy filling and playful presentation, this cake is a showstopper on any Easter table. It’s light enough to enjoy after a big meal, but rich enough to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

What makes this cake extra special is how simple it is to make. You bake the cake, poke little holes, pour in a luscious filling, and top it with fluffy frosting—no complicated layers or decorations required. Yet the result is a dessert that looks like it took hours to create. Kids especially love helping with the poking and pouring, which makes it a fun kitchen activity leading up to Easter Sunday.

This poke cake isn’t just delicious; it’s versatile too. You can choose from classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate, then pair them with colorful jellies, puddings, or even cream cheese fillings. For an Easter twist, add pastel sprinkles, mini candy eggs, or a drizzle of white chocolate to make it festive. Every bite melts in your mouth, with pockets of creamy sweetness hiding inside the soft, airy cake.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing a dessert to a gathering, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this poke cake has you covered. It’s the kind of easy Easter cake that feels special without a ton of effort. Truly, it’s one of the best Easter dessert options if you want to impress your guests with minimal stress and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love It

• Fun and interactive: Poking the cake and pouring in the filling turns baking into a little kitchen adventure. Kids and adults alike will enjoy watching the magic happen as the flavors seep into every bite.
• Perfectly festive: With pastel sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or colorful frosting, this cake instantly brings Easter vibes to your table—no complicated decorating skills needed.
• Soft, moist, and indulgent: Every slice is packed with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth pockets of sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser for dessert lovers of all ages.
• Quick and stress-free: This easy Easter cake proves you can have an impressive, show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile flavor combos: Whether you love classic vanilla, chocolate, or fruity fillings, the poke cake can be customized to suit your family’s tastes—and it always delivers on flavor.

Ingredient List

For the Cake

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For the Filling

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

• Pastel sprinkles
• Mini chocolate or candy eggs

Ingredient Notes

• I always use real vanilla extract—it adds so much warmth and depth to both the cake and the filling.
• Don’t skip the instant pudding mix! It’s the secret to those creamy, dreamy pockets that make this the best Easter dessert.
• For extra fluff, I like using whipped topping instead of heavy frosting—light, sweet, and perfect for spring.
• Candy eggs and sprinkles aren’t just decoration—they bring that playful, festive Easter vibe everyone loves.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan – Perfect size for this cake; I love using a glass pan so you can see all the layers.
• Mixing bowls – One for the cake, one for the pudding; I always use sturdy, medium-sized bowls.
• Whisk – For smooth pudding and frosting; makes everything lump-free.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Great for folding in ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for accuracy; I keep a set just for baking.
• Fork or skewer – To poke the cake holes for the filling; fun and easy to use.
• Electric mixer (optional) – Makes whipping the frosting faster, but you can do it by hand too.

Instructions

1. Prepare and Bake the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, oil, and eggs.
• Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—just enough to blend ingredients, or the cake can turn dense.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

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2. Make the Pudding Filling

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until smooth.
  • Pro Tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Set aside to thicken slightly while the cake cools.

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3. Poke the Cake

• Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake—about 1 inch apart.
• Make sure the holes go deep but don’t break the bottom of the cake.
  • Pro Tip: If your skewer drags crumbs, clean it between pokes for neat holes.

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4. Pour in the Filling

• Carefully pour the pudding filling over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
• Use a spatula to gently spread the pudding so all holes are filled.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the filling set.

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5. Frost the Cake

• In a bowl, mix the whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
• Smooth the top with a spatula for a clean finish.

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6. Decorate for Easter

• Sprinkle pastel sprinkles and place mini chocolate eggs on top.
• Get creative! You can make little clusters of eggs or scatter them randomly.
• Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cool the cake completely before poking – Otherwise, the filling can sink too much or make a mess.
• Use cold milk for the pudding – Helps it thicken properly and fill the holes nicely.
• Clean your skewer between pokes – Keeps the holes neat and prevents crumbs from blocking the filling.
• Chill before frosting – A slightly firm pudding layer makes spreading the frosting easier.
• Get creative with decorations – Mini eggs, pastel sprinkles, or even edible flowers make it festive without extra effort.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate or funfetti to match your Easter theme.
• Use instant chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer twist.
• Replace whipped topping with cream cheese frosting for a tangy, decadent version.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the pudding for pastel Easter colors.
• Mix in crushed candy or cookie pieces into the pudding for extra texture and fun.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this Easter poke cake chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—it balances the creamy sweetness perfectly!
• Cut into squares and place on a festive platter with extra pastel sprinkles for a fun dessert buffet.
• Pair a slice with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Serve with fresh berries—strawberries or raspberries add a bright, tart contrast to the rich cake.
• For a playful twist, top individual servings with mini chocolate bunnies or eggs for each plate—it’s a hit with kids!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Avoid reheating: This cake is best served chilled. Warm it, and the pudding can melt, losing that perfect creamy texture.
• Keep decorations fresh: Add sprinkles and mini eggs just before serving if freezing or storing for a longer time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance, fill it, and refrigerate. Just frost and decorate right before serving for the freshest look.

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?

Yes! A simple homemade yellow or vanilla cake works beautifully. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before poking and adding the pudding.

Can I use other flavors of pudding?

Definitely! Chocolate, strawberry, or even butterscotch pudding can give a fun twist—just pick your favorite or match your Easter theme.

How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

Let the cake cool completely before adding the pudding, and avoid over-pouring. Chilling it before frosting also helps keep everything in place.

Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free pudding/whipped topping alternatives. It may change the texture slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

For sure! Just use a larger pan or two 9×13 pans, and double all ingredients. Keep the same baking time, but check with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.

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Did you try this Easter poke cake? Let me know in the comments how it turned out—I love seeing your colorful creations and fun decorating ideas!