Easter Poke Cake Recipe

This Easter Poke Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines fluffy white cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and cloud-like whipped frosting topped with festive Easter decorations. Perfect for your holiday gathering, this cake not only looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort—leaving you more time to enjoy your celebrations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• White Cake Mix: The perfect blank canvas for our colorful Easter creation. The neutral flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy pudding and frosting.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Used in both the filling and frosting, it creates a rich, flavorful moisture that soaks into the cake while also stabilizing our whipped cream frosting.
• Milk: Activates the pudding mix, creating that silky filling that will soak into our poked holes.
• Heavy Cream: The foundation of our light, fluffy frosting. Don’t substitute with anything else if you want that perfectly billowy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without the grittiness of granulated sugar and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Creates the “grass” on top of the cake. The texture and slight chewiness add a wonderful contrast to the soft cake.
• Food Coloring: Transforms ordinary pudding and coconut into festive Easter colors. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant results.
• Cadbury Mini Eggs: These chocolate eggs add a delicious crunch and are the perfect Easter decoration. Their speckled shells look beautiful against the green coconut “grass.”
• Peeps Bunnies: These iconic marshmallow treats are not just decorative but add a sweet, chewy element that kids especially love.

Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding for a decadent twist.
• Strawberry Dream: Add strawberry gelatin instead of colored pudding for a fruity filling, and top with fresh strawberries alongside the Easter decorations.
• Lemon Burst: Use lemon cake mix and lemon pudding for a bright, citrusy version perfect for spring.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk with dairy-free pudding mix and top with coconut whipped cream.

How to Make Easter Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions for a 9×13-inch pan. Let it bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Create the Pokes

Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, going about halfway down. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced to distribute the filling properly.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Filling

Whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken but is still pourable. If desired, divide the pudding into smaller bowls and add different food colorings for a rainbow effect. Pour or pipe the pudding over the holes, gently spreading it with a spatula to ensure it fills the holes.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a large bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and dry pudding mix. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture forms stiff peaks and becomes light and fluffy – about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Spread the whipped frosting evenly over the pudding layer. Place the coconut in a ziplock bag with green food coloring and shake until the coconut is evenly colored. Sprinkle this “grass” over the frosted cake. Arrange the Cadbury Mini Eggs and Peeps Bunnies decoratively on top.

How to Serve

This Easter Poke Cake is a complete dessert on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

Sweet Pairings

Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Beverage Companions

Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for the perfect dessert experience.

Special Presentation

For a fancy touch, plate individual slices and add a fresh mint leaf or a few fresh berries alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake actually gets better after a day as the flavors meld together!

Freezing

This cake can be frozen without the coconut topping and decorations. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh decorations before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold directly from the refrigerator – no reheating necessary!

Note: If making ahead for an event, add the Peeps just before serving as they can become sticky if refrigerated too long.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easter Poke Cake brings together simplicity and celebration in the most delicious way. The combination of moist cake, creamy pudding, and fluffy frosting creates a dessert that’s impossible to resist. What I love most is how customizable it is – make it your own with your family’s favorite colors and candies. Trust me, this will become a holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year!

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