Irresistible Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Get ready to impress your family and friends this Easter with a show-stopping dessert – Easter Poke Cake! This delightful recipe is not only visually stunning with its colorful marbled cake layers but also a true crowd-pleaser with its creamy pudding filling and fluffy whipped cream topping. The best part? It’s easier to make than it looks, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.

I still remember the first time I made this Easter poke cake for our family gathering last spring. It quickly became a tradition, loved by all for its festive charm and delicious taste. Even my picky niece couldn’t resist helping me decorate it, proudly showcasing her creation with the strategically placed chocolate eggs. It’s moments like these that make holiday baking so special and memorable.

Whether you serve this Easter poke cake with a cup of coffee for a sweet afternoon treat or as a stunning centerpiece dessert for your Easter dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Feel free to get creative with different flavor combinations and toppings to suit your preferences. Let this recipe inspire you to create lasting memories with your loved ones, one colorful slice at a time.

Quick Benefits

• Eye-catching Presentation: The colorful marbled cake with creamy pudding filling and fluffy whipped cream creates a visually stunning dessert that is perfect for special occasions like Easter.
• Simple to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it a great option for those who want a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Flavor Combinations: You can easily customize this recipe by trying different flavor combinations such as chocolate cake with chocolate pudding or swapping vanilla pudding for lemon or coconut for a unique twist.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Easter Poke Cake Recipe Recipe

• Vibrant and Festive: The colorful, marbled cake with pink, yellow, and blue swirls makes for a visually stunning dessert that is perfect for Easter or any spring celebration.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly simple to put together, making it an ideal recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Layers: The combination of moist cake, creamy pudding filling, and fluffy whipped cream creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Versatile: This recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. From different cake flavors to pudding variations and additional toppings, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or try new flavor combinations.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether served at a family gathering, potluck, or special event, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that brings joy and creates lasting memories, making it a wonderful centerpiece dessert.
• Kid-Friendly: Get the little ones involved in decorating this cake with Easter sprinkles and mini eggs, encouraging creativity and creating cherished moments in the kitchen.
• Pairs Well with Various Beverages: Enjoy a slice of this cake with coffee, tea, milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat that complements a range of beverages.
• Creates Traditions: Making this Easter poke cake can become a beloved tradition in your family, passing down the recipe and the joy of baking from one generation to the next.

Ingredients for Irresistible Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Cake

• 3 egg whites
• ¾ cup whole milk
• Pink, yellow, and blue gel food coloring
• 15.25 ounce white cake mix
• ½ cup greek yogurt
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Pudding Layer

• 5.1 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 ¾ cups whole milk

Whipped Cream Layer

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• Easter sprinkles and/or mini eggs for topping
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar

How to Make Irresistible Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the batter

In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, and milk until smooth, for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Color the batter

Divide batter into three bowls. Add a drop or two of pink, yellow, and blue gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until desired pastel color is achieved.

Step 4: Create the marble effect

Alternate spoonfuls of colored batter in the dish. Gently swirl with a butter knife to create a marble effect without overmixing.

Step 5: Bake the cake

Bake for 23-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.

Step 6: Poke the holes

With the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, making sure they go about ⅔ of the way through. Wiggle the spoon handle gently to widen the holes for the pudding to seep down into.

Step 7: Prepare the pudding

In a large bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 8: Add the pudding layer

Pour the pudding over the cake, spread it evenly, and gently press into the holes with a rubber spatula to fill them.

Step 9: Chill

Chill in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes until the pudding is firm.

Step 10: Make the whipped cream

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat heavy cream and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (approximately 2 minutes).

Step 11: Add the topping

Evenly spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake, then sprinkle with sweetened shredded coconut, Easter sprinkles, and mini eggs.

Step 12: Final chill

Chill for a minimum of 2 hours to blend the flavors before serving.

Storage Tips

Once the Easter poke cake is prepared and decorated, store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. If you have leftover slices, place them in an airtight container before refrigerating. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed within the first 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.

When serving the leftover cake, consider letting it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften slightly before enjoying. You can also re-whip the whipped cream if it has deflated slightly before serving. To maintain the cake’s vibrant colors and decorative toppings, handle it carefully when storing and serving. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee or serving it as a show-stopping dessert for Easter dinner, storing the cake properly will help preserve its flavors and presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier twist, you can substitute the vegetable oil with applesauce or mashed bananas. This swap will reduce the overall fat content of the cake while adding natural sweetness. Additionally, you can replace the whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. These substitutions will cater to those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free white cake mix instead of the regular one. This adjustment will allow individuals with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delightful Easter poke cake. For a vegan version, replace the egg whites with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. You can also use a plant-based yogurt like soy or almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. These modifications will make the dessert suitable for vegans or those looking to avoid animal products.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive presentation, serve this colorful Easter poke cake on a cake stand surrounded by pastel-colored Easter decorations like bunny figurines or fresh flowers. The vibrant swirls of pink, yellow, and blue cake peeking through the whipped cream topping will surely catch everyone’s eye and add to the holiday atmosphere. Top the cake with an assortment of Easter sprinkles and mini eggs for an extra touch of whimsy and a pop of color.

To elevate the indulgence factor, serve slices of this Easter poke cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The combination of the moist cake, creamy pudding filling, and fluffy whipped cream is already delightful, but adding a bit of extra creaminess takes it to the next level. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or offer it as a stunning centerpiece dessert at your Easter dinner alongside a selection of fresh fruits for a light and refreshing contrast.

FAQs for Irresistible Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different cake mix flavors. Chocolate, lemon, or even strawberry cake mix would work well with this recipe, depending on your preference.

How far in advance can I make this Easter poke cake?

You can make this cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter alternative in the whipped cream topping?

Yes, you can use whipped topping or whipped coconut cream as a lighter alternative to heavy cream in the topping. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly if using a pre-sweetened whipped topping.

Can I omit the shredded coconut from the recipe?

Yes, you can definitely omit the shredded coconut if you’re not a fan or if you have allergies. The cake will still be delicious without it, or you can replace it with another topping of your choice.

Conclusion

As you prepare to make this delightful Easter Poke Cake for your own family and friends, remember that the joy of baking and creating memories in the kitchen is just as important as the end result. This cake has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s through the vibrant colors, the delicious flavors, or the shared experience of making something special. So go ahead, get creative with your decorations, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Whether you’re serving this Easter Poke Cake as the star of your holiday dessert table or enjoying it as a sweet treat during a cozy afternoon, it’s sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic of Easter Poke Cake brighten your celebrations with its delightful charm. Happy baking, and may your Easter be filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious cake!