The moment you take a bite of Easter Poke Cake, your taste buds will dance like kids in a candy store. Imagine layers of fluffy vanilla cake soaked in vibrant flavors that scream springtime—sweetened condensed milk mingling with pastel-colored pudding. It’s a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that’ll have you questioning if it’s legal to enjoy this much happiness in one slice.
I remember the first time I brought this cake to our annual family gathering. My cousin’s three-year-old declared it “the best thing ever!” as frosting smeared across his face like modern art. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a reason to gather around the table and create memories that will last longer than the sugar rush.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Easter Poke Cake is simple to prepare and perfect for any spring celebration
- Each slice is visually stunning with its colorful layers, making it a showstopper on any dessert table
- The combination of flavors keeps everyone coming back for more!
- Enjoy its versatility by customizing with different flavors or toppings based on your preferences
Family members still talk about how quickly the cake vanished that day!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boxed Vanilla Cake Mix: Choose your favorite brand; it makes life easier without compromising taste.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy ingredient adds moisture and sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Use this for added creaminess; instant is best for quick preparation.
- Milk: Any kind will do here; whole milk will give a richer flavor.
- Whipped Topping: Look for non-dairy topping or real whipped cream—both add a lovely lightness.
- Food Coloring: Pastel colors are ideal for that festive look; choose your favorites!
- Sprinkles: Optional but highly encouraged; they add fun and flair to your creation!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks.
Prepare the Cake Batter : In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed vanilla cake mix with eggs and water as per package instructions. Stir until smooth—watch out for lumps!
Bake the Cake : Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake according to package instructions or until a toothpick comes out clean—about 25-30 minutes usually does the trick.
Poke Holes in the Cake : Once baked, let it cool slightly before using a fork to poke holes throughout the entire surface of the cake. Make sure they’re deep enough for all that delicious filling!
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk : Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the poked cake while it’s still warm. Watch how it seeps into those holes like magic!
Create Your Frosting : In another bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened—about two minutes should suffice. Fold in whipped topping gently until everything is well combined.
Frost Your Creation : Spread the pudding mixture over the top of your poke cake evenly. Get creative by adding food coloring if you want it extra festive!
Add Sprinkles : Finish off by sprinkling colorful sprinkles on top because what’s a celebration without confetti? Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Now grab yourself a slice of this delightful Easter Poke Cake! Trust me—it’s not just dessert; it’s an experience filled with laughter, joy, and sugary bliss that’ll keep everyone smiling long after they’ve indulged!
You Must Know
- Easter Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration
- Bursting with flavor and vibrant colors, it brings joy to any gathering
- The moist cake soaked in delicious flavors makes it irresistible, making everyone come back for seconds (or thirds!)
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking your cake and letting it cool completely before poking holes. This ensures the flavors soak in thoroughly for that delightful Easter Poke Cake experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cake mix for a gluten-free option or add colorful sprinkles on top for extra fun. Customizing this recipe allows your personality to shine through!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Easter Poke Cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to five days, but why wait that long?
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter; this helps create a fluffier cake
- Make sure the holes are evenly spaced to ensure even flavor absorption
- Drizzle extra frosting or whipped cream on top right before serving for added indulgence
I once made this Easter Poke Cake for a family gathering, and my relatives still ask me to make it every year. It’s become our unofficial family tradition!
FAQ
What is an Easter Poke Cake?
Easter Poke Cake is a moist cake soaked with flavored gelatin, often decorated festively.
Can I use any cake mix?
Yes! You can use chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon cake mix for a twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover it well and refrigerate; it keeps well for about five days without losing flavor.
Easter Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Easter Poke Cake is a vibrant, moist dessert soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with colorful pudding. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your spring celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 Boxed Vanilla Cake Mix
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz)
- 1 pack Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz)
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 container Whipped Topping (8 oz)
- Food Coloring (pastel shades)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the boxed vanilla cake mix with eggs and water as directed until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly, then poke holes all over the surface with a fork.
- While warm, pour sweetened condensed milk over the poked cake, allowing it to soak in.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened; fold in whipped topping.
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake and add food coloring if desired.
- Finish with colorful sprinkles, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For gluten-free options, substitute the vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free blend. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.