There’s something magical about pastel colors, fluffy whipped topping, and that first forkful of soft, pudding-soaked cake. This Easter Poke Cake feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s bright, playful, and honestly? It disappears fast at every spring gathering.
If you need a Pinterest-worthy Easter dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort, this is it. With swirls of pastel cake, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and a cloud of Cool Whip topped with festive sprinkles, this recipe checks every box.
Even better? It uses simple pantry staples and a boxed cake mix shortcut. That means less stress, more celebration.
Let’s bake something beautiful.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Poke Cake
- Perfect for Easter gatherings – pastel colors scream spring.
- Incredibly moist texture thanks to the pudding layer.
- Kid-friendly and fun – little helpers love adding food coloring.
- Beginner-friendly – no complicated decorating skills needed.
- Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better chilled.
This Easter Poke Cake works for potlucks, brunch, church gatherings, or backyard egg hunts. It’s festive without being fussy.
Ingredient Notes (Helpful Tips for Success)
Before we jump in, let’s talk ingredients. A few small details make a big difference here.
White Cake Mix
Stick with a standard 15.25 oz box of white cake mix. White cake gives you the brightest pastel colors. Yellow cake works in a pinch, but the colors won’t pop as much.
Unsalted Butter (Melted)
Replacing oil with melted butter gives richer flavor. Let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
Eggs & Water
Use room-temperature eggs for smoother batter. Cold eggs can make the batter slightly lumpy.
Instant Vanilla Pudding (3.4 oz Box)
This is important: Make sure it says “instant.” Do not use “cook and serve.” Instant pudding thickens quickly and soaks beautifully into the cake.
Milk (Not Plant-Based)
Whole milk works best for a creamy pudding layer. Lower fat milk works too, but avoid plant-based alternatives since they don’t set the same way.
Food Coloring
Gel food coloring gives brighter shades without thinning the batter. I love using pastel green, yellow, pink, and blue for classic Easter vibes.
Cool Whip
Two containers create a thick, fluffy topping. You can also use homemade whipped cream if you prefer (details below).
Easter Sprinkles
Use pastel nonpareils, bunny-shaped sprinkles, or mini eggs for extra charm.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish generously with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 box white cake mix
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Divide & Color
Divide the batter evenly into 4 bowls.
Add a few drops of food coloring into each bowl. Stir until you reach soft pastel shades.
This is where the fun begins.
Step 4: Create the Colorful Base
Using a large spoon, drop spoonfuls of each color randomly into the baking dish. Alternate colors as you go.
Once all batter is added, gently tap the dish on the counter to even it out. Don’t swirl too much—you want defined color sections.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or according to package instructions. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Let the cake cool for a few minutes.
Step 6: Poke the Cake
Using the back of a wooden spoon, poke about 50 holes evenly across the cake, about 1 inch apart.
This is what makes it a true Easter Poke Cake. Those holes allow the pudding to seep inside.
Let the cake cool completely before adding pudding.
Step 7: Make the Pudding
In a bowl, combine:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
Immediately pour and spread the pudding over the cake. Work quickly before it fully sets.
Step 8: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 9: Frost & Decorate
Spread both containers of Cool Whip evenly over the cake.
Top generously with Easter sprinkles.
Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Expert Tips for the Best Easter Poke Cake
- Let the cake cool fully before adding pudding. Warm cake makes pudding runny.
- Use a thicker spoon handle for evenly sized holes.
- Spread pudding quickly—it sets fast.
- Chill before serving. The texture improves after resting.
- Slice with a clean knife each time for neat pastel layers.
If you want Instagram-worthy slices, chill the cake for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Variations and Substitutions
This Easter Poke Cake is flexible. Here are some creative ideas:
Make It Homemade
Instead of Cool Whip, beat:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup sugar
Whip until stiff peaks form.
Try Different Pudding Flavors
Swap vanilla pudding for:
- White chocolate
- Cheesecake
- Lemon (for a spring twist)
Add Extra Easter Flair
- Sprinkle crushed mini chocolate eggs on top.
- Drizzle white chocolate over the whipped topping.
- Add shredded coconut dyed green for a “grass” look.
Turn It Into Cupcakes
Divide batter into cupcake liners. Bake, poke, fill, frost. Perfect for school parties.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigeration
Store your Easter Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The texture actually improves on day two.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake (without whipped topping) for up to 1 month.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and decorate.
Avoid freezing with Cool Whip topping for best texture.
FAQ
Why is my pudding not setting?
You may have used “cook and serve” instead of instant pudding. Instant pudding thickens quickly without heat.
Can I make Easter Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better after chilling for several hours.
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely. Just bake in a 9×13 pan and follow the same poking and filling steps.
How do I get brighter pastel colors?
Use gel food coloring and add color gradually until you reach your desired shade.
A Sweet Spring Tradition
This Easter Poke Cake brings joy in every slice. It’s colorful without being complicated. It feels nostalgic yet festive. And most importantly, it gathers people around the table.
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or bringing dessert to a family gathering, this cake delivers soft texture, creamy pudding, and playful color in every bite.
Bake it once, and I promise—it’ll become part of your spring tradition.
