If there’s one dessert that shouts springtime joy and playful color, it’s Festive Easter Poke Cake. This whimsical treat combines pillowy-soft white cake, ribbons of sweet vanilla pudding tinted in pastel shades, and a blanket of whipped topping crowned with coconut and vibrant sprinkles. Every slice is a delightfully moist, creamy, and utterly cheerful bite that’s guaranteed to light up your holiday table. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want something fun and fuss-free to celebrate, this cake will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Festive Easter Poke Cake is how it transforms simple pantry staples into an irresistibly fun dessert. Each ingredient brings its own touch of flavor, festive color, or lively texture, creating a showstopper with minimal effort.

White cake mix: Soft, neutral base that takes on the colors and flavors of the pudding—think of it as your delicious, blank canvas.
Eggs, oil, and water (as required): Essential for getting a moist, fluffy crumb—just follow your cake mix box instructions.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds a creamy, luscious filling and helps keep the cake perfectly moist.
Cold milk: Whisks together with the pudding mix for that dreamy, custardy layer.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Sprinkled on top for subtle tropical flavor and lovely texture; try toasting it for golden color and extra crunch.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Makes the cake light, fluffy, and super easy to frost—just spread it on straight from the tub.
Pastel food coloring: The secret to those joyful, Easter-inspired streaks running through the cake.
Pastel sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates: Adds instant festive flair and a satisfying pop of color on every slice.

How to Make Festive Easter Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preparing your white cake mix according to the package directions, making sure to use a 9×13-inch baking dish for best results. The moment that lightly sweet aroma fills the kitchen, you’ll know you’re on your way to something special! Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—try not to peek too soon.

Step 2: Cool and Poke

Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. While the cake is still warm (but not hot), grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes evenly over the entire surface. Don’t be shy—these holes are where all the creamy pudding magic will settle in later!

Step 3: Mix and Color the Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it’s smooth and just starting to thicken. Divide the pudding among a few smaller bowls and tint each with your favorite pastel colors. Think baby pink, gentle yellow, mint green, or lilac—you can’t go wrong here!

Step 4: Fill the Cake with Color

Carefully spoon or pour the different colors of pudding into the holes you made in the cake, alternating as you go. There’s no need to be precise; letting the shades blend a bit just adds to the tie-dye appeal of your Festive Easter Poke Cake.

Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream and Decorate

Once the pudding is settled and the cake has cooled further, spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the whole surface. Sprinkle with sweetened shredded coconut, and finish with cheerful pastel sprinkles or adorable candy-coated chocolates like mini eggs or M&Ms for a look that screams spring celebration.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Pop your finished masterpiece in the fridge for at least two hours—this lets the pudding fully set and the flavors marry. Chilling makes the cake easy to slice into pristine, colorful squares that always steal the show!

How to Serve Festive Easter Poke Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of toasted coconut takes the flavor up a notch and gives a golden touch, while extra pastel sprinkles or candy eggs on top add extra pizzazz. For an extra flourish, tuck in a few fresh edible flowers or delicate mint leaves just before serving.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is sweet and creamy, pair it with a simple fruit salad—think juicy strawberries, kiwi, or segmented oranges to balance each forkful. Lightly brewed herbal tea or lemonade also make refreshing sips alongside every slice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert buffet, cut the cake into neat squares and nestle each onto festive cupcake liners. You can even offer small bowls of extra pastel candies for a DIY decorating station, so everyone adds their personal touch to their Festive Easter Poke Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and refrigerate. The cake stays moist and flavorful for up to four days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for a busy holiday weekend.

Freezing

You can freeze Festive Easter Poke Cake after assembling and chilling it. Simply wrap individual pieces or the whole pan (without candies on top) tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding any fresh toppings and serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just pull a slice from the fridge and dig in! If you prefer a softer experience, let the cake sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter and pudding instead of boxed mixes?

Absolutely! If you love baking from scratch, feel free to swap in your favorite homemade white cake and pudding recipes. The process remains the same and gives you freedom to adjust flavors or use natural coloring.

Which food coloring works best for pastel shades?

Gel food coloring is ideal since it’s more concentrated and won’t water down your pudding, plus you only need a tiny bit to achieve those dreamy Easter tints. If using liquid coloring, start slow and blend well.

Can I toast the coconut in advance?

Yes! Toast your coconut in a dry skillet or in the oven, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate your Festive Easter Poke Cake for added crunch and flavor.

How far ahead can I make this cake?

You can assemble the cake up to two days ahead. It actually tastes better as it sits because the pudding soaks further into the cake, just add final garnishes shortly before serving for maximum color and crunch.

Is Festive Easter Poke Cake gluten free?

Not as written, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your pudding and toppings are gluten free. This way, everyone can enjoy a festive slice, no matter their dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s bursting with springtime fun, Festive Easter Poke Cake is an absolute delight. It’s almost impossible not to smile when you catch a glimpse of those candy colors and taste the soft, creamy layers. Gather your friends and family, let your creativity run wild with the colors, and savor every joyful bite!

Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Festive Easter Poke Cake, a colorful and easy-to-make dessert perfect for spring celebrations. This vibrant cake features layers of moist white cake infused with creamy pastel pudding and topped with fluffy whipped topping, coconut, and colorful sprinkles.

Ingredients

Scale

White Cake:

1 box white cake mix, prepared according to package directions (plus eggs, oil, and water as required)

Pudding Layer:

1 box (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

Toppings:

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Pastel food coloring
1/2 cup pastel sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates (such as mini eggs or M&Ms)

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Instructions

Prepare the White Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Create Pudding Layer: Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Divide and color with pastel food coloring.
Assemble the Cake: Poke holes in the cake and pour colored pudding into them. Top with whipped topping, coconut, and sprinkles.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to set the pudding.