Description
This Delightful Easter Poke Cake combines a moist vanilla cake with vibrant, flavored Jell-O filling poured into tender holes, topped with fluffy whipped cream and festive pastel garnishes. Perfect for spring celebrations, this easy-to-make dessert offers a fun twist on traditional poke cakes with colorful, fruity flavors and a light, refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (or your favorite vanilla cake mix)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Jell-O Filling
- 1 (3 oz) box of Jell-O (pastel color/flavor such as strawberry, lime, or orange)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
Topping & Garnish
- 1 (8 oz) tub of Cool Whip or whipped topping
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup pastel sprinkles or mini candy eggs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box, using the eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Jell-O Filling: While the cake is cooling, dissolve the Jell-O powder in 1 cup of boiling water in a medium bowl, stirring until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water, stir to combine, and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Poke the Cake: After cooling for 10 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke 20-30 holes evenly across the cake, ensuring the holes are deep enough to absorb the Jell-O but do not go through the bottom.
- Add the Jell-O Filling: Slowly and evenly pour the prepared Jell-O mixture over the entire cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours until the Jell-O is fully set.
- Prepare the Topping: Once the Jell-O is set, spread an even layer of Cool Whip or whipped topping over the surface of the cake using a spatula for smooth coverage.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the top of the cake with shredded coconut to mimic grass and sprinkle pastel sprinkles or mini candy eggs for a festive Easter look. Slice and serve the cake chilled.
Notes
- Allow the Jell-O to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to prevent melting the cake’s structure.
- If you prefer, substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher topping.
- The shredded coconut and sprinkles are optional but add a festive texture and appearance perfect for Easter.
- Ensure the holes poked in the cake are deep enough to allow the Jell-O to settle well and flavor the cake thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
