Can I use a scratch cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Any vanilla cake recipe that yields enough batter for a 9x13 pan will work wonderfully. Just divide the batter and color as directed. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Why did my colors bleed together too much?

If your colors mixed more than you wanted, you might have swirled the batters too much. For more distinct color patterns, work quickly when squeezing the batters into the pan and avoid excessive spreading or mixing. Also, make sure your food coloring is well-incorporated into each batter portion before transferring to the bags.

Can I make this cake without artificial food coloring?

Yes! There are several natural food coloring options available. Beetroot powder can create pink, spirulina powder makes green, and blueberry powder creates purple hues. The colors won't be as vibrant as neon food coloring, but they'll still create a lovely pastel effect perfect for Easter.

My pudding seemed to sit on top rather than soaking in, what went wrong?

This typically happens if the pudding mixture became too set before pouring. Make sure to pour the pudding over the cake when it's still quite pourable, just as it begins to thicken. Also, ensure your poke holes are large enough and go all the way to the bottom of the pan.

Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Name: Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake:; 1 Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix; 3 Eggs; 1 Cup Water; ½ Cup Vegetable Oil; McCormick Neon Colors Food Coloring (Pink, Purple, Green); 1 (3.4 oz) Box Jello Instant Vanilla or French Vanilla Pudding; 3 Cups Milk; 1 Carton Cool Whip; Easter Sprinkles (Optional)

This Easter Poke Cake is a showstopper that combines vibrant spring colors with incredible flavor and texture. The marbled cake base soaks up creamy vanilla pudding, creating moist pockets of goodness in every bite, while the fluffy whipped topping adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s a delightfully simple yet impressive dessert that brings all the joy and colors of Easter to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stunning Appearance: The marbleized pastel colors create a beautiful spring-themed cake that will impress everyone at your Easter gathering.
Incredibly Moist: The pudding-soaked cake creates an irresistibly moist texture that makes each bite better than the last.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love both the fun colors and the delicious taste of this festive cake.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix: This creates our perfect base – using a boxed mix saves time without sacrificing flavor. The vanilla flavor complements the colorful aesthetic.
Eggs: These bind everything together and add richness to the cake structure.
Water: The liquid needed to hydrate our cake mix and create the right batter consistency.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake crumb.
Jello Instant Vanilla or French Vanilla Pudding: This creates the magical “poke” effect when it soaks into the holes, adding moisture and flavor throughout the cake.
Milk: Mixed with the pudding powder to create the creamy filling that soaks into the cake.
Cool Whip: The light, fluffy topping that adds a cloud-like texture and sweet finish to the cake.
McCormick Neon Colors Food Coloring: These vibrant colors create the beautiful spring-themed marbling effect. The neon versions give you those perfect Easter pastels.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Color Schemes

Pastel Blue, Yellow and Pink: Create an alternative spring palette
Red, White and Blue: Transform this into a patriotic July 4th cake
Orange, Purple and Black: Perfect for a Halloween version

Flavor Combinations

Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Pudding: For a bright, citrusy version
Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Pudding: For chocolate lovers
Strawberry Cake with Cheesecake Pudding: For a berry-inspired treat

Topping Ideas

Buttercream Frosting: For a richer alternative to Cool Whip
Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds a tangier flavor profile
Fresh Fruit: Add strawberries, blueberries or kiwi slices for natural color and freshness

How to Make Easter Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Colorful Batter

Combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large bowl, mixing until smooth. Divide the batter equally into three separate bowls. Add different neon food coloring to each bowl—typically pink, purple, and green for Easter—and stir until the colors are vibrant and consistent.

Step 2: Create the Marbled Effect

Transfer each colored batter into separate zip-top bags and snip off one corner. Working quickly, squeeze the batters into a greased 9×13 pan, alternating colors as you move around to create a beautiful marbleized pattern. No need to be precise—the random swirls create the most beautiful effect!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes after baking—warm enough to absorb the pudding but not so hot that it melts it.

Step 4: Create the Poke Effect

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes across the entire surface of the cake, spacing them about 1½ inches apart. Make sure to press all the way to the bottom of the pan for the best pudding distribution.

Step 5: Add the Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken but is still pourable. Immediately pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, gently spreading to ensure it fills all the holes.

Step 6: Top and Decorate

Once the pudding has soaked in (about 15-20 minutes), spread the Cool Whip in an even layer across the entire cake. If desired, finish with Easter-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs come to room temperature for a smoother, better-incorporating batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
Perfect Holes: Use a wooden spoon handle that’s about ½ inch in diameter—too small and the pudding won’t fill properly, too large and the cake structure will be compromised.
Patience with Pudding: Let the pudding mixture sit for about 2 minutes after mixing before pouring it over the cake—this gives it the perfect consistency to flow into the holes without being too runny.
Clean Cuts: Wipe your knife clean between slices for perfect presentation. A plastic knife actually works wonderfully for cutting poke cakes!

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This Easter Poke Cake is delightful on its own, but pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best texture experience. The cool, creamy nature of this cake makes it particularly refreshing after a hearty Easter meal.

Presentation Ideas

Cut into squares and place on colorful Easter plates, or elevate the presentation by garnishing each serving with a sprig of mint, a few fresh berries, or an Easter-themed chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This cake actually benefits from being made a day ahead! The flavors meld and the pudding fully sets, creating the perfect texture. Make it up to 2 days before your event.

Storing Leftovers

Cover any uneaten portions tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though the colors may begin to fade slightly.

Freezing

While you can freeze this cake for up to 2 months, the texture of the Cool Whip may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider adding fresh Cool Whip after thawing for the best result.

Reheating

This cake is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator. No reheating necessary!

FAQs

Can I use a scratch cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Any vanilla cake recipe that yields enough batter for a 9×13 pan will work wonderfully. Just divide the batter and color as directed. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.
Why did my colors bleed together too much?

If your colors mixed more than you wanted, you might have swirled the batters too much. For more distinct color patterns, work quickly when squeezing the batters into the pan and avoid excessive spreading or mixing. Also, make sure your food coloring is well-incorporated into each batter portion before transferring to the bags.
Can I make this cake without artificial food coloring?

Yes! There are several natural food coloring options available. Beetroot powder can create pink, spirulina powder makes green, and blueberry powder creates purple hues. The colors won’t be as vibrant as neon food coloring, but they’ll still create a lovely pastel effect perfect for Easter.
My pudding seemed to sit on top rather than soaking in, what went wrong?

This typically happens if the pudding mixture became too set before pouring. Make sure to pour the pudding over the cake when it’s still quite pourable, just as it begins to thicken. Also, ensure your poke holes are large enough and go all the way to the bottom of the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Poke Cake brings together simplicity and wow-factor in one delicious dessert. The colorful swirls capture the joy of spring, while the pudding-soaked interior creates a texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a grand Easter gathering or just wanting to bring some seasonal cheer to your family dinner, this cake delivers both visually and flavor-wise. Give it a try—I promise those first bites with their colorful surprise will bring smiles all around your table!