Name: Festive Easter Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box); Food coloring (blue, green, pink, and yellow); 1 package (3.4 oz) instant white chocolate pudding; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Sprinkles (pastel colors)

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Nothing says Easter like a colorful and fun dessert, and this Festive Easter Poke Cake is exactly that—light, moist, and bursting with springtime flavor! This cake has it all: a soft, fluffy cake base, vibrant swirls of color, and a creamy topping that’s perfect for the holiday. Whether you’re hosting an Easter dinner or just looking to surprise the family with a sweet treat, this cake is sure to make your celebration even more festive. Trust me, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Festive Easter Poke Cake

Here’s why this cake will steal the spotlight at your next gathering:

Vibrant and Fun: The bright, pastel colors make this cake feel like a party! It’s perfect for Easter, but honestly, it can be made for any celebration that calls for a cheerful dessert.

Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here. This cake uses simple ingredients and easy steps, so anyone can bake it—even beginners! The cake is foolproof and the results are stunning.

Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and the colorful jello, this cake is incredibly moist and flavorful. Every bite is packed with a burst of sweetness and a creamy topping that balances it all out.

Customizable: You can easily change the colors of the cake to suit your style. Feel free to use different Jell-O flavors for a new twist on the classic, or add extra decorations like Easter candy or whipped cream for an even more festive look.

Perfect for a Crowd: This cake is large enough to serve plenty of people, making it ideal for big Easter gatherings or potlucks. Plus, it looks so impressive when you cut into it!

Ingredients in Festive Easter Poke Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this show-stopping cake:

White Cake Mix: The base for your cake, which is light, fluffy, and the perfect blank canvas for all the colorful goodness to come.

Eggs: Essential for binding the cake together and giving it structure.

Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake, keeping it soft and tender.

Water: Needed to bring the cake mix together.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magic ingredient that makes the cake extra moist and adds a creamy sweetness.

Jell-O Gelatin: The secret to those vibrant colors and fruity flavors. You can choose your favorite flavors—strawberry, orange, lime, or blue raspberry for a fun, Easter-inspired palette.

Whipped Topping: For the creamy, fluffy frosting on top. It adds a light texture and helps balance the sweetness of the cake.

Sprinkles (Optional): A fun way to add extra flair and color to the top of the cake. Perfect for Easter, but you can use any sprinkles you like!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this easy, festive treat? Let’s get started:

Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, and prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions (usually with eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Poke the Cake: Once your cake has baked and cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Be sure to poke all the way down to the bottom of the cake, but not too deep that the cake will fall apart.

Add the Jello: Prepare the Jell-O gelatin by dissolving the packets in boiling water, then adding cold water according to the package instructions. Pour each colored Jell-O over the cake, one color at a time, making sure the liquid fills all the holes. You can either drizzle the Jell-O over the entire cake or create a pattern with different colors.

Cool the Cake: Once the Jell-O has been poured over the cake, cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) to allow the Jell-O to set.

Top with Whipped Topping: After the cake has chilled and the Jell-O has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. This will add a light, creamy layer that balances the sweetness of the Jell-O.

Decorate the Cake: Top the cake with colorful sprinkles, Easter-themed candies like mini eggs or jellybeans, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice into this fun, colorful cake and enjoy! It’s the perfect dessert for any Easter celebration.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)

How to Serve Festive Easter Poke Cake

This cake is great for Easter, but it can be served for any celebration. Here are some fun ideas to make it extra special:

Easter Dessert Table: Add this cake to your Easter spread. Its vibrant colors will brighten up the table and delight your guests.

Pair with Ice Cream: This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent dessert experience.

For a Sweet Snack: This cake is perfect for an afternoon snack or a fun after-school treat for the kids. It’s colorful and flavorful, making it a hit with all ages.

Brunch Delight: If you’re serving brunch, this cake makes a wonderful sweet option alongside savory dishes like quiches and fresh fruit.

Additional Tips

Use Your Favorite Jell-O Flavors: You can switch up the colors and flavors of the Jell-O to suit your preferences or to match your party theme. Feel free to get creative with the flavors!

Make It Ahead of Time: This cake needs some time to chill, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before and let it sit overnight in the fridge.

Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Go Easy on the Toppings: While it’s tempting to go all out with decorations, the cake is already so colorful and delicious that you don’t need too much on top. A simple sprinkle of festive sprinkles or a few Easter candies will do the trick!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cake mix?
A1: Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like! Chocolate or strawberry cake would also work great with the Jell-O flavors.

Q2: How long does the cake need to chill?
A2: The cake needs at least 3-4 hours to chill, but overnight is even better. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together!

Q3: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A3: Yes! Homemade whipped cream works wonderfully in this recipe, giving it a fresh, creamy flavor. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks so it holds up on top of the cake.

Q4: How do I store leftover cake?
A4: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious!

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: Freezing isn’t recommended for this cake, as the Jell-O can become watery when thawed. However, you can freeze individual slices if you like, but they may lose their texture.

Q6: Can I use sugar-free Jell-O for a lower-sugar version?
A6: Absolutely! Sugar-free Jell-O works just as well as the regular version, so feel free to swap it for a lower-sugar option.

Q7: Can I use a 9-inch round pan instead of a 9×13-inch pan?
A7: Yes, you can use a 9-inch round pan, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly. The cake might need a bit more time to bake in a round pan, so keep an eye on it.

Q8: How can I make this cake even more colorful?
A8: For extra color, you can mix different Jell-O flavors together for a marble effect or use food coloring to make the whipped topping more vibrant.

Q9: Can I use a homemade cake recipe instead of boxed cake mix?
A9: Yes! Feel free to use a homemade vanilla or white cake recipe. Just make sure the texture is light and fluffy for the best results.

Q10: Can I top the cake with Easter-themed candy?
A10: Yes! Easter-themed candies like chocolate eggs, jellybeans, or mini marshmallows are perfect for topping this festive cake. Add them before serving for a fun and playful touch.

Conclusion

This Festive Easter Poke Cake is a fun and vibrant dessert that’s perfect for celebrating Easter or any special occasion. With its moist cake base, colorful Jell-O layers, and creamy topping, it’s sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just need a sweet treat to share, this cake is an easy and delicious choice. Get ready to wow your guests with this show-stopping dessert!