Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Colorful Easter Poke Cake Recipe That’s Foolproof & Fabulous

Crafting an easter poke cake brings pure springtime magic right to your dessert table.

Sweet memories of childhood celebrations dance through this delightful treat.

Marshmallow-like textures and pastel colors make this dessert irresistibly charming.

Creamy layers promise a delectable experience that surprises and delights.

Springtime gatherings deserve something special that sparks joy and conversation.

Soft, moist cake infused with vibrant flavors will become your new favorite seasonal indulgence.

Come explore this simple yet spectacular dessert that everyone will adore.

Easter Poke Cake That Delights Every Crowd

Easter Poke Cake That Delights Every Crowd
  • Celebrate Seasonal Delight: Craft a festive dessert perfect for Easter gatherings, bringing joy and color to your holiday table with minimal effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the cake with colorful sprinkles, creating a unique treat that matches your celebration's theme and delights both kids and adults.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform a simple cake mix into a stunning dessert with just a few extra steps, making impressive baking accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Prepare-Ahead Pleasure: Make this cake in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to focus on other party preparations without last-minute stress.

Ingredients for Sweet and Colorful Easter Poke Cake

Cake Base:
  • Vanilla Cake Mix: A pre-mixed dry blend that provides the foundational structure and sweet flavor for the Easter cake.
  • Water: Helps to combine the cake mix ingredients and create a smooth batter.
  • Eggs: Provide richness, structure, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
Gelatin Layer:
  • Gelatin Powder: Creates colorful, vibrant layers that seep into the cake holes for a festive Easter look.
  • Boiling Water: Dissolves the gelatin powder and helps it penetrate the cake's surface.
Topping:
  • Whipped Topping: Adds a light, creamy finish to the cake and provides a smooth surface for decorations.
  • Sprinkles: Offer a colorful and festive decoration that enhances the Easter theme of the cake.

Steps to Assemble Easter Poke Cake Easily

Steps to Assemble Easter Poke Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up The Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Vanilla cake mix
  • Water
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 3: Bake The Cake Base

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 4: Create Cake Holes

Let the cake cool down slightly. Take a fork and playfully poke holes all across the cake’s surface.

These little tunnels will help the gelatin seep in beautifully.

Step 5: Add Colorful Gelatin

Dissolve gelatin powder in boiling water.

Carefully pour the liquid gelatin evenly over the cake, making sure it fills all those lovely fork holes.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it cool completely for at least two hours.

This helps the gelatin set and the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Top And Decorate

Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the chilled cake.

Sprinkle some festive Easter-themed sprinkles on top for a fun, colorful finish.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Easter Poke Cake

  • Swap regular gelatin with vegetarian agar-agar for a plant-based version that's equally delicious and vibrant.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cake batter for deeper, richer taste.
  • Control hole size and distribution by using different utensils like wooden skewers or the back of a wooden spoon for varied cake texture.
  • Try pastel-colored gelatin to match the Easter theme and create a festive, eye-catching dessert that kids and adults will love.
  • Opt for low-fat whipped topping or homemade whipped cream to adjust the calorie content while maintaining the cake's creamy finish.

Creative Twists on Easter Poke Cake

  • Gluten-Free Easter Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free vanilla cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Sugar Easter Treat: Use sugar-free gelatin and a low-sugar cake mix, substituting with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for healthier option.
  • Pastel Rainbow Poke Cake: Use different colored gelatin flavors like blue, pink, and yellow to create a vibrant, multicolored cake effect.
  • Vegan Easter Celebration Cake: Swap eggs with applesauce, use plant-based milk, vegan cake mix, and coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.

Pairings That Enhance Easter Poke Cake Experience

  • Blend light, fruity flavors like strawberry and vanilla to complement the cake's sweetness, creating a festive beverage that matches the dessert's pastel theme.
  • Enhance the cake's creamy texture by adding a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream, which provides a cool contrast to the gelatin-infused layers.
  • Arrange strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries around the cake to add brightness and a fresh element that cuts through the dessert's richness.
  • Brew a delicate, floral tea that offers a sophisticated counterpoint to the cake's sweet profile, creating an elegant Easter dessert experience.

Storage Ideas to Keep Easter Poke Cake Fresh

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it fresh for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container, storing for up to 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.
  • Thawing Technique: Move frozen cake slices to the refrigerator overnight, allowing gentle defrosting without compromising moisture or quality.
  • Reheating Method: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power, ensuring the cake remains soft and doesn't become rubbery.

FAQs

  • How do I make sure the gelatin mixture goes into the holes?

Use a slow, steady pour directly into each hole, letting the gelatin naturally seep down into the cake’s interior. Move systematically across the cake to ensure even distribution.

  • Can I use different flavored gelatin?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests traditional flavors, you can experiment with different colors and tastes like strawberry, lime, or berry to match your Easter theme and create a unique dessert.

  • What type of cake mix works best?

A standard white or vanilla cake mix is ideal for this recipe. The neutral flavor allows the gelatin and toppings to shine while providing a perfect base for the poke cake technique.

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Easter Poke Cake Recipe

Easter Poke Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful easter poke cake brings springtime flavors to dessert tables with creamy layers of pastel sweetness. Festive and easy to prepare, this dessert will charm guests with its simple yet elegant presentation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (3 oz) gelatin powder (any color)
  • 1 cup water (or milk for richness)
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping
  • 1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
  2. Combine cake mix ingredients in a large mixing bowl, blending until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
  3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
  5. Allow the cake to cool for approximately 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven.
  6. Using a fork, create systematic rows of holes across the entire cake surface, ensuring deep and evenly spaced punctures.
  7. Prepare gelatin by dissolving powder completely in boiling water, creating a vibrant liquid mixture.
  8. Carefully pour the gelatin over the cake, allowing it to seep into the poked holes, distributing evenly across the surface.
  9. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set the gelatin and allow flavors to absorb.
  10. Once chilled, spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the entire cake surface.
  11. Sprinkle colorful Easter-themed decorative sprinkles over the whipped topping for a festive finish.
  12. Return to refrigerator until ready to serve, keeping the cake chilled for optimal texture and taste.

Notes

  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like lemon or funfetti for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
  • Use pastel-colored gelatin to enhance the Easter theme and create a festive, springtime look.
  • For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cake mix and sugar-free gelatin to reduce calories without compromising taste.
  • Create a gluten-free option by using a gluten-free cake mix and checking that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 244 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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