Easter Poke Cake is a fun and vibrant dessert perfect for celebrating Easter. This cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its colorful marbled design. It’s an easy recipe that brings joy to any gathering, making it a favorite for families and friends. Plus, it’s always a hit with children who love the bright colors and the creamy pudding topping.

How to Make Easter Poke Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix
- 3 Eggs
- 1 Cup Water
- ½ Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 (3.4 oz.) Box of Jello Instant Vanilla or French Vanilla Pudding
- 3 Cups of Milk
- 1 Carton of Cool Whip
- 1 Box of McCormick Neon Colors Food Coloring
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Color each bowl with food coloring (pink, purple, and green).
- Place each color of batter into a Ziploc bag and cut the end off.
- Squeeze the batter into a greased 9×13 pan, rotating colors as you go to create a marbled effect.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, poke holes in the cake with the back of a wooden spoon about every 1½ inches.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the milk and instant pudding for about 5 minutes until it starts to set.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Cover the cake evenly with Cool Whip and top with your favorite Easter sprinkles (optional).
How to Serve Easter Poke Cake
Easter Poke Cake is best served chilled. Once it’s ready, slice it into squares and serve on dessert plates. You can add extra sprinkles on top for a festive touch, or pair it with fresh fruit for an added flavor. This cake is great for family gatherings, picnics, or as a delightful dessert at potlucks.
How to Store Easter Poke Cake
To store leftover Easter Poke Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend.
Tips to Make Easter Poke Cake
- Be creative with the colors! You can use any combination of food coloring to match your Easter theme.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and adding pudding for the best texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can use a light whipped topping or yogurt instead of Cool Whip.
Variation
You can experiment with different cake flavors by using chocolate or strawberry cake mixes instead of vanilla. Additionally, try different flavors of pudding to change up the taste.
FAQs
- Can I make Easter Poke Cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake and prepare the pudding the day before. Just assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best results.
- What if I don’t have food coloring? You can skip the coloring step, and your cake will still be delicious. For a simple look, you can top it with colorful sprinkles.
- Can I use a different type of whipped topping? Absolutely! You can use any brand of whipped topping or even make your own homemade whipped cream if you prefer.

Easter Poke Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix
- 3 pieces Eggs
- 1 cup Water
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
Pudding and Topping
- 1 box (3.4 oz.) Box of Jello Instant Vanilla or French Vanilla Pudding
- 3 cups Milk
- 1 carton Cool Whip
- 1 box McCormick Neon Colors Food Coloring Colors such as pink, purple, and green can be used.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Color each bowl with food coloring.
- Place each color of batter into a Ziploc bag and cut the end off.
- Squeeze the batter into a greased 9×13 pan, rotating colors as you go to create a marbled effect.
Baking
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Assembling
- Once baked, poke holes in the cake with the back of a wooden spoon about every 1½ inches.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the milk and instant pudding for about 5 minutes until it starts to set.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Cover the cake evenly with Cool Whip and top with your favorite Easter sprinkles (optional).


