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Vibrant Easter Poke Cake

Category: Sweet Treats for Every Craving

Bright cake swirls combined with white chocolate pudding filling and whipped topping. Ready in under 1 hour (cooling time extra).
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Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 17:59:08 GMT
Bright Easter Cake with Swirls Save
Bright Easter Cake with Swirls | homebitesbyana.com

Think about a sweet treat that seems like it took ages to make, but barely took any real hands-on time. That's why I love this Easter Poke Cake. After way too many messy, stressful dessert fails during holidays, I learned fast that the fanciest-looking desserts are sometimes the ones with the sneakiest shortcuts. This colorful, swirly cake with pudding to fill up all those poked holes is both totally nostalgic and kind of a fresh twist.

When I set this rainbow cake down last Easter, my niece could not stop staring. Desserts like this just make people happy—they really do.

Colorful Ingredients

  • Heavy Cream: For thick, dreamy whipped topping
  • Sprinkles: Because every party needs a pop of color
  • Food Coloring: Swirls turn magical when you blend bright shades
  • White Chocolate Pudding: Fills every cake hole with creamy goodness
  • White Cake Mix: Your quick cake fix
Easter Poke Cake Save
Easter Poke Cake | homebitesbyana.com

Fun Steps

The Pudding Fill Right from the stove, pour the runny white chocolate pudding over the poked cake so it can settle into every gap. This makes the cake super moist and creamy.
The Poke Part Once the cake is baked but still a bit warm, take the fat end of a wooden spoon and punch holes all over it. It’s pretty satisfying, like making a polka dot pattern.
The Swirl Magic Take big spoonfuls of each tinted cake batter, drop them around the pan in no special order, and give a gentle swirl with a toothpick—don’t overmix or you’ll lose the colors.
The Rainbow Base Split up your cake batter into four bowls first. Add a different color to each: try pastel pink, soft blue, sunny yellow, and playful green.

First attempt, I went wild with the swirling and got a funny-looking blue-green cake. Now I know to hold back for prettier stripes.

Dreamy Finish

Spread fluffy whipped cream on top, then toss on a bunch of sprinkles. Add the sprinkles right before serving or they'll lose their shades.

Chill for Best Results

This dessert actually tastes even better the next day once the pudding has fully soaked in. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days—no problem.

Easy Easter Poke Cake Save
Easy Easter Poke Cake | homebitesbyana.com

I’ve made this poke cake for more get-togethers than I can count. When I want something everyone will notice—but I don’t feel like spending all day with a mixer—this is my top pick. It lets you hang out with your friends and family instead of fussing in the kitchen, and that’s really what we want anyway!

Recipe FAQs

→ Is this dessert fine to prep early?
Totally! Make it up to 1-2 days before and refrigerate. The flavors settle and get even better.
→ What kind of sprinkles would work best?
Anything Easter-cute like pastel shapes, tiny eggs, or bunnies will look great!
→ Can I switch up the pudding flavor?
Totally fine—cheesecake or vanilla pudding are awesome swaps for white chocolate.
→ How do I get bold, bright swirls?
Stick with gel-based colors—they’re strong and won’t mess with your batter’s texture.
→ How long will leftovers stay fresh?
Keep it refrigerated for 3-4 days. The texture softens over time, but the flavors stay great.

Poke Cake for Easter

An Easter dessert with bright cake swirls, creamy white chocolate pudding, and a light whipped topping.

Prep Time
20 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
By: Ana

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 12 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 package of plain white cake mix
02 Items listed on the cake mix box (like eggs, water, and oil)
03 Two boxes (3.3 oz each) of instant white chocolate pudding
04 Three and a half cups of milk
05 Two cups of whipping cream
06 Quarter cup of powdered sugar (add more if you'd like it sweeter)
07 A teaspoon of vanilla
08 Bright food coloring (pink, green, yellow, and blue)

Steps

Step 01

Start by preheating your oven to the temp mentioned on the box. Coat a 9x13 pan with some oil or cooking spray. Follow the package instructions to prepare the cake batter.

Step 02

Split the batter into 4 bowls. Stir in a different color to each portion. Drop each color batter into the pan one spoonful at a time, switching up the colors as you go. Gently smooth it out, and use a toothpick to swirl for a fun effect.

Step 03

Bake as instructed on the box. After it's baked, let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to punch holes all across the top. Space the holes roughly an inch apart. Let it cool fully.

Step 04

Mix the pudding powder with the milk until it's fully combined. Before it sets and thickens, pour it all over the cake, making sure the holes are filled. Spread any extra pudding across the top. Chill it in the fridge until firm.

Step 05

Whip up the cold cream with vanilla until soft peaks start to form. Add powdered sugar and whip again until stiff. Spread it over the pudding layer. Add sprinkles for flair, and keep the cake chilled until you're ready to serve.

Notes

  1. Work fast when layering colored batter.
  2. Be gentle when swirling; don't mix the colors too much.
  3. Pour pudding while it's still liquid so it flows into the holes smoothly.
  4. This dessert keeps well; make it a day or two ahead.

Required Equipment

  • Rectangular 9x13 baking pan
  • Bowls for mixing
  • A wooden spoon handle for holes
  • Electric beater or mixer
  • Toothpick for swirling designs

Allergen Information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy from milk and cream.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Has gluten in the cake mix.
  • Check labels for other potential allergens in cake mix.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~