If you’re looking to wow your family and friends with something delightfully festive and refreshingly fun, this Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a charming twist on a classic poke cake that combines a light, tender white cake base with a magically colorful pastel pudding filling that seeps into every bite. The surprise of the creamy pastel layers poked into the cake creates an irresistible mosaic of colors and flavors that feels like a celebration in both your eyes and your mouth. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to Easter dessert and a sweet tradition you’ll adore repeating every year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe is a breeze thanks to simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the party. From the airy texture of the white cake to the luscious creaminess of the pudding and the playful pastels that brighten it up, every component plays an essential role.
- White cake mix: The perfect base for a soft, fluffy cake that soaks up all the delicious pudding flavors.
- Eggs: Add richness and help bind the cake for great structure.
- Water: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
- Vegetable oil: Contributes to a moist crumb and keeps the texture light.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Creates the dreamy pastel filling that pokes right into the cake for a wow-worthy effect.
- Cold milk: The liquid magic that makes the pudding silky smooth and easy to color.
- Food coloring (pastel shades): Adds that iconic Easter vibe with soft pinks, yellows, and blues that make the pudding filling pop.
- Whipped topping: Provides a cloud-like frosting that’s light, creamy, and perfectly sweetened.
- Easter sprinkles, pastel candies, or crushed cookies (optional): The fun finishing touches to bring extra texture and holiday cheer.
How to Make Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the cake from sticking. Mix together the white cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until everything is smooth and lump-free. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Once baked, give it about 10 to 15 minutes to cool slightly – warm, but not hot, is ideal for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastel Pudding Filling
While the cake is baking or just cooling, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk until the mixture thickens and becomes silky smooth. Divide the pudding evenly into several small bowls—one for each pastel color you want to create. Add a couple of drops of your chosen food coloring to each bowl and stir until the colors are soft and perfectly pastel. This simple but colorful pudding filling is what transforms the classic poke cake into an Easter showstopper.
Step 3: Poke Holes and Fill with Pastel Pudding
Next, grab a wooden spoon handle or a sturdy straw and poke holes all over the warm cake, spacing them about an inch apart. These holes are the key to creating pockets for the pastel pudding to seep into, so don’t be shy here! Alternate pouring the different pastel-colored puddings carefully into the holes, filling each one with a splash of color that will make every slice mesmerizing. Smooth out any filling on the surface with a spatula, then cover the cake and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the pudding set and all those beautiful colors meld.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Once your cake and pudding are perfectly chilled, it’s time to spread the whipped topping evenly on top. This cloud-like frosting not only adds sweetness but provides a fluffy contrast to the creamy pudding layers underneath. Use a spatula to create soft peaks and swirls so it looks as inviting as it tastes—like a pastel dream come true just waiting to be sliced and served.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
For the finishing touch on your Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe, sprinkle on some festive Easter sprinkles, pastel candies, or even a handful of crushed cookies to add pops of color, crunch, and extra flair. Serve this beauty chilled, right from the fridge, and watch how everyone’s eyes light up with every bite. It truly is a celebration on a plate!
How to Serve Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest way to elevate this pastel masterpiece is with charming garnishes. Think Easter-themed sprinkles, tiny pastel chocolate eggs, or edible glitter that catches the light. Fresh berries in soft colors like strawberries or raspberries also complement the pastel tones beautifully while adding a natural burst of freshness that balances the creamy sweetness.
Side Dishes
When thinking about what to serve alongside this Easter Poke Cake, light and fresh side dishes are the best companions. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a fruit platter bursting with seasonal spring fruits keeps the whole meal feeling balanced. You could even serve it alongside a mild cup of tea or a refreshing lemonade to complement the cake’s sweet, creamy texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving the cake in clear glass dishes to showcase those beautiful pastel layers. You could also cut it into bite-sized squares for a festive dessert tray or even create individual servings in mason jars with layered cake, pudding, and whipped topping. These ideas turn your Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe into an eye-catching centerpiece for any spring celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easter Poke Cake is best stored covered in the refrigerator to keep the pudding fresh and the whipped topping soft. Use an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat after the main festivities.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake if needed, but be aware that the texture might change slightly once thawed due to the pudding filling. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. It is best frozen in portions and consumed within one month for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
This cake is really meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. Instead, allow frozen slices to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best enjoyment. If you feel it’s too cold, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the whipped topping.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of the cake mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake recipe will work just as wonderfully and add a personal touch, but using a mix keeps things quick and consistent, especially when you want to focus on the fun pudding filling.
What type of pudding can I use for the pastel filling?
Instant vanilla pudding works best because it sets quickly and has the smooth, creamy texture needed to fill the poked holes perfectly. You can’t substitute regular cooked pudding for the same effect.
How far in advance can I make this Easter poke cake with pastel pudding filling recipe?
You can prepare it up to a day ahead of serving. Just keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness—this also helps the pudding flavor meld beautifully into the cake.
Can I use different food coloring colors other than pastel?
Yes! While pastel colors are traditional and festive for Easter, feel free to get creative with any colors you love. Just remember that a little color goes a long way in pudding, so start with small amounts.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
If you substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure your pudding and other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can easily accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe is the perfect way to bring joy and color to your spring celebrations. It’s simple, playful, and irresistibly delicious—everything you want in a holiday dessert. Give it a try this year, and I promise it will become a heartwarming tradition filled with happy memories and lots of sweet smiles.
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Easter Poke Cake with Pastel Pudding Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Easter with this delightful Easter Poke Cake recipe, featuring a moist white cake filled with colorful pastel vanilla pudding and topped with fluffy whipped cream and festive sprinkles. Perfect for spring gatherings and family celebrations, this cake combines vibrant colors and delicious flavors with an easy-to-follow process.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
Pudding Filling
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups (960ml) cold milk
- Food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, or any pastel shades)
Topping and Decoration
- 8 oz (225g) whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- Easter sprinkles, pastel candies, or crushed cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil, stirring until the batter is smooth and well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Pudding Filling: While the cake cools, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes with the cold milk until the mixture thickens and is fully combined. Divide the pudding into separate bowls and add different food coloring to each to create soft pastel shades of pink, yellow, blue, or your preferred Easter colors.
- Poke Holes & Add Pudding: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, carefully poke holes all over the surface of the cake, making sure to penetrate deeply enough to hold the pudding. Pour the colored pudding into the holes, alternating the colors for a festive look. Smooth out any excess pudding so it is level with the cake surface.
- Chill & Frost: Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set within the cake. After chilling, evenly spread the whipped topping over the entire cake to create a fluffy, creamy layer.
- Decorate & Serve: Add Easter-themed sprinkles, pastel candies, or crushed cookies on top as decoration to enhance the festive appearance. Serve the cake chilled and enjoy your colorful and delicious Easter treat!
Notes
- Make sure the cake is still slightly warm when poking holes to allow the pudding to sink in well.
- Use different pastel food coloring carefully to create vibrant layers without overpowering the vanilla flavor.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For homemade whipped topping, whip heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Feel free to substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
