The Easter Poke Cake is an absolute springtime showstopper. With its vibrant strawberry-infused interior and light, fluffy whipped topping, it brings joy to every bite. The fun part? It’s super easy to make, perfect for getting little hands involved in the kitchen during holiday prep.
Decorated with pastel sprinkles or chocolate eggs, this cake captures the spirit of Easter in both flavor and appearance. Whether served at a family brunch or after a big holiday meal, it’s sure to leave guests smiling and asking for seconds.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
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1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
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1 cup boiling water
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1/2 cup cold water
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1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
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1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 1/2 cups cold milk
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Pastel Easter sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs for decoration
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying with non-stick spray.
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Mix the white cake batter as directed on the box and bake in the prepared pan. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.
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Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake.
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In a bowl, combine the strawberry Jell-O with 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water.
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Pour the Jell-O mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
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In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups of cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Fold in Cool Whip.
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Spread the creamy topping evenly over the chilled cake.
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Top with pastel sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs for a festive finish.
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Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
A Festive Delight: The Story Behind Easter Poke Cake
Easter is a time for joy, celebration, and of course—dessert! Among the many treats that make an appearance on the holiday table, Easter Poke Cake stands out as a fun, colorful, and absolutely delicious option. Its light texture, fruity flavor, and creamy topping make it an instant hit with both kids and adults. But this cake is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a combination of ease and elegance, making it one of the most beloved springtime treats for home bakers everywhere.
The name “poke cake” comes from the method used to create it: once the cake is baked, it is poked all over with the handle of a wooden spoon, creating little pockets that are then filled with flavored gelatin or pudding. This simple technique allows the cake to soak in vibrant color and flavor, resulting in a moist, tender bite every time. For Easter, the addition of pastel toppings, like sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs, adds the perfect festive flair.
Why Everyone Loves a Poke Cake
Poke cakes have been a staple in American kitchens since the 1970s, originally popularized through Jell-O marketing campaigns. The appeal was obvious: these cakes were fun to make, visually stunning, and incredibly easy. Over the years, variations began to emerge using everything from sweetened condensed milk to fruit puree and pudding, allowing bakers to get creative.
The Easter version of this classic dessert brings a vibrant twist with strawberry gelatin, creating a beautiful contrast against the white cake base. It’s the ideal combination of nostalgic comfort and holiday charm. Plus, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a great choice for those who want a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Baking Tips for a Perfect Poke Cake
One of the best things about poke cake is how forgiving it is. Even beginner bakers can nail it on the first try. Still, there are a few tips that can elevate your Easter Poke Cake from good to unforgettable:
Let the cake cool before poking – This helps prevent tearing the cake. A slightly warm cake is fine, but avoid poking it right out of the oven.
Use a wooden spoon handle – The rounded end creates ideal-sized holes. Avoid using forks or toothpicks, which make the holes too small and don’t allow the filling to seep in properly.
Pour gelatin slowly and evenly – When pouring the strawberry Jell-O over the cake, go slowly to ensure it distributes into all the holes and doesn’t just pool on the surface.
Chill for a couple of hours – This is key. Chilling allows the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Fold the pudding mixture gently into the whipped topping – Over-mixing can flatten the whipped topping. A gentle hand keeps the topping light and fluffy.
Flavor and Texture: What to Expect
When you take a bite of Easter Poke Cake, you’re met with a mix of textures that work in harmony. The base is soft, fluffy white cake—mildly sweet and tender. The strawberry gelatin layer adds a fruity burst of flavor and a subtle jiggle that keeps the cake moist without being soggy.
Topping the whole thing is a creamy, whipped vanilla pudding layer. This silky topping is smooth and light, making it the perfect contrast to the richness of the cake below. Finally, the pastel sprinkles or chocolate eggs on top add a playful crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
Altogether, it’s a bite that feels as cheerful and refreshing as spring itself.
Best Occasions to Serve Easter Poke Cake
While the name says “Easter,” this cake can easily make appearances at other celebrations. It’s a perfect dessert for:
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Spring birthdays
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Baby showers
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Potlucks and picnics
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Mother’s Day
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Family brunches
The bright colors and easy prep make it ideal for casual gatherings and special occasions alike. You can also change up the color of the gelatin and toppings to match different holidays—red for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s, or orange for Halloween.
Ingredient Insights and Substitutions
The beauty of this cake is in its simplicity. However, you can still personalize it in many ways to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
Cake Mix – White cake is standard for this recipe because it allows the color of the gelatin to shine through. However, yellow cake, vanilla, or even strawberry cake mix can be used for a deeper flavor.
Jell-O – Strawberry gelatin brings the perfect fruity punch, but raspberry, cherry, or lemon can also work. For a layered effect, try combining two different flavors, letting one set before adding the other.
Cool Whip and Pudding – The combination of instant vanilla pudding and whipped topping creates a luscious finish. You can swap vanilla for white chocolate or cheesecake pudding for a twist. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based pudding and whipped topping alternatives.
Decorations – Pastel sprinkles give this cake its Easter charm, but you can use any seasonal candy, shredded coconut tinted with food coloring, or even fresh berries for a fresher touch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Easter Poke Cake is actually better when made ahead of time, which makes it a great choice for busy holidays. The gelatin and pudding layers need time to chill and set, so making it a day in advance is ideal.
To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended due to the pudding topping, which can separate when thawed.
Fun Ideas for Decorating with Kids
If you’re spending Easter with children, decorating this cake can become a family activity. After the pudding layer is spread, let the kids sprinkle on decorations. Try forming simple designs with mini eggs, using piping gel for writing, or even using bunny and chick-shaped candies to add personality.
Letting kids get involved not only makes it more fun—it also creates meaningful moments around the dessert table.
How to Serve It
Serve Easter Poke Cake cold, straight from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to slice cleanly through the soft layers. A small offset spatula or cake server helps lift each piece cleanly. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a fresh strawberry slice to the plate for a beautiful presentation.
This cake doesn’t need much embellishment—its layered appearance and festive top speak for themselves.
A Cake That’s Made to Be Shared
What really makes Easter Poke Cake special is its shareability. It brings people together through its simplicity, its sweetness, and its bright, happy appearance. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your Easter dessert table or a last-minute potluck idea, it’s a cake that reminds us of the joy of gathering and sharing food with the ones we love.
Conclusion
Easter Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of spring, family, and festive fun. From its eye-catching color to its refreshing flavor and soft, creamy texture, this cake is the perfect ending to your holiday meal. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year.
Whether you follow the classic version or put your own twist on it, Easter Poke Cake offers the perfect blend of tradition and creativity. So grab your spoon, poke those holes, pour in the flavor, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.