Introduction

Nothing brings springtime joy to the dessert table quite like this Easter Bunny Poke Cake. With its bright pastel swirls, creamy pudding filling, and festive toppings, this cake is a guaranteed hit for Easter brunch, family gatherings, or fun baking sessions with the kids. It’s easy, colorful, and perfectly sweet—everything you want in a holiday dessert.

What makes this cake extra special is the poke technique: after baking, you poke holes all over the cake and fill them with vanilla pudding. The result is an ultra-moist, flavorful dessert with a surprise of creamy filling in every bite. Topped with fluffy whipped topping and cheerful sprinkles, it’s both a treat and a centerpiece.

Curious about how poke cakes became a trend? The Wikipedia page on poke cake gives a brief look into this retro dessert’s popularity in American baking. And for more decoration inspiration, don’t miss this Pinterest board filled with Easter poke cake ideas that show off different colors, toppings, and creative touches for the holiday.

Ingredient Breakdown

White Cake Mix: The Simple Start

Using a white cake mix is the easiest way to create a light, fluffy base for this colorful Easter dessert. Its neutral flavor and bright crumb allow the pastel food coloring to pop beautifully. Whether you use a store brand or a favorite like Betty Crocker or Pillsbury, this shortcut saves time and still delivers soft, bakery-style texture.

The simplicity of a box mix also makes this recipe great for baking with kids or beginners. For more insight into the origins and convenience of boxed cake mixes, check out the Wikipedia page on cake mix, which covers how these pantry staples revolutionized home baking.

Want creative ways to upgrade cake mix flavors? This Pinterest board of cake mix hacks offers inspiration for adding mix-ins, extracts, and more to personalize your cake.

Gel Food Coloring: Pastel Perfection

Gel food coloring is the secret to achieving vibrant yet soft pastel hues without thinning your cake batter. Unlike liquid food coloring, gels are concentrated and easy to control, helping you create clean swirls of pink, yellow, blue, and green for that classic Easter palette.

You can stick to three shades or use four for a full rainbow effect. Want help getting the perfect swirl? This Pinterest board of Easter swirl cakes shows various techniques for creating beautiful marbled batters.

For more on how food coloring works in baking and its safe use, visit the Wikipedia entry on food coloring, which includes gel versus liquid comparisons.

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix & Cold Milk: The Creamy Poke Filling

The instant vanilla pudding layer transforms this cake from ordinary to extraordinary. Once the cake is baked and poked, the pudding seeps into the holes, creating creamy pockets of flavor that keep the texture incredibly moist and indulgent. Using cold milk is key—this activates the pudding mix and allows it to set quickly without cooking.

The result is a rich, custard-like interior that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy cake. For a closer look at how pudding works in baking, the Wikipedia page on pudding provides a great overview of its textures and variations around the world.

Want fun ways to layer pudding into baked goods? This Pinterest board of pudding poke cakes showcases a wide range of flavors and decorative styles perfect for any season.

Whipped Topping & Easter Decorations: The Festive Finish

Topping the cake with whipped topping like Cool Whip gives it a smooth, cloud-like finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich pudding and dense cake. It’s light, spreadable, and easy to use—ideal for quick decorating. Best of all, it forms the perfect base for a variety of colorful Easter sprinkles, pastel M&Ms, and optional shredded coconut or edible Easter grass.

Decorating is where the kids can jump in and make it their own. The Wikipedia article on sprinkles touches on their popularity in holiday desserts, while this Pinterest board of Easter cake decorating ideas offers fresh inspiration for playful, bunny-themed designs.

How to Make Easter Bunny Poke Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cake Batter
   Prepare the boxed white cake mix according to package instructions. Divide the batter into bowls and tint each with a different pastel gel food coloring.

2. Create a Marbled Effect
   Spoon the colored batters randomly into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Swirl with a skewer for a marbled look. Bake according to box directions.

3. Poke and Fill
   Let the cake cool slightly, then poke holes all over using the end of a wooden spoon. Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thick, then pour over the cake, pressing into the holes.

4. Chill and Top
   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, spread with whipped topping. Decorate with sprinkles, M&Ms, and optional coconut or edible grass.

5. Serve Cold
   Slice into squares and enjoy chilled for the best texture and color contrast.

Need ideas for spring-themed toppings? Visit this Pinterest board of spring poke cake designs.

Customizing Your Bunny Poke Cake

Flavor Swaps

• Use lemon, strawberry, or white chocolate pudding for a twist

• Add a dash of almond or lemon extract to the batter for more depth

• Substitute with funfetti or vanilla bean cake mix

Texture & Topping Ideas

• Add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs between the pudding and whipped topping

• Use fresh berries or fruit-flavored jelly beans for a fruity finish

• Want more contrast? Add white chocolate drizzle over the whipped topping

Explore more creative Easter desserts on this Pinterest board of spring holiday cakes.

Dietary Adjustments

• Use gluten-free cake mix and certified GF pudding

• Swap dairy milk for oat or almond milk (ensure pudding sets properly)

• Use non-dairy whipped topping for a dairy-free version

Serving & Storage Tips

• Chill at least 2 hours before serving to let pudding set

• Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days

• Do not freeze—whipped topping may separate upon thawing

• Serve with a side of fruit salad or a glass of lemonade for a refreshing pairing

Easter Bunny Poke Cake vs Traditional Cakes

This recipe stands out from other Easter cakes because:

• It’s no-fuss and starts with boxed mix

• The poke-and-fill technique adds creaminess

• It’s vibrant, festive, and kid-friendly

• No piping skills required—just sprinkle and serve

Perfect for spring potlucks, family brunches, or even baking parties with kids.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it the night before and decorate just before serving.

How far apart should the holes be?
About 1 inch apart is ideal—just enough to evenly distribute the pudding.

Do I have to use gel food coloring?
Gel works best because it doesn’t thin the batter. Liquid food coloring may alter the texture slightly.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead?
Absolutely! Just whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pudding keeps the cake moist.

Can I use chocolate pudding instead?
Yes—chocolate or any flavored pudding works if you want to switch it up.

The Best Easter Poke Cake Recipes to Brighten Your Holiday

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• Author: The coozy plate

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Description

This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a colorful, creamy, kid-friendly dessert made with white cake, pastel swirls, rich vanilla pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. Finished with festive Easter sprinkles and candies, it’s the ultimate easy springtime treat for your holiday table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the cake:

1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, water)

Gel food coloring (pastel colors like pink, yellow, blue, and green)

For the pudding layer:

2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix

4 cups cold milk

For the topping:

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

Easter sprinkles or pastel M&Ms, for decoration

Optional: shredded coconut or edible grass for a festive touch

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Instructions

Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions. Divide the batter evenly into 3–4 bowls and color each with a different pastel gel food coloring.

Spoon the colored batters randomly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the colors for a marbled effect. Bake as directed on the box.

Once the cake is done baking, let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.

Immediately pour the pudding over the cake, spreading it out to fill the holes. Use a spatula to help push pudding into the holes.

Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.

Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.

Decorate with festive Easter sprinkles, pastel candies, and other fun toppings as desired.

Slice and serve cold!

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant pastels

• Let the cake cool slightly before poking to avoid tearing

• Whisk pudding just until thick—pour it quickly to fill the holes

• Refrigerate at least 2 hours for best texture

• Customize with candy, coconut, or colored sugar for extra Easter fun