Our Spring Poke Cake Recipe is a total showstopper that's super easy to make. If you are all about easy desserts, then you will love this! This dessert is beautiful, moist and sure to become the highlight of any spring party.
This recipe is all about that winning combo of cake mix and instant pudding mix, making it a breeze to prepare. And the colors are so eye catching - pretty pastels that will just make you smile.
Whether you're just starting out in baking or you've got your own personalized apron, this spring treat will bring in the rave reviews just like our Spring Meringue Recipe.
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Springtime Poke Cake
Spring is the perfect time to whip up something sweet and colorful. This Spring Poke Cake Recipe is super easy to make, so even if you're not a pro baker, no worries!
You may be wondering, what is a poke cake? A poke cake is made by baking a simple white cake, poking some holes in it, and adding pudding to those holes. To make things a little more springy, we made our cake pastel-colored.
To make things even more fun, I added some whipped topping and sprinkles to the top of the cake. This festive dessert is an awesome pick for any spring celebration - Easter, Mother's Day, a birthday, or just because.
Recipes Made With Cake Mix
Cake mix is not just for baking cakes; it's a versatile ingredient that can be used in many creative ways. From making cookies to dump cakes, boxed cake mix offers a quick and easy way to make lots of tasty treats. Its convenience and flexibility should make it a staple in your pantry.
- Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts
- Cake Mix Carrot Cake Cookies
- Crockpot Dump Cakes
- 4-Ingredient Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients For Pastel Cake
- White Cake Mix: Choose white instead of vanilla cake mix for more vibrant colors.
- Water: Used with the cake mix.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil to be added to the cake mix.
- Egg whites: Room-temperature eggs result in a fluffier cake.
- Wilton Neon Gel Food Coloring: 2 drops of each color for vibrant results.
- Vanilla Pudding (2 boxes, 3.4 oz each): Used in the holes of the cake and mixed with the whipped topping for the "frosting" on the cake. Adds moisture and flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for a richer taste.
- Whipped Topping (8 oz container): Adds a light and creamy topping to our dessert.
- Spring Sprinkles (2-3 tbsp): Choose your favorite pastel colors to add a festive touch.
How to Make Spring Poke Cake Recipe
Preheat your oven and prepare a 9X13 inch cake pan by spraying it with cooking spray. Make your cake mix as directed according to package instructions.
Divide the cake batter into four portions and add a different color of neon food coloring to each. Use pastry bags or a spoon to create alternating-color rows in the pan and bake until done.
After baking, prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package directions. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes throughout the cake and pour the pudding over it, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the cake. Chill for an hour in the refrigerator.
Mix the second box of instant pudding with slightly thawed whipped topping. Top the cake with the pudding and whipped topping mixture. Add sprinkles, refrigerate again, and add more sprinkles for extra color before serving.
This colorful treat tastes every bit as good as it looks!
Tips for Making
Tip 1: Get creative with the colors in this cake. Mix up the food coloring to make unique, bold colors. Experimenting with different colors can turn your cake into a work of art that's as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Tip 2: When you're spreading on the pudding and whipped topping frosting, use a silicone spatula and apply with smooth, gentle strokes. This makes a nice canvas for the sprinkles you will be adding.
Tip 3: Give your cake enough time to chill in the fridge. This helps the pudding and frosting set and makes the cake easier to cut.
FAQs For Spring Poke Cake
Absolutely! The flavor of the cake deepens and becomes even more delicious if you let it rest in the fridge overnight. The chilling process helps everything to meld together, which enhances the overall taste and texture.
Just cover the unfrosted cake and refrigerate overnight. Be sure to add the whipped topping before serving to keep this sweet treat looking its best.
If you have any leftovers (they seem to vanish before you know it), you can easily store them for another day. Cover the baking dish securely or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. You can refrigerate this cake for up to 3 days.
Recipes to Make With Whipped Topping
Whipped topping is so versatile! It's not just for desserts like pies and cakes - you can also use it for frozen treats like ice cream. The best part? The options are endless with this airy and delicious ingredient!
- Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Pudding and Cool Whip Frosting
- Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip
- Cherries in the Snow
Amazon Essentials For Poke Cake
You'll need some kitchen essentials to whip up this sweet indulgence. First, a hand mixer for combining the cake mix and pudding. Next, you'll need a couple of mixing bowls for mixing the pudding and the cake mix.
A 9x13-inch baking dish is a must. Get one with a cover for easy storage. Grab these tools, and let's get baking - you are in for a treat! Pick up whatever you need on Amazon for quick delivery.
Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Cute Pink Set of 8pcs, Stainless Steel Handle ，XGiGiX Plastic Measure spoon and cup set，Included 2 pcs Kitchen Tool Hook Up. (PINK)
Lareina Ceramic Mixing Bowls for Kitchen, 3-Piece Large Colorful Serving Bowls, 3.13/1.68/1.18 Qt Deep Microwaveable Nesting Bowl, Stackable and Functional, Ideal GiftGreenLife Bakeware Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 13KitchenAid 6 Speed Hand Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters - KHM6118Veemoon 2 Pcs Silicone Spatula with Wooden Handle Silicone Scraper Flower Pattern Mixing Batter Scraper Cream Butter Spatula for Kitchen Baking and CookingRosieLily Vintage Apron for Women with Pockets Retro Apron Cute Blue Apron Kitchen Aprons for Cooking Baking Pink Dress Kawaii Cotton Frilly Ruffle 50s Ladies Apron for Teen Girls Vintage Gifts
Spring Recipes
📖 Recipe
Spring Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 ½ cups water for cake mix
- ½ cup oil for cake mix
- 4 egg whites for cake mix
- 8 drops Wilton Neon Gel Food Coloring 2 drops of each color. I used green, pink, orange and purple.
- 2 boxes vanilla pudding 3.4 oz each
- 4 cups milk
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 2-3 tablespoon sprinkles pastel colored
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the cake mix according to directions on the package.
- Divide the cake batter between 4 small bowls, and add 2 drops of different food coloring to each bowl. You will have 1 bowl of each color. Stir so color is completely mixed.
- Use a spoon to add the batter to the pan. Place the batter in rows of alternating colors. I did 5 rows, but you could do more or less.
- Bake in the oven according to package directions (I did 25 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven. Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare one box of pudding with 2 cups of milk in a medium bowl, whisking for 2 minutes. Pour the pudding over the cake, and spread it into the holes, and over the cake.
- Refrigerate cake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, mix the second box of pudding with the remaining 2 cups of milk, whisking for 2 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping, and spread it over the cake.
- Top the cake with half of the sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for 2 more hours.
- Add the rest of the sprinkles right before cutting.
Notes
- Experiment with the food coloring in this recipe to make new colors. This cake should be bright, fun, and unique!
- Use a silicone spatula to apply the whipped topping and pudding frosting. Apply with smooth, gentle strokes.
Nathan says
This poke cake turned out so perfectly, I love all of the pretty spring colors and the addition of the pudding gives it a perfect extra touch!
Vicky says
That's so great to hear! I'm thrilled you loved it. I agree, spring colors are the best, and the pudding adds a great creamy texture.
Elisa says
Oh wow!! this Spring Poke Cake Recipe is great to make with the kiddos, especially with the different colors, they will love it. Looks delicious and fluffy. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Vicky says
Thank you so much! It makes me happy that you liked the recipe.
Jill says
I've made Jello cakes before but not one with pudding. Your cake is so fun will all the pretty pastel colors. Definitely going to be making this for my next gathering.
Vicky says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! If you ever try it with different flavors, let me know. It's really fun to experiment with different Jell-O pudding combinations.
Paula says
This poke cake is so gorgeous! I love the bright spring colors, it brings a smile to my face as I make it!
Vicky says
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Poke cakes are so easy to customize!
MacKenzie says
The colors in this poke cake are fantastic. We made it last weekend and it was so moist and flavorful.
Vicky says
Wonderful! It sounds like you made a beautiful (and delicious) cake. Thanks for letting me know how it turned out.