Colorful Easter Poke Cake Recipe That Kids Will Love

Springtime calls for a delightful dessert that brings chocolate poke cake magic to your Easter table.

This decadent treat combines rich chocolate layers with creamy marshmallow filling that everyone adores.

Soft, moist, and bursting with seasonal charm, the cake becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at any celebration.

Pastel-colored marshmallow drizzles create a festive look that screams spring renewal.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through smooth chocolate and sweet marshmallow goodness.

The simple yet impressive dessert will have your guests asking for seconds.

Indulge in this irresistible Easter classic that transforms an ordinary gathering into a memorable feast.

What Makes Easter Poke Cake So Festive

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and simple box cake mix preparation.
• Quick and Simple Dessert: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake a hassle-free treat for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Engaging decorating process allows kids to participate, creating memorable Easter moments while making a delightful dessert.
• Festive Celebration Centerpiece: Colorful sprinkles and mini Easter eggs transform an ordinary cake into a stunning seasonal centerpiece that delights guests of all ages.

Ingredients for Colorful Easter Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A classic and easy base for a delightful dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the cake.

• Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin.
• Cold Water: Helps complete the Jello mixture.

• Jello (Strawberry or Raspberry): Bright, colorful gelatin that creates fun poke cake effect.
• Heavy Cream: Rich and creamy topping that adds luxurious texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweet ingredient that helps stabilize the whipped cream.

• Easter Sprinkles, Mini Easter Eggs: Festive touches that make the cake look adorable and celebratory.

How to Make a Bright and Fluffy Easter Poke Cake

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Base

Prepare a vanilla-infused cake batter by following the package instructions.

Add a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor.

Bake in a spacious 9×13 inch pan, then let it cool completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Create Delightful Holes

Grab a wooden spoon handle and playfully poke holes all across the cake’s surface.

These little tunnels will become magical pathways for the colorful filling.

Step 3: Prepare Vibrant Jello Filling

• Jello powder (your favorite color)
• Boiling water
• Cold water

Dissolve the Jello powder in boiling water, then blend in cold water.

Carefully pour the liquid over the cake, making sure it seeps into every hole.

Pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it chill for two hours.

Step 4: Craft Fluffy Cloud Frosting

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip the heavy cream until it becomes light and airy.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Spread the cloud-like frosting evenly over the chilled cake.

Sprinkle Easter-themed decorations and scatter mini Easter eggs across the top for a festive touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight at this spectacular Easter treat!

Tips for Making a Perfect Poke Cake for Easter

• Add vanilla extract to cake mix for a richer, more aromatic taste that elevates the basic boxed cake.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create uniform, evenly spaced holes that allow maximum Jello absorption.
• Refrigerate the cake for a full 2 hours to let the Jello completely set and infuse the cake with vibrant color and fruity flavor.
• Ensure heavy cream is cold and use a chilled bowl to achieve the perfect stiff peak consistency for a light, fluffy frosting.
• Sprinkle Easter-themed decorations just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and bright colors.

Storing and Serving Easter Poke Cake Later

• Store the poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the texture moist and fresh.
• Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the whipped cream frosting from absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully place the cake in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Gently bring the cake to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, creamy texture and vibrant flavors.

Sweet Pairings for Easter Poke Cake

• Harmonize Flavor Profiles: Pair this sweet Easter poke cake with light, refreshing beverages that complement its creamy texture and vibrant colors.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Select a smooth medium roast coffee with subtle caramel notes to enhance the cake's sweetness without overpowering its delicate flavor.
• Create Beverage Balance: Serve chilled white moscato wine for adult gatherings, offering a gentle sweetness that mirrors the cake's fruity Jello layers and creamy topping.
• Design Delightful Contrast: Offer cold milk or a vanilla milkshake for children, providing a classic accompaniment that highlights the cake's smooth whipped cream and playful Easter theme.

Fun Flavor Spins for Easter Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Easter Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut whipped cream and use dairy-free cake mix for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free Jello, replace sugar in whipped cream with stevia, and choose a low-sugar cake mix for diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Easter Cake: Create plant-based cake using almond flour, swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream for frosting, and select vegan-friendly decorative elements like fruit or dark chocolate eggs.

FAQs

• What type of Jello works best for this Easter Poke Cake?

Pastel colors like pink, yellow, or blue work perfectly. They match the Easter theme and create a festive, colorful look when the cake is sliced.

• Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day before serving. Refrigerate it after adding the Jello and frosting. This actually helps the flavors meld together and makes the cake more moist.

• How do I ensure the Jello fills all the holes evenly?

Pour the Jello slowly and gently over the cake, taking your time to let it seep into each hole. Use a spoon or measuring cup for better control of the liquid distribution.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe uses standard cake mix and ingredients, so it’s not inherently gluten-free or low-sugar. However, you can substitute ingredients to make it more diet-friendly by using alternative cake mix or sugar substitutes.

Easter Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of creamy Easter Poke Cake bring springtime magic to dessert tables. Pastel-hued marshmallow filling and whipped cream create a festive treat perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 ounces (85 grams) Jello, any flavor
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• Water (as specified on cake mix box)
• Oil (as specified on cake mix box)
• 3 eggs (as specified on cake mix box)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water

Flavoring and Decorative Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Easter-themed sprinkles
• Mini Easter eggs

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Instructions

1. Craft the cake mixture by blending the cake mix with vanilla extract, following package guidelines. Transfer batter into a rectangular baking dish and bake until golden and springy.
2. After the cake cools completely, perforate the surface systematically using a wooden spoon handle, creating numerous narrow channels throughout the pastry.
3. Prepare the gelatin mixture by whisking the flavored powder with boiling water until fully dissolved. Incorporate cold water and blend thoroughly.
4. Gently cascade the vibrant gelatin liquid across the cake’s perforated surface, ensuring the holes absorb the colorful liquid evenly. Carefully transfer the cake to the refrigerator and allow it to set and chill for approximately two hours.
5. Construct the topping by whipping cream until it develops sturdy, defined peaks. Gradually integrate powdered sugar and vanilla while continuing to whip until the mixture reaches a luxurious, smooth consistency.
6. Delicately spread the freshly whipped cream across the chilled cake, creating an elegant, uniform layer.
7. Embellish the cake’s surface with festive pastel sprinkles and charming miniature Easter egg decorations, transforming the dessert into a celebratory centerpiece.

Notes

• Boost cake flavor by adding vanilla extract to the mix, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Create consistent holes using a wooden spoon handle for even Jello distribution throughout the cake.
• Work quickly when pouring Jello to prevent it from setting before filling all cake holes completely.
• Chill cake thoroughly to allow Jello to set properly and develop a rich, moist texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes plus 2 hours chilling time
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg