This Easter Poke Cake is a fun and colorful dessert that’s perfect for spring celebrations! It features a moist cake with holes poked in it and filled with fruity Jell-O to add a burst of flavor.
The best part? It’s super easy to make, and kids love helping with the poke part! I like to top it with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive touch. It’s always a hit at our family gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A white cake mix is perfect for this recipe. If you want to make it from scratch, use a recipe for white cake batter. Gluten-free cake mix is also a great substitute if needed!
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist. You can swap it with canola oil or melted coconut oil. For a healthier option, try applesauce, though it might make the cake a bit denser.
Food Coloring: Pastel colors bring a festive vibe! If you don’t have food coloring, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice for pink, turmeric for yellow, or spirulina for green.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds moisture and sweetness. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut milk mixed with a bit of sugar, or maple syrup for a healthier twist.
Whipped Cream: Cool whip is super easy to use, but if you prefer, homemade whipped cream is a great choice! Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until fluffy.
How Do I Get the Perfect Tie-Dye Effect in My Cake?
The tie-dye look of the cake is one of the best features! It’s all about how you add the colored batter to the pan. Here’s how to do it:
- After coloring your batter, use a spoon to drop dollops of each color randomly into the pan. No need for precision here!
- Once all colors are added, use a skewer or knife to lightly swirl them together without completely mixing. This will help create that fun, colorful pattern.
- Be careful not to over mix; you want a bit of separation between the colors for that beautiful tie-dyed look!
How to Make Easter Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- Food coloring (pastel colors: pink, blue, yellow, green)
For the Topping:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles or pastel candy-coated chocolates
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive Easter poke cake will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 25-30 minutes to bake, and then allow for at least 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge. It’s a fun, colorful dessert perfect for celebrations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to keep the cake from sticking later.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, mix together the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box until everything is well combined and smooth. This is the base of your delicious cake!
3. Color the Batter:
Now, it’s time to add some color! Divide the cake batter into four different bowls. Use food coloring to dye each bowl a different pastel color: pink, blue, yellow, and green. Make it vibrant and fun!
4. Create the Tie-Dye Effect:
Take spoonfuls of each colored batter and drop them randomly into the prepared baking pan. You want to swirl them together a little bit but avoid completely mixing. This will create a beautiful tie-dye look once baked!
5. Bake the Cake:
Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
6. Poke Holes and Add Condensed Milk:
Once the cake is completely cool, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced! Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for extra flavor.
7. Finish with Topping:
Spread whipped cream or Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake. Then, sprinkle rainbow sprinkles or pastel candy-coated chocolates on top for that festive touch!
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover your cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the cake to set properly. Slice and enjoy your beautiful Easter poke cake!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! While white cake mix is traditional for this Easter Poke Cake, you can use any flavor you like, such as vanilla or even lemon for a fun twist. Just be mindful that the color of the cake will be affected based on your chosen flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you notice any moisture, you can place a paper towel underneath the lid to absorb it, keeping the cake fresh longer.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Just ensure that the rest of the ingredients you use, like the whipped cream, are also gluten-free to keep the cake safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cake?
If you’d like a less sweet cake, try using less sweetened condensed milk or opt for a lighter whipped topping instead of traditional cool whip. You could even add a layer of fresh fruit on top after chilling for added flavor without extra sweetness!
