The best part about Easter Poke Cake is how it comes together so effortlessly, yet always leaves everyone talking about it. The fluffy vanilla cake, soaked with vibrant layers of fruit-flavored gelatin, holds a surprise of sweetened whipped cream on top that brings everything together perfectly. When you take a bite, it’s like a burst of spring – light, refreshing, and oh-so-sweet. The gelatin adds a fun pop of color, while the whipped cream creates a soft, silky contrast that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that looks like it took hours to make, but really, it’s so simple and fun to whip up. I love how this cake can be customized with different colors or flavors to match any Easter theme or even other holidays. I’ve even made a lemon-lime version for summer picnics—talk about a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just need a treat to bring to a friend’s house, this cake has got you covered. It’s like an edible celebration in every bite.
Key Ingredients in Easter Poke Cake
To make this cake a true showstopper, you’ll need just a few key ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully moist, colorful, and irresistible treat. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this cake so special:
* White cake mix
The base of your Easter Poke Cake. The white cake mix ensures a light, fluffy texture that holds up perfectly to the fruity gelatin and whipped cream topping. It’s the perfect canvas for all those vibrant colors and flavors.
* Water
Used to bring the cake mix to the right consistency, water helps create a smooth batter that bakes into a moist, soft cake. It’s a simple ingredient but crucial for the structure.
* Vegetable oil
Adds moisture to the cake, giving it a tender crumb and helping it stay fresh for longer. It’s one of those ingredients that quietly works its magic in the background.
* Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the cake hold together. They also contribute to the cake’s rich texture and golden color, making every bite a little bit more decadent.
* Strawberry or raspberry gelatin
The star of the show! The gelatin adds both flavor and color to the cake. Whether you choose strawberry or raspberry, it’s what gives this dessert its signature burst of fruity sweetness.
* Boiling water
This helps dissolve the gelatin, ensuring it’s fully incorporated into the cake for that vibrant, fruity soak that makes each bite so refreshing. The hot water also helps activate the flavors.
* Cold water
Balances the hot water to make sure the gelatin is the right consistency. It cools things down just enough to create that perfect, jiggly texture when poured over the cake.
* Whipped topping
The fluffy, creamy layer on top is what pulls everything together. It adds a rich, smooth texture and a sweet, airy finish to the cake, balancing out the fruitiness of the gelatin perfectly.
* Sweetened shredded coconut
This is the finishing touch that adds texture and a subtle coconut flavor. It also gives your cake a lovely, snowy appearance that’s perfect for Easter or any spring celebration.
* Pastel-colored sprinkles
The final fun touch! These colorful sprinkles make the cake look extra festive and fun. They bring a playful pop of color that’s bound to brighten anyone’s day.
How to Make Easter Poke Cake
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
3. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients together for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
5. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
7. While the cake is cooling, prepare the gelatin. In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry or raspberry gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water.
8. Stir the gelatin until it is completely dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture.
9. Using a fork or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cake, making sure to space them evenly but not too close together.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the prepared gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
11. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set completely.
12. After the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake, creating a smooth, creamy layer.
13. Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut over the whipped topping, then finish by adding the pastel-colored sprinkles on top.
14. Serve and enjoy your festive Easter Poke Cake!
Serving Suggestions for Easter Poke Cake
– *Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side* – A creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream adds the perfect cool contrast to the fruity, cake layers. It’s like a little extra indulgence with every bite!
– *Pair with fresh berries for a light, refreshing touch* – Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or even blueberries make a lovely complement to the sweet cake. The bright, juicy fruit enhances the fruity gelatin and adds a burst of natural flavor.
– *Garnish with a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness* – A few fresh mint leaves on top not only make the cake look even more festive but also add a refreshing herbal note that balances the sweetness. It’s a simple touch that goes a long way!
What’s your favorite way to serve this cake? Let me know if you’ve tried any other fun twists!
How to Store Easter Poke Cake
To keep your Easter Poke Cake as fresh and delicious as possible, here are a few simple storage tips:
– Refrigerate it: Since the cake is topped with whipped cream and contains gelatin, it should always be stored in the fridge. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. This will also help maintain the bright, colorful layers.
– Airtight container: If you want to avoid any potential fridge odors or unwanted moisture, you can transfer the cake to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for a few days while ensuring the whipped topping stays creamy.
– Keep it for up to 3 days: For the best taste and texture, aim to enjoy the cake within 3 days. After that, the whipped topping might start to lose its fluffiness, and the gelatin layers can begin to soften too much.
These storage methods will keep your Easter Poke Cake looking and tasting like a spring celebration!
Conclusion
And there you have it, the perfect Easter Poke Cake that’s sure to be a hit at your next celebration! With its light, fruity layers and fluffy whipped topping, this cake is the ultimate showstopper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a big family gathering or bringing it to a friend’s house, it’s guaranteed to add a sweet, colorful touch to your festivities.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through the recipe and all the fun little twists you can make along the way. Feel free to save this one for later – it’s a keeper! And if you try the recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out or if you made any fun changes. Have any questions or need help with the recipe? Drop me a comment or shoot me a message anytime – I’m here to help!
Easter Poke Cake
Description
Easter Poke Cake is a vibrant, festive treat bursting with colorful layers of flavor. A moist vanilla cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with whipped cream, it’s the perfect balance of creamy, fluffy, and springtime sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
-
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients together for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
-
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
-
While the cake is cooling, prepare the gelatin. In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry or raspberry gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water.
-
Stir the gelatin until it is completely dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture.
-
Using a fork or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cake, making sure to space them evenly but not too close together.
-
Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the prepared gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
-
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set completely.
-
After the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake, creating a smooth, creamy layer.
-
Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut over the whipped topping, then finish by adding the pastel-colored sprinkles on top.
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Serve and enjoy your festive Easter Poke Cake!
Note
- Make sure to allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before poking holes to prevent the gelatin from melting the cake.
- For a more vibrant flavor, consider using raspberry gelatin for a tangy twist.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute the vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
- Refrigerating the cake for 2-4 hours ensures the gelatin sets properly, giving it the best texture.
- For added decoration, you can mix in some colorful candy or edible glitter along with the sprinkles.
