Easter Bunny Poke Cake

Easter always brings back sweet memories of family gatherings, colorful eggs, and, of course, festive desserts. As a child, I remember eagerly biting into bright, pastel-colored treats, savoring their sweetness while surrounded by laughter and love. Now, as a food blogger, I love recreating those nostalgic flavors with a modern twist.

This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a showstopper! Imagine a soft, fluffy cake swirled with pastel hues, soaked in creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with a luscious whipped topping and festive decorations. Every bite is light, sweet, and bursting with the spirit of Easter.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make! With a simple boxed cake mix, a touch of food coloring, and a few fun garnishes, you’ll have a dessert that looks bakery-worthy but requires minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, bringing a dish to an Easter potluck, or just craving something fun, this cake is guaranteed to impress. So, let’s bring some festive cheer to your table with this delightful Easter Bunny Poke Cake!

Short Description

This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a colorful, moist, and creamy dessert perfect for Easter celebrations. A white cake swirled with pastel colors is soaked in vanilla pudding and topped with fluffy whipped cream, white chocolate drizzle, and festive sprinkles. Simple, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Key Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed on the box)
• Food coloring gels in pastel shades (pink, blue, yellow)

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 package (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1¾ cups cold milk

For the Topping:

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• Pastel sprinkles
• Marshmallow bunny Peeps and mini chocolate eggs (optional, for garnish)

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Wooden spoon or skewer (for poking holes)
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls and tint each with a different pastel food coloring. Drop spoonfuls of each color randomly into the greased 9×13-inch pan, then gently swirl with a toothpick or knife. Bake as directed on the box (typically at 350°F for 25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about ½ inch apart. The more holes, the better the pudding soaks in!

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken, then pour it evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Once the cake is chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for extra sweetness. Scatter pastel sprinkles for a festive touch.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

For an extra Easter vibe, place marshmallow bunny Peeps around the edges and sprinkle mini chocolate eggs in the center. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Uses a simple boxed cake mix with a few fun additions.
Kid-Friendly – A great recipe to make with kids, from swirling the colors to decorating.
Visually Stunning – The pastel swirls and Easter decorations make this cake a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
Light & Creamy – The pudding and whipped topping make it irresistibly soft and moist.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the Colors – Swirl gently to avoid muddying the pastel hues.
Not Poking Enough Holes – More holes allow for better pudding absorption, ensuring a moist cake.
Using Warm Pudding – Let the pudding cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from becoming too runny.
Skipping the Chill Time – Refrigerating the cake helps the layers set properly.
Overheating the White Chocolate – Melt in short intervals to avoid burning.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Best Served: Chilled for a refreshing texture.
Pair With: A glass of cold milk, a cup of herbal tea, or a light fruit salad.
Presentation Tip: Serve on a pastel-colored plate with extra sprinkles for a picture-perfect dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: This cake is best served cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?
Yes! A homemade white cake works just as well—just keep it light and fluffy.

2. Can I make this cake the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.

3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

4. How do I prevent my chocolate from seizing?
Melt slowly in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent overheating.

5. Can I use different pudding flavors?
Definitely! Try white chocolate or cheesecake pudding for a fun twist.

Tips & Tricks

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors.
Chill the cake for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
Swap out the Peeps for chocolate bunnies if you prefer.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Easter Poke Cake – Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding for a richer version.
Lemon Bunny Cake – Swap vanilla pudding for lemon and add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Berry Delight Poke Cake – Add fresh raspberries or blueberries between the layers for a fruity boost.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with a fun, colorful, and delicious dessert. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!