If you’re looking to wow your guests this spring with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you have to try this Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe. This vibrant dessert combines fluffy white cake with a luscious strawberry gelatin filling and a cloud-like whipped topping, all crowned with pastel sprinkles and candy that scream celebration. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or just brightening up your dessert table with a burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of texture, flavor, and festive aesthetics. Each item plays a distinct role, from the moist cake base to the fruity gelatin infusion and the creamy topping that balances everything perfectly.
- White cake mix: The foundation of the cake, providing a tender crumb and neutral flavor that lets the gelatin shine.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and moisture in the cake batter.
- Water: Keeps the cake moist and helps activate the cake mix ingredients.
- Vegetable oil: Adds richness and ensures the cake stays soft.
- Strawberry or raspberry gelatin: Provides the vibrant color and fruity burst that makes the poke cake unique.
- Boiling water: Needed to dissolve the gelatin thoroughly.
- Cold water: Helps to set the gelatin without making it too firm.
- Whipped topping: For a creamy, airy finish that complements the fruity gelatin.
- Pastel-colored sprinkles (optional): Adds a playful, festive look perfect for Easter celebrations.
- Mini Easter candy (optional): Provides extra sweetness and color, making the cake irresistible to kids and adults alike.
How to Make Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepare the white cake mix according to the package’s instructions using the eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Pour the batter into your pan and bake it until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically around 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cool It Down
Once your cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This short rest time allows the cake to firm up just enough for the next step without cooling completely—perfect for poking.
Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin Filling
While the cake cools, dissolve your chosen strawberry or raspberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir continuously until it’s fully dissolved. Then, stir in half a cup of cold water to bring the gelatin to the perfect consistency for pouring.
Step 4: Poke and Pour!
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to gently poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. These holes allow the gelatin to seep deep into the cake for those delightful bursts of flavor and colorful swirls. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure it saturates every hole for maximum taste.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial to allow the gelatin to set perfectly, turning your cake into that signature poke cake wonder.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Spread an even layer of whipped topping over the chilled cake to provide a smooth, creamy contrast to the fruity gelatin. Decorate with pastel-colored sprinkles and mini Easter candies for that joyful and festive look that makes this the ultimate Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, think colorful and seasonal! Pastel sprinkles instantly add charm, but you can also get creative with edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance. Mini Easter candies lend a playful texture and sweet surprise with every bite.
Side Dishes
This poke cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads or a zesty lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. If you want to keep things simple, a cup of hot tea or coffee is a classic complement, balancing the cake’s sweetness with warmth and subtle bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can elevate the experience. Try serving the cake in clear glass dishes so the colorful gelatin layers show through. For parties, individual servings in small mason jars garnished with a little whipped topping and a sprinkle of candy make for adorable and convenient treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover poke cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, ensuring the whipped topping doesn’t dry out and the gelatin stays perfectly set.
Freezing
Because of the whipped topping and gelatin, freezing is not recommended for this particular cake, as the texture of both components can be compromised. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days after preparing.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary or advised for this festive treat since it is always served chilled. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to come to a slightly softer temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry or raspberry work beautifully here, feel free to experiment with other flavors like cherry or orange to match your taste preferences or the theme of your celebration.
What if I don’t have a boxed white cake mix?
You can bake your favorite homemade white cake recipe from scratch. Just keep in mind that the simplicity and convenience of the boxed mix help keep this recipe quick and foolproof.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make this vegan, look for plant-based cake mixes without eggs or dairy, use vegan gelatin alternatives (like agar-agar), and substitute whipped topping for a dairy-free version. It will require a few tweaks but is definitely possible!
What’s the best way to poke the holes?
The handle of a wooden spoon or a fork works perfectly to create small, uniform holes without tearing the cake. Be gentle for the best results.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of gelatin?
While fresh fruit would be delicious, it won’t create the signature poke cake effect where the gelatin soaks into the cake. Fresh fruit can be added as a topping or served on the side instead.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring smiles and a burst of springtime joy to your next gathering, this Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe is your answer. It’s delightfully easy to make, bursting with flavor, and simply screams celebration in every slice. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this colorful, creamy, and charming dessert — you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Festive Easter Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Easter with this Festive Easter Poke Cake, a colorful and delicious dessert featuring a moist white cake infused with fruity strawberry or raspberry gelatin, topped with creamy whipped topping and adorned with pastel sprinkles and mini Easter candies for a joyful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Gelatin Filling
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry or raspberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Topping and Decoration
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- ½ cup pastel-colored sprinkles (optional)
- ½ cup mini Easter candy (e.g., pastel M&Ms, jelly beans) (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix with 3 large eggs, 1 cup water, and ½ cup vegetable oil according to package instructions, blending until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes while still in the pan.
- Prepare Gelatin Filling: Dissolve the 3 oz strawberry or raspberry gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring thoroughly until fully dissolved.
- Add Cold Water: Stir in ½ cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture to cool it slightly and make it ready for soaking the cake.
- Poke Cake: Using a wooden spoon handle or fork, poke holes evenly all over the warm cake to allow the gelatin to seep in.
- Add Gelatin to Cake: Slowly pour the prepared gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure the liquid seeps into all of the holes for maximum flavor infusion.
- Chill: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the gelatin fully.
- Prepare Topping: Once the gelatin has set, evenly spread 8 oz of whipped topping over the chilled cake to create a creamy layer.
- Decorate: Sprinkle pastel-colored sprinkles and mini Easter candies over the whipped topping for a festive and colorful finish (optional).
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled. Enjoy your delightful and festive Easter dessert!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is not too hot when poking holes to prevent tearing.
- The choice of gelatin flavor can be adjusted according to preference for variety.
- For best results, refrigerate the cake overnight to allow full gelatin absorption.
- Use high-quality whipped topping for a smooth and creamy finish.
- Sprinkles and candies are optional but add a fun, festive look perfect for Easter celebrations.
