Name: Easter Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: usually water, oil, and eggs); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 package (3 oz) Jello, any flavor (pastel colors recommended); 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup cold water; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Easter-themed sprinkles; Mini Easter eggs

Why You’ll Love Easter Poke Cake Recipe

This Easter poke cake is the epitome of springtime joy. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to the use of a boxed cake mix, yet it looks and tastes like something truly special. The Jello filling infuses the cake with bright color and fruity flavor, while the homemade whipped cream keeps things light and creamy. Plus, the festive decorations make it a show-stopping centerpiece for your Easter dessert table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

1 box white cake mix (and ingredients called for on the box: usually water, oil, and eggs)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the poke filling:

1 package (3 oz) Jello, any flavor (pastel colors recommended for Easter)
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water

For the frosting:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For decoration:

Easter-themed sprinkles
Mini Easter eggs

Directions

Preheat the oven and prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan. Let it cool completely once done.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake.
In a bowl, dissolve the Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well, then add 1/2 cup cold water.
Slowly pour the Jello mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes.
Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the Jello to set.
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
Decorate with Easter-themed sprinkles and mini Easter eggs.
Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: As per cake mix instructions (usually 25-30 minutes)
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 50 minutes
Calories per serving: 310 kcal

Variations

Flavor Swap: Try different Jello flavors like lemon, raspberry, or peach for a new twist.
Rainbow Layers: Use multiple colors of Jello in different sections for a rainbow effect.
Frosting Alternatives: Use cream cheese frosting or a whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Dye the Cake: Add a drop of food coloring to the cake batter for an even more colorful presentation.
Add Fruit: Top with fresh berries or mandarin oranges for a refreshing finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This cake is best served cold and does not require reheating.
Avoid freezing as the Jello and whipped cream may not thaw well.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a type of cake that has holes poked into it after baking, which are then filled with a liquid or filling like Jello, pudding, or sweetened condensed milk to add flavor and moisture.

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite homemade white cake recipe. Just make sure it fits a 9×13 inch pan and is light in texture to absorb the Jello well.

What flavors of Jello work best for Easter?

Pastel-colored flavors like lemon, strawberry, peach, or berry blue work beautifully for an Easter-themed cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cake actually benefits from being made a day in advance as the Jello has more time to set and infuse the cake with flavor.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip can be used if you want to save time.

What if I don’t have Easter decorations?

You can simply use colored sprinkles or shredded coconut dyed with food coloring for a festive touch.

Can I use more than one color of Jello?

Yes, you can divide the cake into sections and pour different colors of Jello into different areas for a multi-color effect.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the Jello and whipped cream topping, this cake should be kept refrigerated until serving.

Can I use flavored whipped cream?

Definitely! You can infuse your whipped cream with lemon zest or almond extract for an extra flavor twist.

Is this cake suitable for kids?

Absolutely. The bright colors, sweet flavor, and soft texture make it a hit with children of all ages.

Conclusion

This Easte

r poke cake is a vibrant, fun, and easy-to-make dessert that brings joy to any spring celebration. With its fluffy white cake, fruity Jello filling, and cloud-like whipped cream topping, it’s a treat that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to add some color to your table, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.