A simple, sweet cake to share with friends and family this Easter.
INTRODUCTION
Easter Poke Cake is soft, light, and full of flavor. This cake uses a white cake mix and a creamy coconut filling. You will make holes in the cake and pour a sweet pudding mix into them. That keeps the cake moist and tasty. You can color the coconut in soft pastels and add fun sprinkles to make the cake look like Easter. This cake is quick to make and does not need hard baking skills. If you like easy, festive desserts, you will enjoy this cake. For other simple dessert ideas, try the apple cupcakes recipe for a different kind of sweet treat.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this cake because it feels special but is easy to make. The cake is soft and the pudding mix soaks into the holes to make each bite creamy. The whipped cream and shredded coconut give a light, fresh top. Kids will love the pastels and sprinkles. Adults will like that it is not too sweet or heavy. This cake is great for a busy day because most work is simple steps: bake, poke, pour, spread, and chill. You can make the cake plain or dress it up with color and sprinkles. If you enjoy playful and bright desserts, this reminds you why small treats can bring big smiles, much like the fun of Bloody Red Velvet Cake Pops on a holiday table.
HOW TO MAKE Easter Poke Cake
This cake mixes simple store-bought items with a fresh finish. You start with a white cake mix and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan. After the cake cools, poke holes with the end of a wooden spoon. These holes hold the coconut milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. The pudding seeps into the cake and makes it moist. Then you spread whipped cream on top and add shredded coconut for texture. You can tint the coconut with a few drops of food coloring to make soft pastel colors for Easter. Finish with Easter sprinkles for a bright look. The cake chills in the fridge so the flavors meld and the texture sets. For more ideas on traybakes and similar treats, see the blueberry orange traybake pancake for another easy crowd pleaser.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (one for cake mix, one for pudding)
- Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
- Whisk or fork (to mix pudding and coconut milk)
- Spatula (to spread whipped cream)
- Measuring cups
- Refrigerator space
You do not need fancy tools. A simple set of kitchen tools works well. If you like to browse more ideas and tools for pancakes and similar bakes, check the pancake category for simple gear suggestions.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 cup of whipped cream
- 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- Food coloring (for pastel colors)
- Optional: Easter-themed sprinkles
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions.
- Prepare the white cake mix as per package instructions and bake in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Once the cake is baked and cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top.
- In a bowl, mix the coconut milk and instant pudding until combined, then pour over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Spread whipped cream over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the coconut if you want pastel colors.
- Decorate with Easter-themed sprinkles if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
HOW TO SERVE Easter Poke Cake
Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. Use a sharp knife to get clean edges. Add extra sprinkles on each piece if you want more color. Serve on a small plate with a fork. This cake pairs well with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or sliced mango, to add a fresh bite. For a different touch, serve a warm beverage like tea or light coffee. If you like citrus flavors, a thin slice of lemon on the side can work well with the coconut. You might also like to pair it with a simple pound cake at a brunch table, such as a classic old fashioned lemon pound cake, for guests who want a second choice.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easter Poke Cake
Store this cake in the fridge. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cake stays good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours because of the whipped cream topping. You can freeze the cake, but the texture may change a bit. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, the cake may be a little softer, so serve chilled.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Add fresh berries on top of each slice for color and a light tart taste.
- Serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate.
- For adults, a small cup of coffee or a light tea goes well with the cake.
- Make mini versions in muffin tins for small, single-serve treats.
- Place edible flowers on top for a spring look.
- Try a citrus twist: add a thin lemon or orange zest on top to cut the sweetness.
These ideas keep the cake fresh and fun. If you like desserts that fit a spring table, pairing with a lemon pound cake or light tart can make a nice spread without heavy work.
VARIATIONS
- Coconut Lime: Mix 1 tablespoon of lime zest into the coconut milk before pouring. Top with extra lime zest.
- Strawberry Poke: Use instant strawberry pudding instead of vanilla. Fold chopped strawberries into the whipped cream topping.
- Chocolate Twist: Swap the white cake mix with chocolate and use vanilla pudding for contrast.
- Mini Poke Cakes: Make in muffin tins and poke each mini cake, then fill with pudding for party bites.
- Tropical: Add diced pineapple to the pudding mix before pouring for a bit of sweet fruit.
Each variation keeps the simple steps but changes small parts to create new flavors. Try one at a time to find your favorite.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
A: Yes. Use a simple white cake recipe and bake in the same 9×13 pan. Follow the same steps for poking and filling.
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
A: You can use regular milk, but coconut milk adds extra flavor. Whole milk will give a creamier result than low-fat milk.
Q: How long should I chill the cake before serving?
A: Chill for at least 2 hours. For best texture, chill 4 hours or overnight so the pudding sets well in the holes.
Q: Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
A: Yes. Whipped topping works well and may be easier to spread. Use about 1 cup as listed.
Q: Can I skip the food coloring?
A: Yes. The cake will taste the same. The food coloring only adds pastel color to the coconut.
Q: Is this cake safe for kids to help make?
A: Yes. Kids can help poke holes, mix the pudding, and decorate with sprinkles under adult supervision.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easter Poke Cake
Make the cake the day before your event for the best flavor. Bake, poke, pour the pudding mix, and spread the whipped cream. Add the coconut and sprinkles right before guests arrive to keep the topping fresh. If you make it two days ahead, keep it well covered in the fridge. For travel, keep the cake chilled in a cooler and add sprinkles after you arrive. If you want to freeze parts ahead, freeze just the baked cake layer, then thaw and finish the pudding and toppings on the day you serve.
Easter Poke Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions.
- Prepare the white cake mix as per package instructions and bake in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Once the cake is baked and cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top.
- In a bowl, mix the coconut milk and instant pudding until combined, then pour over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Spread whipped cream over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the coconut if you want pastel colors.
- Decorate with Easter-themed sprinkles if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled.
- Use a sharp knife to get clean edges.
- Add extra sprinkles on each piece if you want more color.