Easter Bunny Poke Cake – Easy & Festive Easter Dessert

A festive and colorful Easter Bunny Poke Cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! This moist vanilla cake is infused with creamy pudding, swirled with pastel hues, and topped with fluffy whipped topping and sprinkles. Perfect for Easter gatherings or any spring celebration!

Ingredients

• Cake:
  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• Pudding Filling:
  • 1 package (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1¾ cups milk
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Color & Topping:
  • Food coloring (pink, blue, yellow)
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 container whipped topping (for frosting)
  • Pastel sprinkles for decoration

this RECIPE

Instructions

1. Prepare Cake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Prepare cake batter according to the package instructions. Pour into the baking dish and bake as directed.
2. Create Poke Holes:
   • Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake.
3. Make Pudding Filling:
   • In a bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping and vanilla extract.
4. Color & Fill:
   • Divide the pudding mixture into three small bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each (pink, blue, yellow) and mix well.
   • Spoon the colored pudding into the holes of the cake, alternating colors for a fun effect.
5. Top with Chocolate & Frosting:
   • Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cake.
   • Spread a thick layer of whipped topping over the entire cake.
6. Decorate & Chill:
   • Sprinkle pastel decorations on top.
   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
   • Slice and enjoy this colorful, creamy Easter treat!

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter.

Swap white chocolate for colored candy melts for an even brighter touch.

Helpful Tips for Easter Bunny Poke Cake

1. Use a Wooden Spoon for Even Holes
   • A wooden spoon handle makes perfect-sized holes for the pudding to seep in. Avoid using a fork, as the holes may be too small, preventing the filling from soaking properly.
2. Let the Cake Cool Before Poking
   • If the cake is too warm, the pudding may become runny and won’t set properly. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the filling.
3. Chill for the Best Flavor
   • Refrigerating the cake for at least an hour before serving allows the pudding to firm up and the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Customize the Colors
   • Use any pastel shades to match your Easter theme. Purple, mint green, or peach add a unique touch.
5. Make It Extra Decadent
   • Swap vanilla pudding for white chocolate or cheesecake pudding for a richer taste.
6. Drizzle Before Frosting
   • Drizzling melted white chocolate before adding whipped topping creates an extra indulgent layer of sweetness.
7. Use Homemade Whipped Cream
   • For a fresher taste, whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar instead of store-bought whipped topping.
8. Storage Tips
   • Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw overnight.
9. Make It a Bunny-Themed Treat
   • Garnish with marshmallow bunny ears or candy eyes for an adorable Easter touch!

Conservation and Storage Tips for Easter Bunny Poke Cake

1. Refrigeration is Key
   • Since this cake contains pudding and whipped topping, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
2. Best Enjoyed Within 3 Days
   • For the freshest taste and texture, enjoy the cake within 2–3 days. The pudding may start to make the cake too soft if stored longer.
3. Freezing for Longer Storage
   • If you need to store the cake for a longer period, freeze it! Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
4. How to Thaw Frozen Cake
   • When ready to enjoy, transfer a slice from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as the pudding may become too runny.
5. Avoid Direct Moisture
   • When storing, make sure condensation doesn’t build up inside the container, as excess moisture can make the cake soggy. If needed, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
6. Keep Decorations Fresh
   • If using sprinkles or extra toppings, add them just before serving to keep them from dissolving or bleeding into the frosting.

Serving Suggestions for Easter Bunny Poke Cake

1. Festive Garnishes
   • Top with pastel-colored sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or edible glitter for an extra festive touch. For a fun Easter theme, add marshmallow bunny ears or candy eyes to create a bunny face.
2. Pair with Ice Cream
   • Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a creamy contrast. A drizzle of white chocolate sauce or berry compote makes it even more indulgent.
3. Whipped Cream Topping
   • While the cake is already topped with whipped topping, adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream right before serving gives it a light, airy finish.
4. Fresh Fruit Addition
   • Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
5. Easter Brunch Dessert
   • This cake is a perfect addition to an Easter brunch spread. Pair it with fresh fruit salad, deviled eggs, and light savory dishes for a well-rounded celebration.
6. Make It a Layered Dessert
   • Instead of serving slices, layer cubes of the poke cake in parfait glasses with extra pudding and whipped topping for a beautiful, individual Easter dessert.
7. Holiday-Themed Plating
   • Serve on pastel-colored plates or with decorative napkins to match the Easter theme.
8. Pair with a Drink
   • Enjoy with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a spring-inspired drink like strawberry lemonade or a vanilla milkshake.

Frequently Asked Questions – Easter Bunny Poke Cake

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While white cake keeps the pastel colors vibrant, you can use yellow cake, funfetti, or even strawberry cake for a fun twist.

2. What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
You can substitute homemade vanilla pudding by cooking a simple mixture of milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the cake.

3. Do I have to use food coloring?
No, food coloring is optional. The cake will still taste delicious without it, but the pastel swirls add a festive Easter look.

4. How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can make the cake up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add final decorations, like sprinkles, just before serving.

5. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Absolutely! Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form for a fresh alternative.

6. Why is my pudding filling too runny?
Make sure you’re using instant pudding mix and cold milk. Also, let the pudding thicken for a few minutes before adding it to the cake.

7. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! Slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion – Easter Bunny Poke Cake

Easter Bunny Poke Cake is the perfect festive dessert to brighten up your holiday table. With its soft, fluffy cake, creamy pudding filling, and pastel-colored swirls, it’s a treat that looks just as good as it tastes. Whether you’re making it for an Easter gathering, a spring celebration, or simply to enjoy a fun and colorful dessert, this cake is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap the pudding flavor, experiment with different colors, or even use a flavored cake mix to suit your taste. Plus, the make-ahead nature of the cake makes it a stress-free option for entertaining. Just bake, poke, fill, and chill—then let the magic happen in the fridge!

This cake isn’t just about looks; the combination of moist cake, rich pudding, and light whipped topping creates an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with pastel sprinkles and optional Easter decorations, it’s a showstopper that will make your dessert table pop.

Don’t forget to serve it with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat. And if you have leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

More relevant recipes:

For more inspiration, check out this Easter Poke Cake Recipe for another fun take on a festive poke cake.

Print