Spring is in the air, and Easter celebrations call for a fun, colorful, and delicious dessert! This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a delightful treat that brings together a moist, fluffy cake with vibrant pudding filling, topped with whipped cream and festive decorations. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for Easter brunch, family gatherings, or a kid-friendly baking activity.
Poke cakes are a classic favorite because they are easy to make, super moist, and bursting with flavor. This Easter version takes it up a notch with pastel colors, bunny-themed toppings, and a sweet surprise in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Bunny Poke Cake
✔ Simple & Beginner-Friendly – No complicated steps, just mix, bake, poke, and decorate!
✔ Super Moist & Flavorful – The pudding filling makes each bite creamy and irresistible.
✔ Festive & Colorful – Pastel shades and Easter sprinkles make it a showstopper.
✔ Perfect for a Crowd – Great for Easter parties, brunches, or a fun baking project with kids.
Ingredients for Easter Bunny Poke Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Gel food coloring in pastel shades (pink, blue, purple, yellow, or green)
For the Pudding Filling:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a hint of nutty flavor)
- Pastel gel food coloring (to match the cake layers)
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup shredded coconut (for a "grass" effect – optional)
- 1 tablespoon green food coloring (if using coconut grass)
- Easter sprinkles, pastel M&Ms, or mini chocolate eggs
- Bunny-shaped marshmallows or decorations
How to Make Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the white cake batter according to the package instructions. Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Divide the batter into 3-4 small bowls, and tint each one with a different pastel food color.
- Spoon dollops of each colored batter into the baking dish, swirling slightly with a toothpick to create a tie-dye effect.
Step 2: Bake and Poke the Cake
- Bake according to the package directions, typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes. Then, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Make the Pudding Filling
- In a bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
- Divide the pudding into 2-3 bowls and tint each with different pastel colors.
- Pour the pudding into the poked holes, using different colors to create a beautiful, colorful inside.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Step 4: Decorate the Cake
- Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cake.
- If using coconut grass, mix shredded coconut with a few drops of green food coloring, then sprinkle it on top.
- Decorate with Easter sprinkles, pastel M&Ms, or mini chocolate eggs.
- Add bunny marshmallows or festive toppers for an extra Easter-themed touch.
Creative Variations & Customizations
🌸 Chocolate Version – Use a chocolate cake mix with a chocolate pudding filling for a rich twist.
🐰 Carrot Cake Poke Cake – Swap the white cake for a spiced carrot cake and use cream cheese pudding.
🌈 Rainbow Swirl Cake – Instead of pastels, use bright rainbow colors for a fun, colorful surprise inside.
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake – Replace the pudding with strawberry puree and top with fresh berries.
Tips for the Best Easter Bunny Poke Cake
✔ Use the Right Tool for Poking – A wooden spoon handle works best for making holes big enough to absorb the pudding.
✔ Let the Pudding Set – Refrigerating before adding whipped topping helps the cake soak up the filling.
✔ Decorate Just Before Serving – Sprinkles and candy decorations stay fresh and crunchy if added at the last minute.
✔ Chill for Best Flavor – This cake tastes even better when refrigerated for a few hours or overnight!
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as the pudding texture may change when thawed.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Bake the cake a day in advance, poke holes, and add pudding. Refrigerate overnight.
- Decorate with whipped topping and candy just before serving for the best presentation.
FAQs
Can I Use Homemade Cake Instead of a Box Mix?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake works great. Just keep it light and fluffy for the best results.
What’s the Best Pudding Flavor for Poke Cake?
Vanilla pudding is classic, but you can try white chocolate, lemon, or even coconut pudding for a fun twist.
Can I Make This Cake Without Food Coloring?
Yes! The cake and pudding will still be delicious without color. Or, use natural dyes like beet juice or turmeric for a mild color.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a fun, colorful, and easy dessert that’s perfect for spring celebrations! With pastel swirls, creamy pudding, and festive toppings, it’s sure to bring smiles to kids and adults alike.
Make it for your Easter brunch, potluck, or family gathering, and enjoy the sweet magic of this holiday treat.
What’s your favorite Easter dessert? Let me know in the comments! 🐰🌸
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