Description
Delightful Easter pastel poke cake brings springtime colors to dessert tables with whimsical charm. Creamy layers and pastel hues create a festive centerpiece you’ll adore serving to family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Gel food coloring in pastel colors (pink, blue, green, yellow)
Filling:
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups milk (32 fluid ounces / 946 milliliters)
Topping:
- 1 container Cool Whip, thawed
- Easter-themed sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a white cake mix according to package instructions, then divide the batter into separate bowls. Tint each portion with gel food coloring to create soft pastel hues. Carefully layer and swirl the colored batters in a prepared cake pan to achieve a marbled appearance.
- Bake the cake at the recommended temperature until fully cooked. While still warm, use a wooden spoon handle to puncture evenly spaced holes throughout the cake, ensuring they extend nearly to the bottom.
- Whisk vanilla pudding mix with milk until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Immediately pour the pudding over the cake, allowing it to seep into the created holes. Gently spread to ensure complete coverage.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, enabling the pudding to set and flavors to meld completely.
- Spread a uniform layer of thawed whipped topping across the chilled cake. Decorate with festive Easter-themed sprinkles for a celebratory touch.
- Maintain the cake in the refrigerator until serving time. Cut into squares and present this vibrant, creamy dessert that’s sure to delight guests.
Notes
- Choose gel food coloring for vibrant, soft pastel shades without altering cake batter consistency.
- Swirl colors gently to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing, which can muddle the design.
- Use a wooden spoon handle with a smooth, rounded end to create clean, uniform holes in the cake.
- Whisk pudding mixture quickly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, even distribution over the cake.
- For a lighter version, substitute low-fat milk and sugar-free pudding mix to reduce calories.
- Experiment with different pudding flavors like banana, coconut, or lemon for unique taste variations.
- Make the cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and checking pudding mix ingredients.
- Decorate with naturally colored sprinkles or crushed pastel-colored candies for a healthier topping option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg