Easter Poke Cake: A Colorful & Fun Easter Dessert

If you’re looking for a festive and delicious Easter dessert cake, this Easter Poke Cake is a must-try! Made with a soft and fluffy cake, vibrant Easter Jello layers, and a light whipped topping, this cake is bursting with color and flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for cakes for Easter, family gatherings, or a fun baking project with kids!

Whether you’re searching for cake ideas for Easter, creative poke cake cupcakes, or an easy Easter cake recipe, this colorful treat is simple to make, light, and refreshing. Plus, it’s perfect for topping with festive decorations like Peeps, sprinkles, and pastel candies!

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What Is an Easter Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a simple cake recipe where holes are poked into the baked cake, allowing Jello, pudding, or flavored syrup to soak in and create beautifully layered colors and flavors. This Easter Jello poke cake recipe uses bright pastels to create a fun, festive dessert that’s both delicious and visually stunning.

Perfect for Easter poke cake recipes, this cake is light, fluffy, and topped with a creamy whipped topping, making it a refreshing and sweet way to celebrate the holiday!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright & Colorful: Fun layers of pastel Jello make this cake stand out!
• Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients like cake mix and Jello.
• Perfect for Easter: A great addition to your cakes for Easter lineup.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project that kids can help with.
• Customizable: Change the Jello flavors, colors, and toppings for a unique twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 2 small boxes (3 oz each) Jello (pastel colors like strawberry, lemon, or berry blue)
• 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per Jello flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (if using homemade whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks
• Pastel sprinkles
• Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (for cake batter and Jello mixture)
• 9×13-inch baking dish (for baking the cake)
• Wooden spoon handle or straw (for poking holes in the cake)
• Whisk or electric mixer (for mixing whipped topping, if homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake as directed (typically 25–30 minutes).
4. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before poking holes all over with the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw.

Step 2: Prepare the Jello Layers

1. In two separate bowls, dissolve Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water each, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Carefully pour each Jello mixture over different sections of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
3. Cover and refrigerate the cake for 2–3 hours to let the flavors set.

Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping

1. Once the cake has chilled, spread Cool Whip evenly over the top.
2. If using homemade whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then spread over the cake.

Step 4: Decorate & Serve

1. Top with Peeps marshmallows, pastel sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or jelly beans for a fun Easter look.
2. Slice, serve, and enjoy this festive Easter poke cake!

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Tips for the Best Easter Poke Cake

• Use a white or vanilla cake mix for the best contrast with the Jello colors.
• Make deeper holes to allow more Jello to soak in and create a vibrant design.
• Chill before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Swap out Jello flavors for a different color combination!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not letting the cake cool before adding Jello: This can make the cake too soggy.
• Pouring Jello too quickly: Pour slowly to ensure it absorbs evenly.
• Skipping refrigeration: The Jello needs time to set for the best texture.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Rainbow Poke Cake: Use four different Jello colors for a bright, multi-colored look.
• Lemon Cream Poke Cake: Use lemon Jello and lemon zest in the whipped topping.
• Strawberries & Cream Cake: Use strawberry Jello and fresh sliced strawberries on top.
• Poke Cake Cupcakes: Bake cupcakes, poke holes, and fill each with a different Jello flavor!

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 1 month. Thaw before adding whipped topping.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the cake a day in advance and add decorations just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Easter Poke Cake pairs well with:

• A light fruit salad for a refreshing side
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
• Hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness
• A pastel-themed Easter dessert table for a beautiful presentation

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FAQs

Can I make this cake without Jello?

Yes! Swap Jello for pudding or sweetened condensed milk for a different texture.

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite vanilla or white cake recipe.

Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes! Use homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix to keep it gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Easter Poke Cake is a fun, colorful, and easy Easter cake that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, kids’ parties, and festive celebrations. Whether you’re making it as part of your Easter lunch ideas or looking for fun poke cakes to share, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit!

Try this Easter desserts cake recipe today and enjoy a sweet, vibrant treat with family and friends!

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