Easter Bunny Poke Cake

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Easter Bunny Poke Cake

This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a delightful and festive dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its pastel swirls, creamy pudding filling, and playful decorations, it’s the perfect addition to your Easter celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Visually Stunning – The pastel colors and festive decorations make it a beautiful Easter centerpiece.
  • Easy to Prepare – A boxed cake mix simplifies the process, making it beginner-friendly.
  • Moist & Flavorful – The pudding filling keeps the cake soft and rich.
  • Customizable – Change the colors, decorations, or flavors to fit your style.
  • Kid-Friendly – A great baking activity for kids to help with!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: typically eggs, oil, and water)
  • Food coloring gels in pastel shades (pink, blue, yellow)

For the Pudding Layer:

  • 1 package (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1¾ cups cold milk

For the Topping:

  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • Pastel sprinkles for decoration
  • Marshmallow bunny Peeps and mini chocolate eggs (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions.
  3. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Add a few drops of pastel food coloring to each bowl and mix well.
  4. Tip: Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without thinning the batter.

Step 2: Create a Swirled Effect

  1. Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly into the baking dish.
  2. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  3. Use a toothpick or knife to lightly swirl the colors together for a marbled look.
  4. Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the colors distinct.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
  3. Tip: Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

Step 4: Poke and Fill with Pudding

  1. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw to poke holes evenly across the surface.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  4. Tip: Pour the pudding while still liquid for deep absorption and added moisture.

Step 5: Chill and Set

  1. Let the cake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set.
  2. Tip: For best results, refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 6: Decorate

  1. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake.
  2. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top.
  3. Sprinkle pastel decorations and arrange bunny Peeps and mini chocolate eggs as desired.
  4. Tip: For a “grass” effect, tint shredded coconut with green food coloring and sprinkle over the whipped topping.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Pairs well with tea, coffee, or milk.
  • Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: If freezing, do so before adding whipped topping and decorations. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before decorating.

Helpful Notes & Variations

  • Alternative Pudding Flavors: Try white chocolate or lemon pudding for a twist.
  • Homemade Whipped Cream: Whip 1½ cups of cold heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  • Extra Decorations: Add edible glitter, crushed candy, or mini marshmallows for extra fun.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are GF-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix? Yes! Just make sure it has a similar consistency to a boxed mix.
  • Why is my cake dry? Overbaking is the main cause. Check a few minutes before the suggested time.
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better when made a day in advance.
  • What other toppings can I use? Try crushed cookies, toasted coconut, or fresh berries.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a vibrant, festive treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its fun colors, creamy pudding, and playful decorations, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Easter with family and friends.

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