A slice of this Easter poke cake promises a burst of flavor that dances on your palate. With its moist texture and colorful layers, it’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that beckons you to celebrate the season.
Sharing this delightful treat at family gatherings brings joy and nostalgia. The laughter around the table as everyone indulges in this sweet delight makes the effort worthwhile.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easter poke cake is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- The combination of flavors creates a festive centerpiece that will impress your guests
- With its cheerful colors and playful presentation, it’s sure to brighten up your holiday table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, you can customize the flavors to match any occasion
My family’s reaction was priceless when I surprised them with this vibrant dessert last Easter—it quickly became a new favorite tradition.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Vanilla Cake Mix: A box mix keeps things simple and ensures a light, fluffy texture without the fuss.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for best results; they help bind everything together beautifully.
- Water: Just plain water works here; it helps create that moist base we all love.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds richness and sweetness while giving the cake its signature poke flavor.
- Whipped Topping: Choose cool whip or homemade whipped cream for a light finish on top.
- Sherbet or Gelatin Powder (Optional): For added color and fruity flavors, consider mixing in your favorite sherbet or flavored gelatin.
- Sprinkles or Fresh Fruit: These are essential for decoration—go wild with colors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure an easy release after baking.
Bake the Cake: In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and water until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly before placing in the preheated oven.
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once baked (around 30 minutes), let it cool slightly before using a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to seep in!
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the poked holes while gently pressing down so it absorbs nicely into the cake—a delicious transformation!
Chill for Flavor Enhancement: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This waiting period helps meld all those fantastic flavors together beautifully.
Top It Off!: Spread whipped topping over the cooled cake evenly and decorate with sprinkles or fresh fruit as desired. Serve chilled for maximum enjoyment!
Enjoy every bite of this delightful Easter poke cake! It’s not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating moments filled with laughter and joy during spring celebrations.
You Must Know
- EASTER POKE CAKE is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
- The combination of flavors will transport you to a springtime picnic, and the vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best EASTER POKE CAKE, start by baking your cake according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool before poking holes and adding your flavored gelatin.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your EASTER POKE CAKE with different flavored jellos or add sprinkles on top for that extra festive touch. You can also swap the whipped topping for cream cheese frosting if you want a richer flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover EASTER POKE CAKE in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, serve chilled, but avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a fork to poke holes in your cake evenly; this ensures maximum flavor absorption from the gelatin
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings to maintain its structure
- Always use a whipped topping that’s stable for better presentation and taste
Every year, my family insists on having this EASTER POKE CAKE at our holiday gathering. The laughter and joy it brings are priceless, especially watching everyone dig into such a colorful creation.
FAQ
What can I substitute for gelatin in EASTER POKE CAKE?
You can use flavored syrups or pureed fruits as substitutes for gelatin.
How long should I let the cake cool before adding toppings?
Allow your cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before adding any toppings.
Can I make EASTER POKE CAKE ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Easter Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Easter Poke Cake is a festive, flavorful treat featuring moist vanilla cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles, making it perfect for spring celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping
- Optional: flavored gelatin or sherbet, sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and water until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly, then poke holes all over the cake using a fork.
- Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the holes, gently pressing down to ensure absorption.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to meld flavors.
- Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake and decorate with sprinkles or fruit as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Customize your poke cake with different flavored jellos or syrups for variety. For a richer taste, substitute whipped topping with cream cheese frosting.
