Easter Poke Cake is the ultimate springtime dessert, bursting with vibrant colors and delightful flavors. This fun and easy-to-make treat transforms a simple white cake into a festive masterpiece with swirls of fruity gelatin and a luscious whipped topping. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests, this Easter recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to your celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Poke Cake
- Bright and Festive: Pastel-colored gelatin swirls make this cake a standout Easter dessert.
- Super Moist: The gelatin infusion ensures every bite is soft and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: Prepare it the day before for a hassle-free holiday treat.
- Customizable: Choose different gelatin flavors and toppings to match your Easter theme.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Easter Poke Cake Recipe
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (or pastel-colored gelatin of choice)
- 1 package (3 oz) lime gelatin (or another pastel-colored gelatin)
- 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per gelatin flavor)
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- Pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, blue – optional)
- Easter sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs for decoration
How To Make Easter Poke Cake
1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter following the instructions on the box.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes.
2. Poke and Fill
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes evenly across the cake.
- In separate bowls, dissolve each gelatin flavor in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour each gelatin flavor over different sections of the cake, creating a marbled effect.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.
3. Decorate
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- If using coconut, mix it with a few drops of pastel food coloring and sprinkle over the cake.
- Add Easter sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or your favorite festive decorations.
Creative Serving Ideas for Easter Poke Cake
- Classic Whipped Cream & Sprinkles: Keep it simple with a fluffy whipped topping and pastel-colored jimmies.
- Easter Candy Toppings: Decorate with mini chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or Peeps for a holiday-themed treat.
- Coconut “Easter Grass”: Sprinkle dyed coconut flakes over the cake and nestle candy eggs on top.
- Drizzled White Chocolate: Add a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Easter Trifle: Cut the cake into cubes and layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh berries.
- Mason Jar Treats: Serve in small jars for a cute and portable Easter dessert.
Recipe Variations
- Rainbow Poke Cake: Use multiple gelatin flavors for a vibrant effect.
- Chocolate Easter Poke Cake: Swap the white cake mix for chocolate and use vanilla pudding instead of gelatin.
- Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake: Use strawberry gelatin and top with fresh strawberries.
- Lemon Cream Poke Cake: Use lemon gelatin and add lemon zest to the whipped topping.
- Piña Colada Poke Cake: Use pineapple gelatin and top with toasted coconut.
- Berry Delight Poke Cake: Use raspberry or blueberry gelatin and garnish with fresh berries.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.
FAQs Easter Poke Cake
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This Easter Poke Cake tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Can I use a homemade cake instead of a box mix? Absolutely! A homemade white cake works just as well.
- What if I don’t have gelatin? You can substitute pudding for a different but equally delicious filling.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free whipped topping and a dairy-free cake mix.
- How do I cut clean slices? Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat servings.
More Easter Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Crème Brûlée Doughnuts
- Carrot Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Fusion
- Easter Jelly Cake
- No-Bake Easter Dirt Cake
Conclusion
With its bright colors, delightful flavors, and easy preparation, Easter Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for your Easter gathering. Try this festive Easter recipe and make your holiday table even more joyful!

Easter Poke Cake Recipe
Easter Poke Cake is the ultimate springtime dessert, bursting with vibrant colors and delightful flavors. This fun and easy-to-make treat transforms a simple white cake into a festive masterpiece with swirls of fruity gelatin and a luscious whipped topping. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests, this Easter recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to your celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water
- 1 package 3 oz strawberry gelatin (or any pastel-colored gelatin like lemon, lime, or berry blue)
- 1 package 3 oz lime gelatin (or another contrasting pastel color)
- 2 cups boiling water 1 cup per gelatin flavor
- 1 container 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut optional
- Pastel food coloring pink, yellow, green, blue – optional
- Easter sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs for decoration
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter following the instructions on the box.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes.
Poke and Fill
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes evenly across the cake.
- In separate bowls, dissolve each gelatin flavor in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour each gelatin flavor over different sections of the cake, creating a marbled effect.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.
Decorate
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- If using coconut, mix it with a few drops of pastel food coloring and sprinkle over the cake.
- Add Easter sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or your favorite festive decorations.
Notes
- Classic Whipped Cream & Sprinkles: Keep it simple with a fluffy whipped topping and pastel-colored jimmies.
- Easter Candy Toppings: Decorate with mini chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or Peeps for a holiday-themed treat.
- Coconut “Easter Grass”: Sprinkle dyed coconut flakes over the cake and nestle candy eggs on top.
- Drizzled White Chocolate: Add a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Easter Trifle: Cut the cake into cubes and layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh berries.
- Mason Jar Treats: Serve in small jars for a cute and portable Easter dessert.