Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe

Adorable Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe – Sweet Spring Treat

Soft, moist cake layers hide a delightful secret in this whimsical Easter bunny poke cake that promises pure springtime magic.

Pastel-colored cream seeps through perfectly punctured holes, creating a mesmerizing dessert experience.

Sweet and creamy textures mingle with each delectable bite.

Festive pastel decorations turn this cake into a centerpiece that sparks joy and excitement.

Delicate marshmallow and cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible touch of indulgence.

Clusters of pastel sprinkles and chocolate eggs complete this dreamy Easter treat.

You’ll want to savor every single slice of this enchanting dessert that celebrates the season’s sweetest moments.

Easter Bunny Poke Cake That Charms

  • Craft Comfort Dessert: Perfect for creating a warm, nostalgic experience that reminds you of home-baked goodness with minimal kitchen stress.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations where everyone craves a delicious homemade treat.
  • No-Fuss Baking Adventure: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
  • Nutrient-Rich Indulgence: Packed with wholesome ingredients like bananas and walnuts, offering a delightful balance between decadent flavor and nutritional value.

Ingredients For Easter Bunny Poke Cake

Cake Base:
  • White Cake Mix: A convenient base for creating a light and fluffy Easter dessert.
  • Eggs: Help bind the cake ingredients and provide structure.
  • Water: Helps moisten and blend the cake mix ingredients.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
Filling and Topping:
  • Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, sweet filling that seeps into the cake holes.
  • Cold Milk: Activates the pudding mix and provides a smooth consistency.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds a light and creamy layer over the pudding-filled cake.
Decorative Elements:
  • Jelly Beans, M&Ms: Colorful candies used to create festive Easter patterns or bunny faces.
  • Shredded Coconut: Helps shape bunny ears for a playful decoration.
  • Candy Eyes, Licorice: Optional decorative elements to complete the bunny theme.

Making Easter Bunny Poke Cake Fun And Easy

Step 1: Mix Cake Batter

Grab your mixing bowl and combine cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cake turns golden and passes the toothpick test. Let the cake cool down for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Create Cake Holes

Take the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all across the cake’s surface. Make sure the holes are evenly distributed to help the filling seep in nicely.

Step 4: Prepare Pudding Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Vanilla pudding mix
  • Cold milk

Stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Pour the pudding over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes completely.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator for 1 hour to let the pudding settle and firm up.

Step 6: Add Whipped Topping

Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the chilled cake, covering it completely.

Step 7: Decorate Like a Bunny

Create a festive Easter bunny design using:
  • Jelly beans
  • M&Ms
  • Shredded coconut
  • Candy eyes
  • Licorice whiskers

Arrange the decorations to form bunny ears, face, and fun patterns.

Step 8: Final Chill and Serve

Return the decorated cake to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes.

Slice and serve chilled, enjoying your adorable Easter Bunny Poke Cake.

Tips For Easter Bunny Poke Cake

  • Poke holes carefully to prevent tearing the cake's delicate surface, ensuring even pudding distribution.
  • Use cold milk when mixing pudding to achieve the perfect smooth and thick consistency for filling cake holes.
  • Select pastel-colored candies like jelly beans and M&Ms to create a festive Easter-themed design that pops against white whipped topping.
  • Toast shredded coconut lightly before sprinkling to enhance flavor and create a more golden, crisp bunny ear appearance.
  • Prepare the entire cake one day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making party preparation stress-free.

Flavor Variations For Easter Bunny Poke Cake

  • Gluten-Free Easter Bunny Cake: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Vegan Spring Celebration Cake: Use a vegan cake mix, plant-based milk, and coconut whipped cream instead of traditional dairy toppings.
  • Low-Sugar Bunny Delight: Substitute sugar-free pudding mix, use stevia-sweetened cake mix, and replace regular candies with sugar-free alternatives.
  • Tropical Easter Cake: Swap vanilla pudding for coconut pudding, use pastel-colored tropical fruit instead of jelly beans, and add shredded toasted coconut for extra flavor.

Presentation Ideas For Easter Bunny Poke Cake

  • Sweet Easter Milk Pairing: Creamy whole milk perfectly complements the cake's rich vanilla pudding and light texture, creating a smooth, refreshing drinking experience.
  • Fruity Beverage Companion: Pastel-colored strawberry or raspberry lemonade adds a zesty brightness that balances the cake's sweetness and enhances the Easter theme.
  • Whimsical Dessert Wine Match: A chilled moscato with light, sweet notes harmonizes wonderfully with the cake's sugary profile and playful decorative elements.
  • Festive Coffee Accent: Vanilla or caramel-flavored coffee provides a warm, sophisticated contrast to the cake's cool, creamy layers and colorful toppings.

Storing Easter Bunny Poke Cake Properly

  • Store the Easter Bunny Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture. Check temperature to avoid overheating.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften whipped topping and enhance flavor. Consume within 2 hours of removing from refrigerator.

FAQs

  • Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

While the basic recipe isn’t specifically designed for special diets, you can modify it by using gluten-free cake mix, dairy-free pudding, and vegan whipped topping to accommodate various dietary needs.

  • Can children help make this cake?

Absolutely! Kids can help poke holes in the cake, sprinkle candies, and create fun bunny decorations. Adult supervision is recommended for oven and mixing tasks.

  • How far in advance can I prepare this cake?

You can make this cake a day ahead. Prepare and decorate it, then store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The cake actually tastes better after the pudding has fully absorbed into the cake.

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Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe

Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful Easter Bunny Poke Cake delights springtime dessert lovers with its whimsical charm. Pastel-colored layers and creamy filling create a festive centerpiece that will make celebrations sweeter and more memorable.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box (18.25 ounces) white or yellow cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

Decorative Ingredients:

  • Pastel-colored jelly beans or candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&Ms)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (dyed pink or left white for bunny ears)
  • Optional: Candy eyes
  • Optional: Licorice strips
  • Optional: Other decorations for bunny faces

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl, stirring until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
  3. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution, and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then create uniform holes across the entire surface using a wooden spoon handle.
  5. Whisk vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
  6. Gently pour the pudding over the cake, carefully spreading it to fill each hole completely.
  7. Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour to allow the pudding to set and absorb into the cake.
  8. Cover the chilled cake with a layer of whipped topping, spreading it evenly and smoothly.
  9. Decorate the cake surface with colorful jelly beans and M&Ms to create playful Easter-themed patterns or bunny faces.
  10. Sprinkle shredded coconut strategically to form bunny ears or additional decorative elements.
  11. Add candy eyes, licorice whiskers, or other creative embellishments to enhance the bunny design.
  12. Return the decorated cake to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Soften the cake mix by letting ingredients reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more even texture.
  • Customize the pudding flavor by experimenting with different instant pudding varieties like white chocolate or lemon for a unique twist.
  • Use pastel-colored candies to create a more festive Easter theme, matching the spring holiday vibe with soft, cheerful decorations.
  • Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free or low-sugar options to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the playful bunny design.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 308 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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