Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping spring dessert that’s as playful as it is delicious, the Easter Bunny Poke Cake is about to hop right into your heart! This light, fluffy cake features colorful layers, festive toppings, and a creamy whipped finish that will have kids and adults alike swooning at your holiday table. The secret? Juicy Jello seeps into every bite, creating irresistible flavor and that signature peekaboo look. It’s wonderfully easy and perfect for making sweet memories around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, cheerful ingredients that come together to create a cake bursting with color and flavor. Each one plays an important role in making your Easter Bunny Poke Cake sweet, moist, and totally fun for the season.
- White cake mix: The classic base for a soft, fluffy texture and a snowy palette ready to be colored!
- Egg whites, oil, and water (for cake mix): Essential for mixing up the batter, keeping it light with a tender crumb.
- Strawberry or raspberry Jello: Adds a vibrant splash of color and fruity flavor inside every slice.
- Boiling water: Helps dissolve the Jello for a smooth pour and real wow factor.
- Cold water: Cools down the Jello mixture to prevent melting the cake as you pour.
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Creamy, cloud-like finishing touch for a soft and sweet frosting.
- Pastel sprinkles or Easter decorations: Instantly makes your cake festive and fun for the season!
- Pink food coloring (optional): Adds extra Easter flair when mixed into the whipped topping.
- Mini marshmallows or shredded coconut (optional): For a whimsical bunny look or added texture on top.
How to Make Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the White Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter. Prepare the white cake batter according to the package instructions, using egg whites, oil, and water as directed. Pour the batter into your dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, usually about 25-30 minutes. Let the cake cool for around 15 to 20 minutes—this keeps it moist but sets it enough for the next step.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon (or a thick straw), poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about one inch apart. Don’t be shy—this is what lets all that fruity Jello slip deep inside and create those beautiful bursts of color in every piece.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Jello
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Jello powder and 1 cup of boiling water until it’s completely dissolved. Stir in ½ cup of cold water to cool the mixture just slightly. Now, carefully and slowly pour the Jello evenly over the entire cake, letting it run into the poked holes. You’ll see the color start to seep through—so fun!
Step 4: Chill the Cake
Cover the cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This step might test your patience, but the chilling time is key. It allows the Jello to set and infuse each bite, making your Easter Bunny Poke Cake moist, pretty, and perfectly sliceable.
Step 5: Add Whipped Topping and Decorate
Once your cake is cold and the Jello has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface. If you want, tint the topping with a few drops of pink food coloring for an extra-turn on the springtime charm. Time for the best part—decorate with pastel sprinkles, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or any adorable Easter candies you love. Let your creativity shine!
How to Serve Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Garnishes
Top your cake with whimsical touches like colorful sprinkles, pastel mini marshmallows, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut to mimic bunny fur. You can even nestle a few candy eggs or edible flowers right on top for a garden-fresh Easter vibe.
Side Dishes
Since Easter Bunny Poke Cake is sweet, creamy, and fruity, pair it with light side treats. Fresh fruit salad, lemon bars, or a bowl of pastel jelly beans make cheerful and complementary choices. For something extra refreshing, pair it with a glass of lemon-lime sparkling water or homemade pink lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into bunny shapes using a cookie cutter, or section off each slice with a tiny paper flag bearing a guest’s name. Arrange the pieces on a tray lined with shredded green paper to mimic grass for that true Easter look—and don’t forget a bunny-shaped topper if you have one!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover Easter Bunny Poke Cake tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cold keeps the whipped topping smooth and the Jello vibrant. If possible, use an airtight container to prevent the cake from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake once the Jello has set, but before adding the whipped topping or decorations. Wrap tightly in plastic and then foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and decorate just before serving for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
This sweet treat is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is required. If the cake has been frozen, just let it defrost in the refrigerator until completely soft before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any Jello flavor you love—raspberry, cherry, or even lemon are all fun and festive. It’s an easy way to match your cake to your color scheme or personal favorite flavors.
Is it possible to make Easter Bunny Poke Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply choose a gluten-free white cake mix and double check all decorations for gluten content. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so everyone can have a slice.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can easily make Easter Bunny Poke Cake the night before your gathering. In fact, letting the cake chill overnight helps the flavors meld and makes slicing even neater. Add toppings just before serving for the freshest look.
What kind of whipped topping works best?
Classic Cool Whip or any store-brand whipped topping will do the trick. For a homemade touch, you can also whip your own cream with powdered sugar, but make sure to keep everything chilled until serving time.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Bake two cakes side by side or use a larger, deeper pan—just be careful when pouring the Jello in so it distributes evenly. Expect big smiles all around when it’s time to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring extra magic to your Easter table, give Easter Bunny Poke Cake a spot front and center. It’s a pure celebration of springtime cheer—easy to bake, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to delight every bunny at the party. Dig in and make some memories!
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Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a delightful and colorful dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With a moist white cake base infused with fruity Jello and topped with creamy whipped topping, this cake is sure to be a hit at any Easter gathering.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually egg whites, water, and oil)
Jello Mixture:
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry or raspberry Jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Pastel sprinkles or Easter-themed decorations
- Optional: pink food coloring, mini marshmallows, or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the cake: Prepare and bake the white cake according to the box directions. Let it cool for 15–20 minutes.
- Make the Jello mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the Jello powder and boiling water until dissolved, then stir in the cold water.
- Poke the cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the cake, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Add Jello: Carefully pour the liquid Jello over the entire cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled.
- Top the cake: Once set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
- Decorate: Decorate with pastel sprinkles, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or Easter-themed candies.
- Optional: Add a few drops of pink food coloring to the Cool Whip for a festive tint.
Notes
- You can substitute different Jello flavors to match your color scheme.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and kept chilled.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the cake and whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
