Looking for the ultimate festive dessert to brighten up your spring celebration? The Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a show-stopping centerpiece that combines fun, whimsy, and irresistible flavors all in one pan. Imagine soft white cake soaked in silky vanilla pudding, topped with dreamy pink whipped topping and a crunchy coconut “grass” layer, then crowned with Easter candies. This treat is a delight for both kids and adults, making it a must-bake for any holiday gathering or family feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on pantry staples and a handful of eye-catching extras that turn an ordinary cake into a magical holiday dessert. Every ingredient plays an important role in achieving the playful look, tender crumb, and creamy contrast that make this Easter Bunny Poke Cake so unforgettable.
- White cake mix: The perfect blank canvas with a light, fluffy texture and sweet, subtle flavor—ideal for soaking up pudding.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These basics work together to bring your cake to life; follow the specific measurements on your box.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Delivers that signature creamy layer and caramel-vanilla depth with minimal effort.
- Milk: Whisks into the pudding mix for a thick, luscious filling that transforms each bite.
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Fluffy, sweet, and easy to tint into a charming pastel pink top layer.
- Pink food coloring: Just a few drops turn your whipped topping into a beautiful, cheery pastel.
- Green food coloring: Gives the shredded coconut a grassy, Easter-springtime look that kids love.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: When tinted, it adds texture and playful visual appeal as your edible “grass.”
- Easter-themed candy: Think bunny Peeps, pastel M&Ms, or jelly beans—these create delightful decorations and let you personalize your cake.
How to Make Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Step 1: Prep and Bake Your Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get your 9×13-inch baking dish ready with a coat of nonstick spray. Next, mix the white cake batter according to the package instructions, using the eggs, oil, and water specified. Pour the batter into your prepared dish, then bake it as directed until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!
Step 2: Cool and Poke Holes
Once the cake finishes baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes—just enough that it’s set but still warm. Now comes the fun part: using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Aim to space them evenly so the pudding will seep into every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Pudding and Soak the Cake
While your cake continues to cool, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl until smooth and thickened. Pour this luscious pudding evenly over your poked cake. Use a spatula to help guide the mixture into the holes and across the surface, making sure all those pockets get filled for a burst of creaminess.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Pop the pudding-soaked cake into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps the pudding firm up and infuses the cake layers, making each slice perfectly moist. Feel free to go about your party prep while the fridge does its magic!
Step 5: Color the Toppings
In a small bowl, stir a few drops of pink food coloring into your whipped topping until it’s dreamy and uniform in color. Separately, tint the shredded coconut by adding green food coloring to a zip-top bag with the coconut, sealing, and shaking until everything’s vibrantly green—instant edible grass!
Step 6: Decorate with Easter Joy
Spread the pink whipped topping all over the chilled cake in swoops and swirls. Sprinkle your green coconut “grass” generously on top. Finally, let your creative side shine by dotting the surface with Easter candy—think bunny Peeps, M&Ms, or jelly beans for pops of color, texture, and fun. Your Easter Bunny Poke Cake is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Garnishes
For the most eye-catching results, scatter your bunny Peeps, pastel candies, and jelly beans just before serving so the colors stay bold and the candies remain crisp. If you like a little shimmer, try a light sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sugar over the coconut “grass” for an extra festive flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easter Bunny Poke Cake with fresh, light accompaniments to round out the dessert table. A fluffy fruit salad, lemony scones, or a bowl of juicy berries offer refreshing contrast, while a platter of cheese and crackers gives balance for guests who prefer a savory note alongside their sweets.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this cake in its baking dish is classic and kid-friendly, but you can also cut slices and arrange them on a platter lined with extra Easter grass or paper doilies for a party-ready display. For extra “wow,” place a chocolate bunny on each slice or add little decorative flags with Easter greetings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easter Bunny Poke Cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap so the cake stays moist and the toppings don’t pick up other fridge flavors.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cake base with pudding, it’s best to leave off the whipped topping, coconut, and candy decor until just before serving. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole (undecorated) cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before adding colorful toppings.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, so no reheating is required. If you love a slightly warmer bite, let your slice sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before indulging.
FAQs
Can I make Easter Bunny Poke Cake with other cake flavors?
Absolutely! While classic white cake keeps things light and pretty, you can try yellow, lemon, or even strawberry cake for a fresh twist that still pairs wonderfully with the other flavors and colors.
What’s the best way to get vibrant colored coconut “grass”?
A zip-top bag is your best friend here—add the coconut and a few drops of green food coloring, then seal and shake until evenly tinted. Add extra coloring for a bolder look, and use a fork to help separate any clumps.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, homemade whipped cream is a great choice if you prefer a less sweet or more natural topping—just whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, then tint with pink food coloring as you would with Cool Whip.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead for a party?
Definitely! In fact, letting the cake chill overnight helps the pudding infuse beautifully. For the freshest look, save the whipped topping, coconut, and candy decorations to add the day you plan to serve.
How can I make this recipe more allergy-friendly?
Consider using a gluten-free cake mix and pudding if needed, and swap in dairy-free alternatives for the milk and whipped topping. Double-check all candies and decorations for allergens to keep everyone safe and happy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a playful centerpiece that’s just as delicious as it is adorable, this Easter Bunny Poke Cake should be at the top of your list. It’s a joy to make, a breeze to customize, and brings smiles to every springtime table—so grab your baking dish and let the celebration begin!
Print
Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this adorable Easter Bunny Poke Cake. A moist white cake soaked in creamy vanilla pudding, topped with pink whipped topping, green coconut ‘grass,’ and colorful Easter candy decorations. It’s a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Pink food coloring
- Green food coloring
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- Easter-themed candy (such as bunny Peeps, pastel M&Ms, or jelly beans) for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Mix and Bake: Prepare and bake white cake according to package directions. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Make Holes: Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes across the cake surface.
- Prepare Pudding: Whisk pudding mix and milk together, pour over the cake. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Add Toppings: Tint whipped topping pink, spread on cake. Tint coconut green and sprinkle over the top.
- Decorate: Add Easter candy decorations as desired. Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla pudding with coconut or banana pudding for a different flavor.
- Make the cake a day ahead and decorate just before serving for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
