Easter Bunny Poke Cake Recipe – A Fun And Easy Treat!

So, you want to make a dessert that looks like you slaved away for hours, but secretly comes together with the effort of a boxed mix? Same. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a pastel-colored, candy-filled spectacle that will make you the undisputed champion of Easter brunch. Get ready for some serious baking glory.

Why This Recipe is Awesome?

Let’s be real. This cake is basically a party in a pan. It’s idiot-proof, incredibly fun to make, and involves poking holes in a cake with abandon—which is a fantastic way to relieve any pre-family-gathering stress. It’s moist, bursting with flavor, and topped with a ridiculous amount of candy. What’s not to love? It’s the kind of dessert that makes people’s eyes light up, and they’ll never need to know how simple it truly was.

Save

Ingredients

Gather your squad. Here’s what you need to create this masterpiece:

For the Cake & Poking:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix – Plus the ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water). Store-brand is totally fine here.
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – The secret to an unbelievably moist crumb.
• ½ cup white chocolate chips – For a little extra creamy goodness.
• 3-4 drops pink food coloring – Or whatever pastel color makes your heart happy.

For the Frosting & Topping:

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed – The easy button for frosting.
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – This is the magic thickener.
• 1 cup cold milk – Whole milk is best for maximum creaminess.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that classic, cozy flavor.
• Your favorite Easter candy! Think: Mini Eggs, jelly beans, bunny-shaped chocolates, and pastel M&Ms. Go nuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Base: First, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your cake mix box (usually 350°F). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, then pour it into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t try to poke hot cake; it will just collapse. Patience, young grasshopper.
2. Poke the Holes: Once the cake is warm but not nuclear hot, take the handle of a wooden spoon or a sturdy straw. Poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart. Don’t be shy! Get all your frustrations out. Make sure the holes go all the way down to the bottom.
3. Soak it Up: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips together in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth and combined. Stir in a few drops of food coloring until you get a nice pastel shade. Carefully and slowly, pour this magical, creamy liquid all over the cake, aiming for the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread it and help it seep down into every nook and cranny.
4. Chill Out: Pop the whole cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This lets the cake fully absorb the goodness and cool down completely before you frost it. This step is non-negotiable for the perfect texture.
5. Whip Up the Frosting: In a large bowl, whisk together the cold milk, vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes. It will start to thicken. Let it sit for another 2 minutes. Then, gently fold in the entire container of thawed whipped topping until everything is smooth and combined.
6. Frost and Decorate: Spread the fluffy frosting mixture evenly over the completely cooled cake. Now, for the best part: unleash your inner artist and decorate with all the Easter candy! Pro tip: slightly crush some of the mini eggs for texture and scatter them around.
7. Final Chill: Cover the cake and let it chill in the fridge for another hour before serving. This helps the frosting set and makes it easier to slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Poking holes in a hot cake. We said it before, but it’s worth repeating. You’ll end up with cake mush. Let it cool a bit first.
• Using hot sweetened condensed milk. If it’s too hot, it will make your cake greasy. Warm it just enough to melt the chocolate chips.
• Skipping the chill time. I know, waiting is the worst. But if you frost a warm cake, your frosting will melt into a sad, soupy puddle. Don’t do that to yourself.
• Going overboard with the food coloring. You want a subtle, pretty pastel hue for the soak, not a neon pink nightmare.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free? Use a vegan cake mix, coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk, and a plant-based whipped topping and milk.
• Not a vanilla fan? Use a lemon cake mix and lemon pudding for a zesty twist. Chocolate cake with chocolate pudding and a caramel soak would also be insane.
• No white chocolate chips? Just leave them out! The sweetened condensed milk alone is perfect.
• Want a richer frosting? Use homemade sweetened whipped cream instead of the whipped topping, but know it won’t hold its shape quite as long.

FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is actually better the next day. Make it a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and add the candy topping a few hours before serving so it doesn’t get soft.

What if I don’t have a wooden spoon handle?

A chopstick, the end of a rolling pin, or even a sturdy straw will work perfectly. Get creative!

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Of course! Butterscotch or cheesecake pudding would be delicious. Just know it will change the color of your frosting.

Help! My soak isn’t all going down the holes.

That’s okay! Just use a spatula to gently spread it over the top. The cake will absorb it from the top and the holes.

Do I have to use Easter candy?

Nope. This cake is fantastic with any kind of topping. Chopped strawberries, sprinkles, or even just a drizzle of caramel sauce work year-round.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A show-stopping, delicious, and hilariously easy Easter Bunny Poke Cake that’s guaranteed to steal the show. It’s the perfect mix of simple and spectacular. Now go forth, bake this beauty, and prepare to accept all the compliments headed your way. You’ve totally earned it.

Related Recipe:

• Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
• Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe | Easy Baking
• Easy Flourless Oatmeal Carrot Cake Recipe