Description
This delightful Easter Poke Cake is a festive treat perfect for spring celebrations. A moist vanilla cake is baked and then poked to allow vibrant gelatin to soak in, creating colorful, flavorful pockets inside the cake. Topped with fluffy whipped topping and cheerful sprinkles, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its fun appearance and delicious taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water (or milk for richness)
Gelatin
- 1 package (3 oz) gelatin powder (any color)
- Boiling water (amount per gelatin package instructions, typically 2/3 cup)
Topping
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water (or milk), eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cool and poke: Let the cake cool slightly so it is warm but not hot. Using a fork, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake to allow the gelatin to seep in.
- Prepare gelatin and pour: Dissolve the gelatin powder in boiling water according to package instructions and mix well. Pour the dissolved gelatin evenly over the holes in the cake, allowing it to absorb fully.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake until the gelatin is completely set and the cake is fully chilled, usually at least two hours.
- Add topping and decorate: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Decorate the top with sprinkles to add a festive and colorful touch before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute water with milk in the cake batter for a richer flavor and moister texture.
- Choose gelatin colors that coordinate with your occasion or season to make the cake look vibrant and festive.
- For a stronger gelatin flavor, use less water than recommended on the package, but ensure it still dissolves completely.
- Make sure the cake is only slightly warm before poking holes to avoid breaking the cake apart.
- Whipped topping can be replaced with freshly whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
