First off—thank you. Truly. If you’re here, it means you love celebrating the little things just as much as I do. And whether you’re baking for a big family Easter gathering or just want a cheerful treat to brighten your spring weekend, this Easter Bunny Poke Cake is a joyful little masterpiece. I’ve made it more than once this season, and each time—pure smiles. It’s fluffy, moist, and full of surprises (just like the Easter Bunny himself!).
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What Is Easter Bunny Poke Cake?
It’s a pastel-colored, vanilla-flavored cake that’s poked all over after baking (yep, literally poked!) and filled with a fruity gelatin that gives it gorgeous stripes and a moist texture. Then it’s topped with whipped topping, Easter candies, and maybe a few bunny ears if you’re feeling whimsical. It’s a fun, kid-friendly treat that’s also anything but boring!!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe:
- Ridiculously easy to make with cake mix!
- Stunning to serve—those pastel stripes are showstoppers.
- Customizable with your favorite colors, candies, or even flavors.
- Make-ahead friendly and stores beautifully in the fridge.
What Does It Taste Like?
Light, sweet, and fruity with a dreamy whipped topping. The cake soaks up the Jell-O in the best way, making each bite super soft and almost creamy. Think of it as a cross between a trifle and a frosted sheet cake. It’s festive, refreshing, and just a touch nostalgic.
Benefits of Making This Easter Dessert 🌷
- Perfect for Easter parties or church potlucks
- Great activity with kids—they’ll love the poking part!
- Can be made the day before for low-stress prep
- Versatile for other holidays—just change the colors!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients on the box)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (3 oz) box of strawberry or raspberry Jell-O
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Easter sprinkles, bunny marshmallows, or mini chocolate eggs for decorating
- Optional: pink food coloring for extra spring flair
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Wooden spoon or thick skewer for poking holes
- Mixing bowls
- Offset spatula or silicone spatula for spreading
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Cake flavor: Yellow or lemon cake mix works too!
- Jell-O flavor: Use peach, blue raspberry, or lemon for different color effects.
- Topping: Use homemade whipped cream if you prefer!
- Add-ins: Fresh sliced strawberries under the whipped topping? Yes, please.
How to Make Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the cake mix according to the box directions and bake in a greased 9×13″ pan. Let cool for about 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick skewer, poke holes all over the cake. Go all the way to the bottom but don’t tear the cake apart.
Step 3: Make the Gelatin
In a bowl, whisk Jell-O powder with 1 cup boiling water until dissolved. Carefully pour it over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate the cake for 2–3 hours to let the gelatin set and soak in.
Step 5: Top It Off
Once chilled, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake. Decorate with pastel sprinkles, candy eggs, and of course—bunny marshmallows or cute ears if you have them!
What to Serve with Easter Bunny Poke Cake
- A glass of cold milk or lemon iced tea 🍋
- Deviled eggs and ham sandwiches for a festive brunch
- Fresh fruit salad with mint for a light side
Tips for the Best Bunny Poke Cake
- Let the cake cool a bit before poking so it doesn’t crumble.
- Use a measuring cup or spoon to pour the Jell-O evenly.
- Don’t overdo the toppings—just enough for cute flair!
- For clean slices, refrigerate overnight before serving.
How to Store It
Cover the cake and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The whipped topping stays light and the Jell-O keeps everything moist. This cake is even better the next day!
General Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: About 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! Lemon, peach, or berry blue are all great choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better when it has time to chill overnight.
Can I use homemade cake?
Totally—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle the poking and soaking.
Is this freezer friendly?
I wouldn’t recommend it—the whipped topping doesn’t thaw well.
In Summary…
If you’re looking for a cheerful, no-fuss Easter dessert that’ll wow a crowd and make you smile every time you slice into it—Easter Bunny Poke Cake is it. It’s spring on a plate: colorful, soft, and full of joy.
More Easter Recipes You’ll Love:
📸 I’d Love to See Yours!
Tried this cake? Leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And if you post your masterpiece on Pinterest, tag me—I want to see those bunny toppings! 🐇💗
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
Thanks for baking with me today. I hope this Easter Bunny Poke Cake brings a little extra magic to your holiday! 💛