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Each bite of a bright funfetti poke cake surprises with bursts of rainbow sprinkles and a smooth middle filled with vanilla pudding. It’s the easiest showstopper for a party and you’ll have it ready in no time at all.
My nephew blew out candles on this cake for his fifth birthday and now we make this for pretty much everyone’s big day. The vanilla pudding makes it super soft and nobody can resist all those sprinkles.
Tasty Ingredients
- Rainbow sprinkles: For that wow factor and crunch Pick the brands you think taste the most natural
- Frozen whipped topping: Gives you a fluffy, airy finish Make sure you thaw it out in the fridge first, so it spreads easily
- Vanilla cake mix: Using a boxed mix saves so much time Brands with less added stuff make it taste more like true vanilla
- Milk: Whole milk gives a richer cake but low fat is fine Let it sit out for a bit so it mixes smoother
- Vanilla instant pudding: This adds that creamy touch Classic puddings always turn out best
Step-by-Step Directions
- Chill and Decorate:
- Load up the top with more rainbow sprinkles and put your cake in the fridge for at least a half hour or until it feels firm when you touch it Cleaner slices are worth the wait
- Mix and Spread Whipped Layer:
- Stir your last bit of pudding mix into the final cup of milk—just until it thickens some. Carefully fold all of the whipped topping in next. Stop mixing as soon as it looks airy and puffy Smooth it over the cake
- Pudding Filling:
- Whisk up a box of pudding with a cup and a half of milk Stir until it’s just thick but still runs. Pipe or spoon pudding into every hole to make sure every bite gets creamy Don’t forget to spread any leftover pudding over the entire cake surface
- Poke the Cake:
- After your cake cools off, grab the end of a fat wooden spoon or something like that. Dot deep holes all over—about half an inch wide each—leaving space in between This helps the pudding soak in all around
- Bake the Cake:
- Turn your oven on to preheat and make the boxed cake as it says right on the package. Just mix until everything’s blended—don’t overdo it—then gently stir in those sprinkles, so they don’t run together Pour it into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake until the top pops back when you tap it Let it cool all the way so the pudding won’t melt when you add it
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Topping things off with a pile of sprinkles is the best part and seeing my family’s smiles is what I look forward to. When there’s pudding inside, the cake’s so moist it vanishes before you blink—especially after blowing out candles
Keeping It Fresh
If you’ve got leftovers, wrap them up tight and chill. They’ll be just fine in the fridge for about five days. The cake actually tastes even better the next day when the pudding settles in more. Need it to last even longer? Cut into squares, wrap each up, and freeze for as long as three months. Let them thaw in the fridge the night before you want some
What to Swap
Feel free to bake your own vanilla cake instead of using a box—homemade gives a denser bite if you like that Switch out the vanilla pudding for white chocolate or cheesecake flavors for something new For allergy needs, use dairy-free milk and coconut whipped topping—just know the topping may be a bit softer
Fun Ways to Serve
Grab a nice sharp knife and slice clean squares—just wipe the blade now and then If you’re going all out, add a scoop of ice cream to each serving For parties, jam in some candles or sprinkle on even more colorful bits, or even a handful of cookie crumbs for more fun
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Where Poke Cake Came From
Back in the 70s, American home bakers jumped on poke cakes thanks to clever ads showing how boxed cake mix and instant pudding could make desserts fast and fun. Over the years, funfetti versions became the go-to for birthdays and get-togethers—making this old-school technique a party must for all ages
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cake mix should I use?
Go for a vanilla cake mix—that's your best bet for a light, sweet base. White cake mix is fine, too, if you want something really mild.
- → How do I get the pudding into the cake?
After your cake cools, use the handle of a spoon to poke holes all over. Drizzle or spoon runny pudding right in so every slice gets plenty of filling.
- → Can I make this cake in advance?
Yep, chilling overnight is great. Put it in the fridge so the pudding sets up and the flavor gets even better by the next day.
- → Can I customize the sprinkles and pudding flavor?
Totally! Mix things up with any pudding flavor you love, and toss in a bunch of different sprinkles to match whatever party you’re having.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Pop leftovers in the fridge covered, and you’re good for about five days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap slices and freeze them for later.
- → Is it possible to prepare this without boxed cake mix?
For sure! Bake your own favorite vanilla cake in a 9x13 pan, then go ahead with poking and filling it up just the same way.