Looking for a fun, festive treat? This Easter Bunny Poke Cake is the ultimate springtime showstopper.
Hi there! Samad here. If you’re anything like me, you love a good holiday dessert especially one that’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. This Easter Bunny Poke Cake hits every note: soft, fluffy cake, sweet pastel colors, creamy topping, and a touch of bunny magic.
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch, bringing dessert to Grandma’s, or just want to make something special for your family, this cake is a no-fuss, no-fail winner. And yes, it’s got that wow factor that makes guests say: “Wait, YOU made this?”
Table of Contents
What Is an Easter Bunny Poke Cake?
If you’ve never made a poke cake before, don’t worry it’s exactly what it sounds like. After baking the cake, you poke holes all over it and pour in a flavorful filling that sinks deep inside, making every bite moist and delicious.
For Easter, we go full-on bunny vibes: think fluffy white whipped topping, pastel Jell-O or pudding swirls, and adorable bunny decorations. You can even hide some Easter candy inside if you’re feeling playful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but uses simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box (3 oz) Jell-O gelatin (any pastel color – pink, purple, or yellow are perfect)
For the Topping:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Pastel sprinkles or Easter candies (Peeps, mini eggs, etc.)
- Optional: shredded coconut, food coloring
TIP: Want to go the extra mile? Tint your pudding or Cool Whip with a few drops of food coloring to match your Easter theme.
Want more no-fuss sweets? Try the Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake for another crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Let’s walk through the steps. Trust me this is easier than dyeing a dozen eggs with toddlers running around.
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Holes
Once the cake is slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon (or a thick straw) to poke holes all over the surface. Space them about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Add the Gelatin
Dissolve the Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Then, pour the liquid evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
Step 4: Whip Up the Topping
In a bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk. Let it thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth.
Step 5: Decorate Like a Bunny
Spread the creamy topping evenly over the chilled cake. Then go wild with decorations! Add sprinkles, coconut “grass,” jelly beans, or even bunny-shaped marshmallows.
Optional Bunny Face Design
To make it extra cute, decorate the cake surface to look like a bunny face:
- Use mini chocolate chips for eyes
- A pink jelly bean for the nose
- Licorice for whiskers
- Peeps marshmallows or piped frosting for ears
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even easy recipes can go sideways. Here are a few common issues I’ve run into (and how to avoid them):
Problem: Cake gets soggy
Fix: Don’t over-pour the Jell-O. Stick to 1 cup of water with the gelatin mix, and aim for the holes not the whole surface.
Problem: Holes not absorbing the filling
Fix: Poke deep enough! Use a wooden spoon handle and wiggle it a bit to open up the holes.
Problem: Pudding topping turns runny
Fix: Make sure to use instant pudding and chill the milk before mixing. Also, don’t overmix once you fold in the whipped topping.
Fun Variations for American Families
This recipe is perfect for customization, especially if you’ve got picky little eaters or want to match your party theme.
Colorful Layer Swirls
Use two different Jell-O flavors (half and half) to create fun stripes or swirl effects.
Chocolate Bunny Twist
Swap the white cake for chocolate and use chocolate pudding in the topping. Top with crushed chocolate eggs.
Dairy-Free Option
Use a dairy-free whipped topping and almond milk pudding mix if you have guests with allergies.
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
This cake is a dream for busy American families, especially if you’re prepping for a big holiday meal.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the cake up to 24 hours in advance. Decorate right before serving to keep toppings fresh.
- Store it right: Keep the cake refrigerated and covered with plastic wrap or foil. It stays good for 3–4 days.
- Freeze leftovers: You can freeze slices (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a single layer.
Fun Add-Ons & Kid-Friendly Ideas
One of my favorite things about this Easter Bunny Poke Cake is how easy it is to turn into a hands-on family project. If you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen, here are some simple ideas to make it even more fun:
Candy-Filled Center
Before adding the pudding topping, gently scoop out a few spoonfuls from the middle of the cake (just a shallow area). Fill it with jelly beans, mini eggs, or pastel M&Ms, then cover it back up with the topping. It’s like a piñata cake!
Coconut “Grass”
Dye shredded coconut with a few drops of green food coloring, then sprinkle it across the top to mimic grass. Pop a few chocolate eggs or Peeps bunnies on top for an edible Easter garden.
Bunny Feet Cake Topper
Use marshmallows cut into ovals to make bunny paws. A couple pink M&Ms for pads, and suddenly it looks like the Easter Bunny dove head-first into your cake!
Use Cookie Cutters
Before spreading the topping, press a large bunny or egg-shaped cookie cutter gently into the cake. Once topped, trace over that spot with sprinkles or candy to create a festive silhouette.
Easter Entertaining Tips
If you’re hosting an Easter meal, this cake is a dream finale. Here’s how I like to build a sweet holiday spread around it:
- Serve it chilled – keep the cake in the fridge until you’re ready to slice. It holds its shape better and the texture is extra refreshing.
- Pair with a fruit platter – fresh berries, pineapple, and grapes go beautifully with this sweet, fluffy dessert.
- Brew a light roast coffee or mint tea – trust me, something cozy and mild helps balance out the sugar rush from all the treats!
Make It Your Signature Holiday Dessert
You can absolutely make this cake your Easter tradition. Want it to stand out every year? Try these tips:
- Change the colors each time (pastel swirls, rainbow layers, or even ombré!)
- Make mini poke cakes in mason jars for individual servings great for Easter picnics or party favors
- Create a poke cake bar where guests add their own toppings: coconut, sprinkles, crushed cookies, candy bits go wild!
I’ve even seen folks turn this into a layer cake with different Jell-O in each layer. Takes a bit more effort, but the result is gorgeous and totally worth it if you’re feeling bold.
What to Serve With Easter Bunny Poke Cake
This cake is sweet and satisfying on its own, but here are a few classic American pairings I love for a complete Easter vibe:
- Lemonade or sparkling water – adds brightness and helps cut the sweetness
- Fresh fruit salad – strawberries and kiwi are especially pretty with the pastel cake
- Ham and scalloped potatoes – okay, not dessert, but if this is your Easter meal’s closer, it follows savory richness beautifully
Readers’ Tips & Tricks (From My Inbox!)
After sharing this recipe last spring, I got some great suggestions from other American home bakers who tried it out:
“We used strawberry Jell-O and added diced strawberries into the topping for a fresh twist. It was a HIT with the grandparents!” – Pam from Ohio
“I piped colored frosting around the edges and it looked like an Easter basket. My kids were so excited.” – Brian from Georgia
“For a dairy-free version, we used coconut whipped topping and almond milk pudding. Tasted amazing and my lactose-intolerant daughter had no complaints.” – Tasha from California
Keep those creative takes coming! I love seeing how folks make this their own.
Final Thoughts from Samad
This cake isn’t just dessert it’s joy in a pan. It’s about the giggles while decorating with your kids, the quiet mmm from your uncle who never compliments anything, and that beautiful moment when someone asks, “Can I have the recipe?”
So from my kitchen to yours: happy baking, happy Easter, and may your cake be as delightful as the company you share it with.
Suggested Printable Recipe Card Format
Here’s a condensed, easy-to-print version of the recipe for your fridge or recipe binder:
Easter Bunny Poke Cake (Printable Version)
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box (3 oz) pastel Jell-O
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
- Easter candy or sprinkles
Instructions:
- Bake cake per box instructions (9×13 pan). Cool 15 min.
- Poke holes all over with spoon handle.
- Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Pour over holes.
- Chill cake 2–3 hours.
- Mix pudding and milk, fold in Cool Whip. Spread over cake.
- Decorate with candy and sprinkles. Chill until serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different Jell-O flavors?
A: Absolutely! Strawberry, raspberry, lemon, or even blue raspberry are all fun choices for Easter.
Q: What if I don’t have whipped topping?
A: You can make homemade whipped cream instead. Just whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar until fluffy.
Q: Can kids help make this cake?
A: Yes! This is a great recipe for little helpers especially decorating the top.
Q: Can I use pudding instead of Jell-O for the poke layer?
A: You can, but Jell-O gives the best color and seepage effect for poke cakes.
Q: Is this cake good for outdoor events?
A: It’s best served chilled, so keep it in a cooler or indoors if it’s warm outside.
Final Thoughts from Samad
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or baking with the kids, this cake brings more than flavor it brings joy. Pair it with something like a Blueberry Angel Cake or some angel egg appetizers for a truly heavenly spring celebration.
I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your dinner table. Remember the best meals are the ones you share.
Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box (3 oz) Jell-O any pastel flavor
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Pastel sprinkles, candies, or marshmallows
- shredded coconut optional
- food coloring optional
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix according to box instructions and bake in a 9×13 pan. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
- Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Pour evenly over cake, focusing on the holes.
- Refrigerate cake for 2–3 hours to set.
- Mix pudding mix and cold milk. Let thicken slightly, then fold in whipped topping.
- Spread topping over cake and decorate as desired.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
