You know those desserts that just hit the spot every single time? This vanilla poke cake is that dessert for me. It’s like a little slice of heaven!
The cake itself is soft and fluffy, but it’s the way the vanilla pudding seeps into every bite that takes it to another level.
And don’t even get me started on the whipped topping. It’s light, creamy, and the perfect finishing touch!
I love how versatile this cake is, too! You can dress it up with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or even a caramel drizzle if you’re feeling fancy.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Poke Cake
Easy to Make: This recipe uses a boxed cake mix and instant pudding. It’s simple and quick.
Creamy and Moist Texture: The combination of moist vanilla cake, creamy pudding filling, and light whipped topping creates a delightful contrast in textures.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich vanilla flavor and creamy layers, this cake is sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes. It’s always a hit at parties or family dinners.
Make-Ahead: This cake can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. It’s an excellent option for busy schedules or when you need a dessert ready ahead of time.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Cake Mix: It serves as the base of this poke cake.
- Eggs, Oil, and Water: Standard cake mix additions provide structure, moisture, and binding properties to create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: It intensifies the cake’s vanilla taste and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A quick-setting pudding creates a creamy filling when mixed with cold milk.
- Cold Milk: The liquid component activates the instant pudding mix, creating a smooth, creamy filling. Cold temperature is crucial for proper setting.
- Whipped Topping: A light, fluffy dairy-based or non-dairy topping provides a cloud-like finishing layer and creamy texture.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkles add festive color and crunch. White chocolate shavings provide elegant decoration and subtle sweetness. Fresh fruit brings natural sweetness and visual appeal. Caramel drizzle offers rich, buttery notes.
How to Make Vanilla Poke Cake
Once you see how easy this cake is, you’ll make it all the time!
1. PREPARE and bake the vanilla cake mix as directed, adding optional vanilla extract if desired. Cool for 10 minutes.
2. POKE holes across the cake with a wooden spoon handle, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. WHISK the pudding mix and cold milk in a medium bowl until thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. POUR the pudding over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Spread evenly with a spatula.
5. CHILL the cake, covered, in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. SPREAD the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit for added flair.
7. SLICE and serve the cake chilled. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Vanilla Poke Cake
To ensure a perfect cake every time, follow these tried-and-true tips:
- Amp up the flavor. Enhance the flavor of the boxed cake mix by adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the batter for a richer vanilla taste.
- Try a spoon trick. For evenly sized holes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar-sized utensil. Ensure the holes are about 1 inch apart and deep enough to allow the pudding to seep through.
- Make it even richer. For a richer flavor, swap out the milk in the pudding mix for half-and-half.
- Thaw your topping. Ensure your whipped topping (like Cool Whip) is fully thawed before spreading it over the chilled cake for a smooth finish.
- Get creative! Try sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, fresh fruit (like strawberries or blueberries), or a caramel drizzle for added flavor and decoration.
- Switch up the flavor. Experiment with different pudding flavors like cheesecake, white chocolate, or French vanilla to change the taste. You can also try other cake mixes like lemon or chocolate for unique combinations.
How to Store
Keep your poke cake fresh with these easy steps.
To Store: Cover the poke cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cake chilled at all times due to the pudding filling and whipped topping.
To Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Poke Cakes You Have to Try
Chocolate Turtle Poke Cake
Funfetti Poke Cake
Cherry Poke Cake
White Chocolate Raspberry Poke Cake
Vanilla Poke Cake
12
servings15
minutes35
minutes257
kcalThis easy vanilla poke cake is perfect for any occasion! With a light flavor and a sweet, whipped frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Cake
1 (15.25 ounce) box vanilla cake mix
ingredients listed on the box
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- For the Filling
1 (3.4 ounce) packet instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
- For the Topping
1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed
optional toppings: sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, fresh fruit, or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Prepare the vanilla cake mix as directed on the box, adding the optional vanilla extract if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to the package instructions. Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar-sized utensil to poke holes evenly across the entire cake. The holes should be about 1 inch apart.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Use a spatula to spread any excess pudding evenly over the top. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the pudding set.
- Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Add your favorite toppings like sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit for extra flair.
- Slice the cake and serve chilled. It’s creamy, moist, and absolutely irresistible!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, swap out the milk in the pudding mix for half-and-half.
- If you’d like, experiment with other pudding flavors like white chocolate or cheesecake.
