Celebrate any occasion with a splash of color and sweetness! The Rainbow Poke Cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Made with layers of brightly colored vanilla cake and soaked with creamy vanilla pudding, then topped with fluffy whipped cream frosting and a generous sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles, this cake promises to be the star of any festive gathering or cheerful day.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box White or Vanilla Cake Mix
- 3 Large Eggs
- ⅓ cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
- 1 cup Water or Milk
For the Pudding:
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 3 cups Milk
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1¼ cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- ¼ cup Confectioners’ Sugar
For Decoration:
- Rainbow Sprinkles
- Assorted Food Coloring
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Make the Colorful Batter:
- Beat the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water or milk until smooth.
- Divide the batter into 5 or 6 bowls, and tint each with different food coloring.
- Randomly spoon the colored batters into the pan without mixing.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Add Pudding:
- Whisk the pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Poke holes in the cooled cake with the end of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Whipped Cream Frosting:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread over the pudding layer.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle generously with rainbow sprinkles.
Tips
- Smooth Release: Ensure the cake releases smoothly from the pan by thoroughly greasing it.
- Color Layering: Be creative with how you layer the colors for a fun visual effect.
- Pudding Setting: Ensure the pudding sets completely to avoid a soggy cake base.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of water for the cake mix?
A: Yes, using milk instead of water will give the cake a richer flavor and denser texture.
Q: How long should I wait before adding the pudding?
A: Allow the cake to cool completely to avoid melting the pudding when added.
Q: Can the whipped cream frosting be made ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make it just before serving to maintain its fluffiness.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 4 hours (includes cooling and chilling time)
Yield
- Yield: Serves 12-15
Category
- Category: Dessert
Method
- Method: Baking
Cuisine
- Cuisine: American
Diet
- Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
The Rainbow Poke Cake is a vibrant, joyful dessert perfect for any celebration, ensuring smiles all around. With its eye-catching colors and delicious flavors, this cake makes for a memorable centerpiece at any event, be it a birthday, holiday, or just a fun day when something special is called for. Enjoy the fun process of making it as much as you will enjoy eating it!