Springtime calls for desserts that are as cheerful as the season itself, and nothing captures this spirit better than a bold Easter Bunny Poke Cake. Bursting with pastel colors, gooey filling, and fluffy layers, this cake brings both nostalgia and a touch of whimsy to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or surprising little ones with a bunny-themed dessert, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfied taste buds.
Imagine cutting into a soft, moist cake and discovering vibrant pockets of flavor from creamy fillings or fruity surprises—this is more than a cake; it’s an experience. With a sprinkle of edible decorations or chocolate bunnies, your Easter Bunny Poke Cake transforms into a centerpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Bunny Poke Cake
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Vibrant and playful: Perfect for family gatherings or Easter parties.
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Quick to prepare: From mixing to decorating, you can finish in under an hour.
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Versatile flavors: Adaptable to chocolate, vanilla, or fruity fillings.
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Kid-friendly baking: Simple enough for little helpers to join the fun.
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Budget-conscious: Uses basic pantry ingredients without compromising flavor.
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Celebration-ready presentation: The whimsical design makes it a festive showstopper.
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Texture heaven: Moist cake with creamy pockets from the poke method.
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Customizable decorations: Add jelly beans, sprinkles, or chocolate eggs for extra flair.
Ingredients for the Perfect Easter Bunny Poke Cake
Cake Base
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1 box of yellow cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
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3 large eggs
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Pro Tip: Use high-quality vanilla extract for a richer aroma. For a dairy-free option, substitute almond or oat milk.
Filling Options
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1 can sweetened condensed milk
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1 cup white chocolate chips
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1/2 cup fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or cherry)
Science Note: Poking holes allows liquid fillings to seep into the cake, creating tender, flavorful pockets.
Frosting & Decoration
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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Pastel-colored sprinkles, mini chocolate bunnies, or edible flowers
Substitution Tip: Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a vegan version.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Bunny Poke Cake
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Ensure even greasing to prevent sticking, especially for moist cakes like this one.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with flour and a pinch of salt if not included in the mix. Whisk to aerate the mixture—this improves the fluffiness of your cake.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The emulsification of fats and liquids ensures an even crumb.
4. Assemble the Batter
Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can cause a dense texture. Fold in cherries or chocolate chips if desired for extra flavor bursts.
5. Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes.
6. Poke & Pour Filling
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke evenly spaced holes across the cake. Pour your chosen filling (sweetened condensed milk, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves) slowly over the top, letting it seep naturally into the holes.
7. Whip & Frost
Whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread evenly over the cake, covering the filled holes for a luscious finish.
8. Decorate for Easter
Add sprinkles, candy eggs, or mini chocolate bunnies. For an extra whimsical touch, pipe bunny shapes using colored frosting.
Pro Tips & Tricks
How do you make the filling soak evenly?
Pour slowly and allow gravity to distribute the liquid. A gentle tilt of the pan can help if needed.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! Prepare the cake and filling a day ahead. Frost and decorate just before serving for best texture.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely. Replace milk with plant-based milk, use coconut cream for frosting, and select dairy-free chocolate chips.
Why is my cake dry?
Avoid overbaking and ensure your fillings are poured while the cake is slightly warm but not hot, to preserve moisture.
Best Ways to Serve Your Easter Bunny Poke Cake
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Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for a spring brunch.
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Serve in individual slices with a drizzle of fruit sauce.
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Combine with other festive desserts, like pastel macarons or mini cheesecakes, for a dessert table.
Internal Link Suggestion: Check out our Festive Easter Dessert Collection for more ideas.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 12 servings)
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Calories: 320
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Sugars: 28g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Protein: 4g
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Fiber: 1g
Storage & Leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Tip: Frost after thawing for best presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a poke cake different from a regular cake?
Poke cakes have holes filled with liquids, syrups, or custards, creating extra moist and flavorful pockets.
Can I use other fillings besides condensed milk?
Yes! Fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or pudding are perfect alternatives.
How do I prevent the cake from falling apart?
Cool completely before poking holes and gently fold in fillings. Avoid excessive handling.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Certainly! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Variations on Easter Bunny Poke Cake
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Chocolate Bunny Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding filling.
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Fruity Springtime Cake: Layer with fresh fruit compote in the poke holes.
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Vegan Easter Cake: Swap eggs and milk for flax eggs and plant-based milk, and use coconut cream for frosting.
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Regional Twist: Incorporate tropical fruits like mango or passionfruit for a unique flavor profile.