If you’re looking for an adorable, crowd-pleasing dessert that practically shouts springtime joy, this Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake has your name written all over it. With its pastel colors, playful decorations, and easy-to-follow steps, this cake is one of those poke poke cake recipes that’s both fun and festive. It’s perfect for busy moms, working women, or anyone who wants to bring a little extra cheer to the Easter table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting the whole family or just looking for something sweet to nibble on while hiding eggs in the backyard, this Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake delivers charm, flavor, and a delightful surprise with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake
Aside from the fact that it’s drop-dead adorable, this bunny-inspired dessert checks all the right boxes:
- Colorful and festive: Thanks to Jell-O and sprinkles, every slice is a pastel party.
- Kid-approved: Soft, sweet, and fun to help decorate.
- Beginner-friendly: If you can mix a box of cake and boil water, you’re more than ready.
- Make-ahead magic: Prep it the night before and save your Easter Sunday for egg hunts and chocolate bunnies.
Step-by-Step Instructions Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake
1. Bake Your Base
Start with a classic box of vanilla cake mix (or go wild strawberry or lemon works beautifully too). Prepare it just as the box instructs mixing in the eggs, oil, and water and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The golden rule? Let it cool completely before moving to the fun part.
2. Poke and Pour
Here’s where the poke poke cake magic happens. Grab the handle of a wooden spoon (or a straw if you’re in a pinch) and poke holes all over the cake. Think polka dots, not Swiss cheese space them about an inch apart.
Next, dissolve your favorite pastel-colored Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then mix in ½ cup of cold water. Pour this liquid sunshine slowly over the cake, aiming for the holes to soak in all that colorful goodness.
Pop the cake into the fridge for at least 2 hours so the Jell-O can set. This is a great time to sneak a nap or, realistically, fold laundry.
3. Frost & Fluff
Once chilled and set, cover your cake with a generous layer of whipped topping. Smooth it out like frosting a cloud. (Tip: homemade whipped cream is extra dreamy if you have time.)
Now comes the fun part poke bunny time! Use marshmallows cut into ear shapes, pastel sprinkles, edible glitter, candy eggs, or anything your Easter-loving heart desires. Kids love this part, so don’t be afraid to hand over the sprinkle shaker and let their imaginations run wild.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving):
- Calories: ~240
- Sugar: 18g
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 2g
Preparation Time Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 2+ hours
- Total time: ~3 hours (but most of that’s just waiting around!)
Cooking Tips (A.K.A. Mom Hacks)
- Want bold stripes of color? Pour different Jell-O colors into separate sections of the cake for a tie-dye look!
- Let the kids “design” their own corner sprinkle contests are encouraged.
- If the cake looks like a preschool art project, you’ve done it right. It’s Easter, not a baking competition.
Serving Suggestions Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake
This cake is best served cold right out of the fridge. It’s a refreshing contrast to heavier Easter dishes and makes for a sweet, cooling treat after all those chocolate eggs. Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a springy mimosa for the grown-ups.
Planning a big Easter spread? This cake holds its own beside ham, deviled eggs, and the other Easter classics. And thanks to its cheery appearance, it also doubles as a table centerpiece!
Make Ahead & Storing Leftovers
The best part? This cake is make-ahead heaven. Assemble it the night before Easter and let it chill overnight. The flavors get even better with time!
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. (Not that it ever lasts that long.) You can also freeze individual slices just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight or let sit at room temp for about an hour.
A Little Bunny Tale…
I first made this Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake on a whim when I realized I’d forgotten to buy a dessert for our family brunch. I had a box of cake mix, a rogue box of blue Jell-O, and a very enthusiastic 7-year-old with a marshmallow obsession. We ended up creating something so fun and colorful, it’s been our annual tradition ever since. My kids even named the bunny on top Sir Sprinkle ton. Yes, he’s a knight now.
FAQs Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake
Can I use different Jell-O flavors in one cake?
Yes! This is one of those easter recipes cake lovers dream about. You can section the cake and use different pastel-colored Jell-O flavors for a rainbow effect. Just pour carefully into the poked areas.
Is this poke poke cake kid-friendly to make?
Absolutely! Let them poke the holes, pour the Jell-O, and get creative with toppings. It’s part snack, part craft project.
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Of course! If you’re feeling fancy, go for it. But trust me no judgment here. The boxed mix makes this one of the best cake recipes for Easter when you’re short on time.
What can I use instead of whipped topping?
Homemade whipped cream or stabilized whipped cream works wonderfully. Just be sure it’s spreadable and holds up in the fridge.
Will the Jell-O soak through if I don’t chill it long enough?
Yes, chilling is key. If you don’t give it time to set, you’ll end up with a soggy bottom nobody wants that.
Can I make this a layer cake instead?
You can, but poke cakes are traditionally made in a single pan so the Jell-O soaks in evenly. Layers might get messy, but hey messy can be delicious too.
What kind of decorations work best?
Think light and fun! Sprinkles, candy eggs, edible flowers, even bunny Peeps work great. This is one of those easter cakes recipes that’s more about fun than perfection.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Sure can! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check your whipped topping and Jell-O for any hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake
This Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake isn’t just a dessert it’s a mood. It’s cheerful, low-stress, and made to be shared. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, planning a last-minute potluck dish, or just want something whimsical to cap off your Easter dinner, this poke bunny cake brings joy with every slice. It’s one of those best cake recipes for Easter that will earn you hugs, giggles, and probably a few extra helpings.
Ready to bake some bunny magic? Scroll down for the full recipe card with all the ingredients and quantities. Happy Easter, my sweet friend! 🐰💗
Ingredients and measurements are listed directly below in the recipe card.
Easter Day Bunny Poke Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box vanilla cake mix or any flavor you prefer
- eggs, oil, and water as listed on the cake mix box
Filling
- 1 box Jell-O pastel colors like pink, yellow, or blue
- 1 cup boiling water
- 0.5 cup cold water
Frosting & Decorations
- 1 container whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
- marshmallows for bunny ears
- pastel sprinkles or edible glitter
- candy eggs or other Easter-themed decorations
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions and bake in a 9×13 pan. Let it cool completely.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake about 1 inch apart.
- Dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water, stir until dissolved, then add cold water. Pour over the cake slowly, allowing it to soak into the holes. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Decorate with marshmallows for bunny ears, pastel sprinkles, edible glitter, and candy eggs as desired.