
Every party gets a little brighter when you bring out a funfetti birthday poke cake It's got pops of color in every slice and creamy vanilla pudding that soaks right in You'll get big flavor fast but it always looks like you did something extra special
I first made this for my nephew turning five Now pretty much every birthday gets one in our house The pudding keeps it soft as ever and those happy sprinkles are always a hit
Delightful Ingredients
- Rainbow sprinkles: Toss in for cheerful color and little crunch Make sure you grab ones without any odd aftertaste
- Frozen whipped topping: Makes the top super fluffy Let it thaw in the fridge so it smooths out nicely
- Milk: Go with whole for richest flavor but any kind works I like mine at room temp for easy mixing
- Vanilla instant pudding: Brings that creamy magic Pick a good one for the smoothest texture
- Vanilla cake mix: Speeds things up and keeps it light Choose your favorite brand for best vanilla flavor
Simple How-To
- Chill and Decorate:
- Pour a generous shake of rainbow sprinkles on top of your whipped topping Chill the finished cake in the fridge until the pudding has set—about thirty minutes or so for best cutting
- Mix Up and Spread Out the Whipped Topping:
- Whisk the last bit of pudding mix and milk till it just starts to thicken Gently fold in all of the softened whipped topping but don't overdo it Spread this billowy topping across your whole cake
- Fill Those Pokes:
- Whisk a box of pudding with a cup and a half of milk so it thickens but is still pourable Use a piping bag or small spoon to get pudding into all those holes Leftovers? Smooth it over the cake
- Make Your Holes:
- When cool use a chunky wood spoon handle or something similar to jab holes all over Space them so pudding can get everywhere and each one about half an inch wide
- Bake the Cake:
- Fire up your oven Mix up the cake following box directions Stop as soon as it looks smooth Toss in sprinkles right at the end so they don't blur Pour into a greased pan Bake until the top bounces back Cool it off all the way so your filling doesn't melt

The best part's always tossing extra sprinkles on top and watching everyone grin That pudding layer makes the whole thing so melt-in-your-mouth good This one never hangs around long especially after those birthday wishes
Storage Ideas
Wrap up the leftovers tight and chill They'll taste great up to five days Honestly it's even better on day two since everything soaks in more Want to save it longer? Cut slices and freeze them individually for around three months Let them thaw in the fridge overnight
Swap Options
Homemade vanilla cake totally works if you're in the mood A scratch version tastes a little richer Try swapping vanilla pudding for white chocolate or cheesecake for something new Use dairy free milk and a coconut-based topping if you need it allergy-friendly but it'll set a little softer
Ways to Serve
Cut into nice squares with a sharp knife wipe it clean now and then I like adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for double the fun Top with candles for celebrations Or pile on extra sprinkles or crushed cookies to go wild

Poke Cake History
Poke cakes hit kitchen tables big-time in the seventies when smart marketers made boxed cakes and instant pudding exciting Funfetti twists kept them popular for birthdays and big gatherings turning this retro trick into a crowd favorite for all ages
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which cake mix should I grab?
Go for a basic vanilla cake mix—it’s tasty and lets the sprinkles and pudding shine. Use a white cake mix if that’s what you’ve got.
- → What's the trick to getting pudding inside?
Let the cake cool, then poke holes everywhere with a spoon handle. Spoon or pour liquid pudding into the holes to soak the cake with flavor.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can. Chilling it overnight in the fridge helps the pudding set and beefs up the flavor. A make-ahead win.
- → Can I swap up the sprinkles or pudding?
Totally! Pick whatever pudding you like, and grab sprinkles for the occasion or just your favorites. Have fun with it.
- → How do I keep the leftovers?
Cover the cake and store in the fridge for five days max. If you’ve got more than you can eat, freeze slices and save them for later.
- → What if I don’t want boxed cake?
No problem. Bake a homemade vanilla cake in a 9x13 pan. After that, poke your holes and fill 'er up with pudding just like normal.