This magical unicorn poke cake is as fun as it is delicious! With vibrant colors, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and fluffy whipped topping, this cake is perfect for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, party, or just a whimsical treat, this colorful dessert brings joy and whimsy to every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This unicorn poke cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty. The moist white cake, combined with the creamy vanilla pudding filling and topped with whipped cream, makes for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The vibrant swirls of blue, pink, and purple in the cake make it a showstopper, and the rainbow sprinkles on top add the finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting a party or surprising the family, this cake will definitely delight both kids and adults alike!

Unicorn Poke Cake

Ingredients

For the cake:

15.25 ounces white cake mix
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites (room temperature)
Blue gel food color
Purple gel food color
Pink gel food color

For the filling and topping:

6.8 ounces French vanilla instant pudding mix
3 ¾ cups cold whole milk
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
2.82 ounces Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, blend until smooth and no lumps remain.
Divide the Cake Batter: Divide the cake batter evenly into 3 smaller bowls.
Add Food Coloring:
- Add 3-4 drops of blue gel food coloring to one bowl, mixing until the color is fully incorporated.
- Add 5-7 drops of purple gel food coloring to another bowl and mix well.
- Add 5-7 drops of pink gel food coloring to the third bowl and stir until uniform.
Add the Batter to the Pan: Spoon the colored cake batters into the prepared baking pan in dollops, creating a rainbow of colors. Once all the batter is added, gently swirl the colors together with a toothpick or bamboo skewer to create a marbled effect.
Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Start checking at 22 minutes, as oven times can vary.)
Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Pudding Filling: Once the cake has cooled, whisk the French vanilla instant pudding mix with the cold whole milk in a large bowl. Allow the pudding to set for 5 minutes.
Poke the Cake: Use the back of a spoon to gently poke holes all over the cooled cake. Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
Add the Topping: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
Finish with Sprinkles: Sprinkle the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles generously on top for that magical touch.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 15 slices

Variations

Use Different Colors: If you prefer different colors, feel free to swap out the blue, pink, and purple food coloring for other vibrant shades to match your theme.
Flavored Pudding: Try using a different flavored pudding, such as chocolate or butterscotch, for a fun twist.
Add Fruit: Top the cake with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the unicorn poke cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It stays moist and delicious for several days!
Freezing: You can freeze the cake without the whipped topping and sprinkles for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix, such as vanilla, funfetti, or even chocolate, for a twist on the traditional poke cake.

2. Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of boxed?

Absolutely! You can use a homemade cake recipe if you prefer to make it from scratch.

3. Can I make the pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pudding mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

4. Can I make this cake without the food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the food coloring for a more traditional poke cake look, or use natural food coloring alternatives.

5. How do I get the perfect poke cake texture?

To get the best texture, allow the cake to cool completely before poking the holes. This ensures that the pudding soaks in perfectly and gives you the soft, creamy texture.

6. Can I use a different topping instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream or even a layer of buttercream frosting if you prefer a richer topping.

7. How long should I let the cake chill before serving?

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. This allows the pudding to set properly and the flavors to meld together.

8. How do I serve this cake at a party?

This cake is perfect for a party! Cut it into slices and serve on a platter. You can garnish each slice with additional sprinkles or fresh fruit for extra flair.

9. Can I add more layers to this cake?

Yes, you can add more layers of pudding or frosting for a richer cake. You could even add a layer of fruit between the cake and the pudding for more texture.

10. Can I make this cake in a different pan?

Yes, you can bake this cake in a different pan size, but the baking time may vary depending on the size of the pan.

Conclusion

This unicorn poke cake is a fun, colorful, and delicious dessert that will bring a magical touch to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a themed party, or just looking for a whimsical treat, this cake is sure to impress everyone with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors. Easy to make and full of creamy, fluffy goodness, this cake is as enjoyable to eat as it is to look at!