The Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, moist texture of vanilla cake with the creamy sweetness of vanilla pudding, topped with a light and airy whipped topping.
This recipe is straightforward, requiring basic ingredients like vanilla cake mix, eggs, oil, water, instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and whipped topping.
After baking the cake, poke holes in it while it’s warm, pour the pudding mixture over the cake to fill the holes, and let it chill until the pudding is set.
Finally, spread the whipped topping and garnish with sprinkles or fresh fruit. This cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious and visually appealing treat that’s sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Is The Best?
This recipe stands out for a few reasons. First, it uses a simple cake base, often made with a cake mix for convenience. This allows you to focus on the delicious filling and toppings.
Second, the “poking” technique creates little pockets in the cake that soak up the creamy pudding, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavourful dessert.
Finally, the endless topping possibilities let you customise this cake to your heart’s content!
How To Prepare Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe?
Recipe Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: Serves 12
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Fork (for poking)
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed)
- Optional toppings: fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, sprinkles
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour your baking pan.
Prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions and pour it into the prepared pan. Bake for the recommended time, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Make the Pudding Filling: While the cake cools, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 cups of milk in a bowl until smooth.
3. Poke and Fill: Once the cake is cool, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface, creating a grid pattern. Slowly pour the pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
4. Chill and Top: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, or until the pudding is set. Frost the entire cake with the thawed whipped topping.
Decorate with your favourite toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
Special Notes
If you want to make this cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake and prepare the filling a day before. Just wait to add the whipped topping until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
Tips And Variations
Tips:
1. Ensure the Cake is Warm: Make sure to poke the holes while the cake is still warm for better absorption of the pudding.
2. Chill Properly: Allow the cake to chill for the full 2 hours to ensure the pudding sets and the flavors meld together.
3. Use Homemade Whipped Cream: For a richer taste, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping.
Variations:
1. Chocolate Vanilla Poke Cake: Substitute vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for a delightful twist.
2. Fruit-Infused Poke Cake: Add fresh fruit puree or jam as the filling for a fruity variation.
3. Coconut Poke Cake: Replace the vanilla pudding with coconut cream pudding and top with shredded coconut.
FAQs About Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of a boxed mix?
Yes, you can use a homemade vanilla cake mix if you prefer. Just follow your recipe for the cake base and proceed with the poke cake instructions.
What can I use instead of instant pudding mix?
You can make homemade vanilla pudding or use a different type of instant pudding if you prefer. Just ensure it sets well to fill the cake holes.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
The cake should chill for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set properly. Overnight chilling is also a good option for best results.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the whipped cream topping right before serving.
What are some other toppings I can use?
In addition to fresh berries and sauces, you can top the cake with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that effortlessly blends simplicity with rich flavor. Its moist vanilla base, enhanced by the creamy pudding filling and topped with whipped cream, makes it a standout treat for any event.
Easy to prepare and versatile, this cake can be customized with various toppings and fillings to suit different tastes.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a sweet indulgence, this vanilla poke cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Happy baking!
Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Fork (for poking)
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
- 1 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- Optional toppings: fresh fruit chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, sprinkles
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour your baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions and pour it into the prepared pan. Bake for the recommended time, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Pudding Filling: While the cake cools, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 cups of milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Poke and Fill: Once the cake is cool, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface, creating a grid pattern. Slowly pour the pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Chill and Top: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, or until the pudding is set. Frost the entire cake with the thawed whipped topping.
- Decorate with your favourite toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.