King Cake Poke Cake Recipe

Introduction

King Cake Poke Cake is a colorful and festive dessert perfect for Mardi Gras or any celebration. This layered treat combines a swirled white cake with creamy pudding fillings and a sweet whipped topping, finished with vibrant sprinkles. It’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients

• 14.25 oz package white cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare the cake mix)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Bright green gel food coloring
• Purple gel food coloring
• Yellow gel food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups condensed milk
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 3.4 oz package vanilla pudding mix
• 3.4 oz package banana pudding mix
• 4 cups milk (to prepare the puddings)
• 8 oz container whipped topping
• Green, yellow, and purple sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
2. Step 2: Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions, adding 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Step 3: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Add purple gel food coloring to one, green gel to the second, and yellow gel to the third bowl. Stir each until the color is well blended.
4. Step 4: Drop heaping spoonfuls of the colored batters alternately and randomly into the prepared baking dish to create a swirled effect.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke large holes all over the warm cake.
7. Step 7: In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and if needed, heat for an additional 30 seconds until white chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
8. Step 8: Pour this condensed milk and white chocolate mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
9. Step 9: Prepare vanilla and banana pudding mixes according to their package directions using the 4 cups of milk.
10. Step 10: Pour the vanilla pudding evenly over the cake, filling the holes, then distribute the banana pudding evenly over the top.
11. Step 11: Let the cake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least six hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
12. Step 12: Once chilled, frost the cake with the whipped topping and garnish generously with green, yellow, and purple sprinkles.
13. Step 13: Refrigerate for at least one more hour before serving to let the topping firm up.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk in the pudding mixes with heavy cream.
• Use different gel food coloring shades to customize the cake for other holidays or themes.
• Ensure not to overbake the cake to keep it moist and soft for absorbing the pudding mixture.
• Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate to keep the cake fresh longer.

Storage

Store the King Cake Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the pudding texture may be affected.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade white cake batter. Just divide and color the batter as described, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

What if I don’t have all three colors of gel food coloring?

You can omit one or two colors and still create a fun marbled effect with the colors you have. The sprinkles on top also add festive color.

King Cake Poke Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This vibrant King Cake Poke Cake brings festive Mardi Gras colors and flavors together in a delightfully moist and creamy dessert. Featuring a colorful white cake base swirled with purple, green, and yellow batters, this cake is poked and filled with melted white chocolate and condensed milk, layered with creamy vanilla and banana puddings, then topped with whipped topping and traditional Mardi Gras sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations, this cake impresses with its visual appeal and rich, smooth taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 14.25 oz package of white cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare the cake mix)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Bright Green Gel Food Coloring
• Purple Gel Food Coloring
• Yellow Gel Food Coloring

Filling

• 2 1/2 cups condensed milk
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 3.4 ounces package vanilla pudding mix
• 3.4 ounces package banana pudding mix
• 4 cups milk (to prepare the puddings)

Topping

• 8 ounces container whipped topping
• Green, yellow, and purple sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
2. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
3. Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the white cake mix package, adding 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
4. Divide and Color Batter: Divide the prepared batter evenly into three separate bowls. Add purple gel food coloring to one bowl, green gel food coloring to the second, and yellow gel food coloring to the third; stir well to incorporate the colors fully.
5. Swirl Batter: Alternately drop heaping spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly into the prepared baking dish to create a swirled, festive pattern.
6. Bake Cake: Bake the swirled batter in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Poke: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes. Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke large holes all over the cake to allow filling to penetrate.
8. Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups condensed milk and 2 cups white chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute and stir until melted and smooth; if not fully melted, microwave in 30-second increments until combined.
9. Pour Filling: Pour the melted white chocolate and condensed milk mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
10. Prepare Puddings: Prepare vanilla and banana pudding mixes according to their package instructions by combining with the required milk (4 cups total).
11. Fill Pudding Layers: First pour the prepared vanilla pudding over the cake, focusing on filling the holes, then add the banana pudding evenly on top.
12. Chill Cake: Let the cake come to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least six hours to set and fully absorb flavors.
13. Frost Cake: Once chilled, frost the cake evenly with 8 ounces of whipped topping.
14. Garnish: Decorate the frosted cake with green, yellow, and purple sprinkles to complete the Mardi Gras theme.
15. Final Chill: Refrigerate the decorated cake for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure proper set and chilled texture.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the batter consistency.
• Ensure the cake is fully cooled before poking to prevent it from breaking apart.
• Refrigeration time is important for the pudding to set and flavors to meld; do not rush this step.
• For easier cleanup, line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving edges overhanging for easy cake removal.
• Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days for best quality.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: King Cake, Poke Cake, Mardi Gras Cake, Colorful Cake, White Chocolate Poke Cake, Vanilla Banana Pudding Cake, Festive Dessert