Funfetti Poke Cake

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Looking for a dessert that sparks pure joy with every slice? Funfetti poke cake blends nostalgic flavor, bright sprinkles, and a creamy surprise into a dessert everyone loves. This recipe walks you through making the ultimate Funfetti poke cake from boxed mix with creamy pudding filling, whipped topping, and a confetti of sprinkles. Whether hosting a birthday, bringing a treat to a potluck, or just adding color to your table, this cake earns rave reviews for both looks and taste.

Why Funfetti Poke Cake Deserves a Spot at Your Table

Funfetti poke cake isn’t simply cake—it’s an invitation to celebrate. The sprinkles infuse each piece with color, while the poke-and-fill technique creates extra pockets of rich, creamy flavor. Its appeal goes far beyond looks, making it a classic choice for:

• Birthday parties: Kids’ faces light up at the first glimpse of those rainbow sprinkles.
• Potlucks and gatherings: Easy to transport and serve, even after a night in the fridge.
• Simple weeknight treats: With just a few quick steps, any night can feel festive.

The combination of tender cake, creamy filling, and whipped topping brings together the best elements of comfort and fun.

Ingredients for Funfetti Poke Cake

To create a cake that’s tender, moist, and brimming with flavor, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients. Let’s break them down:

Cake and Add-ins

• 1 box Funfetti cake mix (15.25 oz, or similar)
• 3 large eggs (for richness and structure)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (moisture and softness)
• 1 cup water (brings everything together)

Creamy Filling

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• 2 cups cold milk (whole or 2% recommended for creaminess)

Toppings

• 1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip or equivalent, 8 oz), thawed
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies preferred—they hold their color in moisture)

Optional for customization

• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (for extra bakery-style flavor)
• Fresh berries or chocolate sauce (for a grown-up twist)
• Flavored pudding (chocolate, banana, or strawberry to personalize)

Step-by-Step: Making Funfetti Poke Cake

The ease of this recipe means you can get the whole family involved. Each step adds another layer of taste and texture, building toward a dazzling result. Here’s how to do it, with simple instructions for bakers of any experience level.

1. Bake the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch glass or metal baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Use a hand mixer or whisk to stir until just combined and no dry pockets remain.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake according to the box instructions—typically 28–32 minutes—until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. This prevents the pudding from melting and guarantees distinct creamy pockets.

2. Poke the Cake

This step creates the signature “pockets” for your pudding filling.

• Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes over the entire cooled cake. Space the holes 1 inch apart. Try to avoid poking completely through to the bottom.
• If you don’t have a wooden spoon, a chopstick works well. The holes should be wide enough for the pudding to seep inside.

3. Make and Add the Pudding

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, until it just begins to thicken but can still be easily poured.
• Immediately pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it fills each hole. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the remaining pudding across the top for even coverage.
• Place the cake in the fridge for 2 hours, or until the pudding sets.

4. Finish with Whipped Topping and Sprinkles

• Once the cake is set and chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping over the surface using a spatula.
• Scatter the rainbow sprinkles over the whipped topping. Use as much as you like for a classic Funfetti look.

5. Slice and Serve

• Cut into squares and serve directly from the pan. Each piece should showcase pockets of creamy vanilla pudding in soft, colorful cake topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a confetti of sprinkles.

Tips for Perfect Funfetti Poke Cake

Sprinkles

• Jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles) hold their color best in batter and won’t bleed into your whipped topping.
• Fold sprinkles into the whipped topping just before spreading for extra flair.

Cake Cool Down

• Patience pays off: Let the cake cool fully before poking and adding pudding. Warm cake will turn the pudding runny.

Customizing Flavor

• A teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract added to the batter lifts the aroma and taste.
• Try banana, cheesecake, or chocolate instant pudding for a new twist.
• Add a layer of diced strawberries under the whipped topping for a fresh note.

Texture

• Poke holes deep enough for the pudding to soak in, but not all the way through to keep the pockets contained.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with chopped nuts, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or scatter mini marshmallows for extra decadence.

Storing and Making Ahead

This cake holds up well, making it smart for advance prep:

Extra Tips

• Cake texture and flavor actually improve after chilling, as the pudding melds with the cake crumbs.
• If layering berries or sauce, add them just before serving for the freshest results.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Cake too soggy?
Too much milk or adding pudding before the cake cools can cause excess sogginess. Stick to the recommended milk amount and chill your cake completely first.

Pudding too thick to pour?
Whisk only until slightly thickened. Pour quickly for best absorption in the holes.

Sprinkles melt or dye the topping?
Wait until just before serving to add the top sprinkles. Stick to jimmies if you plan to fold sprinkles into whipped topping.

Funfetti Cake Variations

Personalize your cake to fit the occasion:

• Use holiday sprinkles for a seasonal twist.
• Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate, cookies-and-cream, or coconut.
• Serve with a side of ice cream or fruit for a fun dessert board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Funfetti poke cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely. Divide the batter among lined muffin tins, bake as directed, then poke and fill each cooled cupcake with pudding using a piping bag.

What type of milk works best?
Whole or 2% milk gives the silkiest pudding texture. Avoid skim for best results.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free Funfetti-style cake mix and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free.

The Final Touch

Funfetti poke cake is more than a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making. The blend of color, creamy filling, and pillowy topping is irresistible for any age and any gathering. Once you cut the first sprinkle-packed slice, you’ll understand why this treat earns a spot at every celebration big or small.

Make it once, and you’ll have people requesting it for years to come. Enjoy the process, embrace the sprinkles, and celebrate every bite.