Unicorn Poke Cake

Unicorn Poke Cake is a whimsical, vibrant dessert that adds a magical touch to any celebration. Made with layers of colorful cake, creamy pudding filling, and fluffy whipped topping, this cake is not only eye-catching but also incredibly moist and delicious. It’s a perfect choice for birthdays, themed parties, or any time you want to bring a little sparkle to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching marbled pastel colors for a magical appearance
• Moist, tender cake with creamy pudding filling
• Uses a boxed cake mix for convenience
• Fun and easy to make with kids
• Customizable for any theme or holiday

Ingredients

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

• White cake mix
• Eggs, oil, and water (as called for on the cake mix box)
• Pink, blue, and purple gel food coloring
• Instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix
• Cold milk
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or unicorn-themed decorations

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.
3. Divide the batter into three bowls and color each one with a different gel food coloring (pink, blue, purple).
4. Spoon the colored batters randomly into the pan. Swirl lightly with a skewer or knife to create a marbled effect.
5. Bake the cake according to package instructions, then allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
6. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
7. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens slightly. Pour or spoon the pudding over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
8. Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
9. Spread whipped topping evenly over the top.
10. Decorate with unicorn-themed sprinkles or edible glitter before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–15
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Different Colors: Change the colors to match any party theme or season.
• Flavor Swap: Use strawberry, lemon, or banana pudding for a fruity twist.
• Frosting Alternative: Use buttercream instead of whipped topping for a richer finish.
• Add Fruit: Layer in sliced strawberries or raspberries between the pudding and whipped topping.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and check pudding ingredients for gluten content.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake if needed. Add pudding and whipped topping after thawing.
• Reheating: Not recommended—this is a chilled dessert best served cold.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, any white or yellow cake recipe will work as long as the batter is light enough to be colored.

How do I keep the colors from blending too much?

Swirl the batter gently and avoid over-mixing once colors are added.

What pudding flavors work best?

Vanilla, white chocolate, and cheesecake pudding mixes are all great choices.

Can I decorate the cake ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best appearance, add sprinkles just before serving to prevent bleeding.

How far in advance can I make this?

You can make and refrigerate it up to 2 days in advance.

Can I use regular food coloring?

Gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant colors without thinning the batter.

How do I get clean swirls of color?

Use a skewer or knife to make light figure-eight motions in the batter.

What if I don’t have whipped topping?

Use homemade whipped cream stabilized with powdered sugar.

Is this cake suitable for a baby shower?

Absolutely! Customize the colors to match your baby shower theme.

Can I use non-dairy options?

Yes, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free whipped topping for a non-dairy version.

Conclusion

Unicorn Poke Cake is a joyful dessert that combines colorful fun with creamy deliciousness. It’s the ultimate party cake—easy to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash or just want to brighten someone’s day, this cake delivers magic in every bite.

Print