Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe. This moist and tender dessert is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to family gatherings.

With its rich vanilla flavor and luscious cream filling, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this simple recipe to create a dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe
Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe

How To Prepare Vanilla Poke Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 12 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 box of vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • Sprinkles, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step : Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step : In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step : Gradually add the boiling water to the batter while stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry, it will bake into a moist cake.

Step : Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step : Bake in the preheated oven for the time specified on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step : While the cake is baking, prepare the vanilla pudding by whisking together the instant pudding mix and cold milk in a separate bowl. Let it set in the refrigerator until the cake has cooled.

Step : Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them evenly.

Step : Pour the prepared vanilla pudding over the cake, making sure to fill the holes.

Step : Spread a layer of whipped cream over the pudding, covering the entire cake.

Step : If desired, garnish with sprinkles for a pop of color.

Step : Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Step : Slice and serve the Vanilla Poke Cake chilled. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 626
  • Fat: 41 grams
  • Saturated fat: 20 grams
  • Carbs: 67 grams
  • Sugar: 63 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 0 gram(s)
  • Protein: 22 grams

Why Is It Called Poke Cake?

This cake is called a poke cake because you pierce the cake with a fork or a toothpick and then add the filling to all the holes.

It’s called poke cake because when you poke it, all those holes open up, like a hole-y Swiss cheese. A poke cake is trendy in Louisiana and also in Texas.

And not just any kind of cream cheese can be used for this recipe, as it must be at room temperature so that it doesn’t change the consistency of your filling.

What Is The Best Way To Poke Holes In A Poke Cake?

Using a fork is the best way to get a perfectly poked cake. Fingers are great, too but don’t be surprised if you end up with some filling on your fingers.

If you decide to poke your cake with a toothpick, make sure it’s sharp; otherwise, you’ll end up pushing the filling right back into the cake, and there won’t be any room for more!

Conclusion

So I hope you enjoy the vanilla poke cake recipe, and let me know what results you get from making these delicious vanilla poke cakes.

Once again, there are a lot of variations to this recipe, but I think this is a good one for a beginner since it’s classic and pretty simple.

Try other variations after you’ve mastered the basics.

FAQ

Do You Poke A Cake When It’s Hot Or Cold?

I recommend poking the cake when it’s hot. This is because getting all those prickles will be easier, mainly if you use a toothpick.

How Big Should The Holes Be In A Poke Cake?

This all comes down to personal preference, but as long as there’s a hole for the filling to go into, you’re doing great.

Does Poke Cake Need To Be Refrigerated?

While most poke cake recipes need refrigerated, this one does not! You can chill it if you’d like to, but it’s completely unnecessary.