A celebration in every bite, this Funfetti Poke Cake is the ultimate party dessert! Light, fluffy cake filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with whipped topping and rainbow sprinkles—it’s colorful, festive, and irresistibly easy to make. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a touch of fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the ease of a boxed cake mix with the homemade touch of a creamy pudding filling. The sprinkles inside and on top give it that classic funfetti look and a cheerful vibe. It’s a great make-ahead dessert, as it only gets better after chilling in the fridge. Best of all, it’s simple enough for beginners and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

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

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix

• Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)

• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

• 2 cups cold milk

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

• Extra rainbow sprinkles for topping

Directions

1. Preheat & Bake the Cake:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Gently fold in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles.
   Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 28–32 minutes, or as directed on the package.

2. Poke the Cake:
   Let the baked cake cool for about 10 minutes.
   Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

3. Make the Pudding:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it slightly thickens.

4. Fill the Cake:
   Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, spreading it out to ensure it seeps into all the holes.
   Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

5. Top and Decorate:
   Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
   Sprinkle generously with additional rainbow sprinkles.

6. Serve:
   Slice and serve chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12–15 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Use a funfetti cake mix instead of white or yellow cake for extra sprinkle fun.

• Swap vanilla pudding with flavors like cheesecake, birthday cake, or white chocolate for a unique twist.

• Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate or pastel-colored icing over the whipped topping for more decoration.

• Top with crushed cookies or candy bits for added texture.

• Use colored whipped topping to match a party theme or holiday.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Funfetti Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because of the pudding and whipped topping, this cake should be kept cold.
This dessert does not freeze well due to the whipped topping texture.
To serve after storing, simply slice and enjoy chilled. No reheating is necessary.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a type of cake where holes are poked into the surface after baking and then filled with a flavorful liquid or filling like pudding, gelatin, or sweetened condensed milk.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the pudding to soak in more and enhances the texture and flavor.

Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely. If you prefer baking from scratch, use your favorite white or yellow cake recipe.

Can I use regular pudding instead of instant?

No, this recipe requires instant pudding because it sets quickly and won’t make the cake soggy.

What if I don’t have whipped topping?

You can use freshly whipped cream, though it may not hold as long in the fridge as store-bought whipped topping.

Can I use a different size pan?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal, but you could also use two 8×8 pans. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?

Fold the sprinkles gently into the batter right before pouring it into the pan to minimize sinking.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?

It’s not recommended to freeze this cake because the texture of the pudding and whipped topping can change when thawed.

Can I use chocolate cake mix instead?

Yes, chocolate cake mix can be used for a different flavor profile. Pair it with chocolate or vanilla pudding.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Use classic rainbow jimmies (the rod-shaped kind). Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed color into the batter.

Conclusion

Funfetti Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is fun to eat. Its vibrant colors, creamy filling, and light texture make it the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or just because. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this cake delivers maximum joy every time.