This Unicorn Poke Cake is a whimsical, colorful dessert that looks like it came straight from a storybook. With its soft pastel swirls, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and fluffy whipped topping covered in sparkling sprinkles, every slice feels magical. It’s the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, baby showers, or any celebration that calls for something extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Magical appearance: Beautiful pastel swirls create a stunning rainbow effect inside the cake.

Ultra-moist texture: The pudding filling seeps into every bite, making the cake rich and tender.

Beginner-friendly: Uses boxed cake mix and instant pudding for quick, reliable results.

Party-perfect: Bright colors and sparkling sprinkles make it ideal for festive occasions.

Customizable: Easily switch flavors and colors to match any theme.

Ingredients

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

15 oz white cake mix
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large egg whites, room temperature
Blue gel food coloring
Purple gel food coloring
Pink gel food coloring

Filling
6.8 oz French vanilla instant pudding mix
3¾ cups cold whole milk

Topping
8 oz whipped topping, thawed
2.8 oz unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions using 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 3 egg whites. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Tint one bowl with blue gel food coloring, one with purple, and one with pink. Stir gently until each color is vibrant and evenly distributed.

Spoon the colored batters randomly into the prepared pan, alternating colors. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter, being careful not to overmix so the colors stay distinct.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 10 minutes.

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the French vanilla instant pudding mix and 3¾ cups cold whole milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable.

Slowly pour the pudding over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. Spread gently if needed to distribute evenly. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.

Once chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle generously with unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles.

Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Servings: 12 to 15 slices

Variations

Rainbow Poke Cake

Divide the batter into more bowls and use additional pastel colors for a full rainbow effect.

Strawberry Unicorn Cake

Replace the French vanilla pudding with strawberry instant pudding for a fruity twist.

Lemon Fantasy Cake

Use lemon pudding for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweet whipped topping.

Chocolate Unicorn Cake

Swap the white cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a darker, dramatic contrast with pastel sprinkles.

Mini Unicorn Cakes

Prepare the batter in cupcake tins for individual poke cake cupcakes. Adjust baking time to 15–18 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the pudding and whipped topping, it must remain chilled.

For best texture, serve cold straight from the refrigerator. This cake is not suitable for reheating, as the pudding and whipped topping may lose their structure.

If transporting, keep the cake in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this cake the day before serving?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight for even better flavor and texture.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can whip 1½ cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and use it in place of store-bought whipped topping.

How do I keep the colors from blending too much?

Avoid over-swirling the batter. Gently swirl just once or twice with a knife to maintain distinct pastel sections.

Can I use different pudding flavors?

Absolutely. Vanilla, strawberry, lemon, or even white chocolate pudding work beautifully in this recipe.

What size pan should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch baking pan works best for even baking and proper pudding distribution.

Can I freeze Unicorn Poke Cake?

Freezing is not recommended, as the pudding texture may change once thawed.

How far apart should I poke the holes?

Space the holes about 1 inch apart to ensure even pudding coverage throughout the cake.

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Yes, but the cake color may be slightly less bright since egg yolks can tint the batter.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.

Can I add edible glitter?

Yes, edible glitter or shimmer dust can enhance the magical look and make the cake even more eye-catching.

Conclusion

Unicorn Poke Cake is a colorful, creamy dessert that brings joy to any table. With its soft pastel swirls, luscious pudding filling, and sparkling topping, it transforms simple ingredients into a magical treat. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply craving something fun and sweet, this cake is guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike.

Print