Name: Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 ounces (432g) white cake mix; 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 egg whites, room temperature; Blue gel food color (neon blue); Purple gel food color (regal purple); Pink gel food color (neon pink); 6.8 ounces (96g) French vanilla instant pudding mix (2 packets of 3.4 ounces each); 3¾ cups cold whole milk; 8 ounces (226g) whipped topping, thawed; 2.82 ounces (80g) Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles (CandiFetti brand recommended)

I’m so excited to share this Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe with you! There’s just something magical about the way vibrant gel colors swirl through a moist white cake, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and colorful sprinkles. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or any time you want a little fun in your kitchen.

If you love a dessert that’s both simple to make and impressive to look at, this Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe is right up your alley. I’ve made it plenty of times because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and straightforward enough to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Plus, the poke cake method means the pudding seeps through the cake, adding moisture and creaminess that takes every bite to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays its part in bringing the unicorn magic to life—from the moist white cake to the pudding-heavy filling and that creamy whipped topping. Remember, using gel food colors gives you those vivid shades without watering down the batter.

White cake mix: Choose a good-quality mix for consistent results; it’s your canvas for all the color fun.
Water: Be sure it’s room temperature so the cake batter mixes smoothly.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender — don’t swap with butter as it changes texture.
Egg whites: Using whites instead of whole eggs keeps the batter light and lets colors pop better.
Blue gel food color: Gel colors are concentrated and won’t thin the batter like liquid colors do; I used a neon blue for that bright pop.
Purple gel food color: Regal purple gives a lovely deep contrast to the other colors.
Pink gel food color: Neon pink adds that cheerful, classic unicorn vibe.
French vanilla instant pudding mix: This is key for the creamy filling that makes the poke cake extra special.
Cold whole milk: Cold milk helps the pudding set just right within the cake.
Whipped topping: Use thawed, store-bought whipped topping for convenience and ultra-light frosting.
Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles: I’m crazy about using CandiFetti brand sprinkles—they’re colorful, fun, and really bring the cake to life.

Variations

One of the best parts about the Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often mix up the colors or try different pudding flavors for seasonal spins, and you should definitely feel free to do the same!

Flavor variation: Try swapping the french vanilla pudding for strawberry or lemon pudding for a fun twist that still keeps the magic.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free pudding mix if you’re catering to dietary needs; the cake still turns out deliciously moist.
Color swap: Play with pastel gel colors during spring or bolder shades for kids’ parties—trust me, the results are always stunning.
Frosting alternate: If you want a richer icing, swap the whipped topping for a light cream cheese frosting that complements the pudding well.

How to Make Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your White Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pan as the box instructs. In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites—because I found that using egg whites makes the colors more vibrant and the cake lighter. Once combined, divide the batter into three separate bowls and tint each with blue, purple, and pink gel food color. Remember, a little gel goes a long way, so add gradually—it’s easier to add more if needed than to fix a batter that’s too dark.

Step 2: Layer and Swirl Your Colored Batter

Pour the colored batters into your cake pan in alternating spoonfuls or stripes. Then, take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the colors together—this creates that beautiful unicorn marbled effect that everyone loves. Be careful not to over-swirl; you want distinct colors mingling, not turning into one muddy shade.

Step 3: Bake and Prepare Your Pudding Filling

Bake the cake according to the package instructions—usually around 25 to 30 minutes—but start checking with a toothpick at the 22-minute mark. While the cake bakes, whisk together your instant pudding mix and cold whole milk until thickened. This step is great to multitask, and I always make sure the pudding is cold and set because it soaks right into the cake when you poke it.

Step 4: Poke, Pour, and Chill

Once your cake is baked and slightly cooled (but still warm), use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake—don’t be shy, the more holes, the more pudding seeps in! Pour the prepared pudding evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to sink down into those holes. Then, pop it in the fridge for at least an hour so the pudding sets and the cake becomes supremely moist.

Step 5: Frost and Sprinkle Your Unicorn Creation

After chilling, spread the whipped topping generously over the entire cake. This adds the perfect fluffy finish. Finally, top with those gorgeous unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles. I love how the CandiFetti sparkles give it that extra festive, whimsical charm—plus everyone loves the surprise crunch!

How to Serve Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a colorful slice of cake on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three main visible layers of sponge: the bottom layer is bright blue, the middle layer is purple with some pink blending in the center, and the top layer is white cream with a pale yellow custard layer just under the cream. The white cream on top is thick and fluffy, decorated heavily with many different sprinkles in colors like pink, blue, purple, yellow, and white, with various shapes including stars, balls, and rods. A woman's hand has taken a small bite from the side, showing the soft texture of the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this cake, I keep the toppings playful but simple. Extra sprinkles are a must—sometimes I add edible glitter or white chocolate curls for an even fancier look. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries can add a nice contrast and pop of freshness, especially if it’s a summer party.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this Unicorn Poke Cake with light, fresh sides like a citrus fruit salad or lemon sorbet to balance all that creamy sweetness. If it’s a birthday bash, some fun sparkling punch or brightly colored lemonade ties everything beautifully together.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation-wise, I’ve had luck using a clear glass serving dish to really let the rainbow swirls peek through from the sides. For a party, I sometimes cut the cake into small squares and serve on a colorful platter with mini cocktail forks—it’s a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to set up a sprinkles bar so everyone can add their own finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped topping from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. One tip: let it come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving again—this really lets all those flavors shine.

Freezing

I’ve actually frozen this cake a couple times by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to keep the pudding filling stable and creamy. Just know the whipped topping is best fresh, so I usually add fresh whipped cream after thawing.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t generally necessary. If you want to warm a slice, I suggest just letting it sit out for a bit rather than using heat to avoid melting the whipped topping and losing that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe from scratch without a cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite white cake recipe from scratch if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the batter should be fairly wet and light to allow for the pudding to soak in well. Also, dividing the batter and coloring it works the same way, so feel free to experiment!
What’s the best way to get those bright unicorn colors?

Gel food coloring is definitely the way to go for this recipe. It gives you vivid colors without altering the batter’s consistency, unlike liquid food coloring that can thin your batter and affect baking. Start with small amounts and build up to your desired vibrancy.
Can I substitute pudding flavors in this Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe?

Definitely! While French vanilla is classic and blends beautifully, I’ve had great success swapping in other instant puddings like strawberry, lemon, or even chocolate for a unique twist. Just make sure they’re instant pudding mixes to get the right consistency.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out before frosting?

One of the biggest perks of a poke cake is that the pudding filling naturally moistens the cake. To avoid drying, be sure to poke enough holes to allow the pudding to seep in evenly. Also, frost and refrigerate the cake soon after it cools to lock in moisture.
Can I make this cake vegan?

To make a vegan version of the Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe, you’d need to substitute the cake mix for a vegan cake mix, use plant-based milk, vegan pudding, and a dairy-free whipped topping. It takes a bit of experimenting, but it’s absolutely doable.

Final Thoughts

This Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to dazzle guests or treat myself to something playful and sweet. I love how easy it is to throw together yet the results always feel so special and festive. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful way to add some color and joy to your day or any celebration. I promise, once you make it, you’ll be dreaming up reasons to bake it again!