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Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe

4.7 from 104 reviews

This whimsical Unicorn Poke Cake combines a moist white cake infused with vibrant blue, purple, and pink swirls, soaked with creamy French vanilla pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped topping and colorful unicorn sparkle sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations or to delight anyone who loves magical, colorful desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 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)

Pudding Mixture

  • 6.8 ounces (96g) French vanilla instant pudding mix (2 packets of 3.4 ounces each)
  • 3¾ cups cold whole milk

Topping

  • 8 ounces (226g) whipped topping, thawed
  • 2.82 ounces (80g) Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles (CandiFetti brand recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Divide the batter evenly into three smaller bowls. Add a few drops of blue gel food color to one bowl, purple to the second, and pink to the third. Gently swirl the colored batters together to create a marbled effect without fully mixing.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the swirled batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake according to the package instructions for the white cake mix, typically at 350°F (175°C) for around 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  3. Prepare the Pudding: While the cake cools, whisk together the French vanilla instant pudding mix with the cold whole milk. Beat until the pudding thickens, about 2 minutes.
  4. Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke multiple holes all over the cooled cake, spacing them about an inch apart. Pour the prepared pudding evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to sink into the holes and soak into the cake layers.
  5. Chill the Cake: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set the pudding layer and allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Add Whipped Topping and Sprinkles: Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the pudding-soaked cake. Finally, generously sprinkle the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles over the whipped topping for a magical finish.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant, bright colors that won’t thin the batter.
  • Make sure to chill the cake long enough for the pudding to fully set and soak in for best texture.
  • Room temperature egg whites help create a lighter cake texture.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives.
  • If you cannot find unicorn sparkle sprinkles, any colorful, festive sprinkles will work.

Keywords: Unicorn Poke Cake, Magical Cake, Colorful Cake, Poke Cake, Instant Pudding Cake, Celebration Cake