Description
A vibrant and whimsical Unicorn Poke Cake that is perfect for celebrations and dessert lovers alike. This moist white cake is baked, then poked with holes and filled with creamy French vanilla pudding, topped with fluffy whipped topping and colorful unicorn-themed sprinkles. With layers of neon blue, regal purple, and neon pink colors, this cake is as magical to look at as it is delicious to eat.
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 coloring (neon blue)
- Purple gel food coloring (regal purple)
- Pink gel food coloring (neon pink)
Pudding Filling
- 6.8 ounces (2 x 3.4 ounce or 96g) French vanilla instant pudding mix
- 3¾ cups cold whole milk
Topping and Decoration
- 8 ounces (226g) whipped topping, thawed
- 2.82 ounces (80g) Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles (CandiFetti brand recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Divide and color the batter: Separate the cake batter evenly into three bowls. Add blue gel food coloring to one bowl, purple to the second, and pink to the third. Stir each bowl to evenly distribute the colors.
- Layer the batter: Pour the colored batters into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan in layers or in swirls to create the unicorn effect.
- Bake the cake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Make the pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the French vanilla instant pudding mix and cold whole milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the poke holes: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cooled cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Fill the holes: Spoon or pour the prepared pudding gently over the cake so that it seeps into the holes, making the cake moist and flavorful.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the pudding to set and infuse into the cake.
- Add the topping: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles generously over the whipped topping for a fun, festive look.
- Serve: Cut into pieces and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for better batter consistency and rise.
- Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without diluting the batter.
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before poking to prevent crumbling.
- The cake can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to develop flavor.
- Substitute whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a less processed option.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Unicorn Poke Cake, layered cake, colorful cake, poke cake, vanilla pudding cake, festive dessert, birthday cake