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A slice of cake coloured with purple, pink and blue swirls, topped with white frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

Easy Rainbow Poke Cake

Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Author: Deanna
Rainbow poke cake is a bright and colourful cake that comes together easily using simple ingredients. Perfect for a birthday party or anytime you want an easy, colourful dessert.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven according to the package directions on the cake mix.
  • Mix the cake according to the package directions.
  • Divide the cake into smaller bowls according to how many colours you want to use.
  • Colour each bowl with food colouring until you achieve the colour you desire. You will want to use a drop or two more than you think you need as the colour will be less bright after baking.
  • Drop the cake batter into a prepared 9x13 pan in random patterns, depending how you want the cake to look. Avoid swirling the batter as it can create muddy colours. Bake the cake according to package directions.
  • Let the cake cool completely, then use the end of a wooden spoon or other tool, such as a wide chopstick, to poke holes in the top of the cake. You want holes that are about half inch wide.
  • In a medium bowl, mix one box of the instant pudding with 1 1/2 cups of milk just until it begins to thicken, but is still runny. Use a small tipped piping bag or small spoon to fill the holes with pudding, then spread any remaining pudding over the top of the cake.
  • Mix 1 cup of milk with the remaining box of pudding just until it begins to thicken, then fold in the frozen whipped topping.
  • Spread the topping over the cake in an even layer. If you wish you can reserve part to pipe swirls on top of the cake.
  • Decorate the cake with sprinkles then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the pudding to set.
  • Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

If you prefer, to bake from scratch, you can use your favourite 9x13 white cake recipe.
Use any flavour of pudding you like to customize the flavours of this cake.
Using a piping bag to fill the holes in the cake will help ensure the holes are filled and will create a moister cake.
Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.