Name: Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 ounces (432g) white cake mix (Duncan Hines brand recommended); 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 egg whites (room temperature); Blue gel food color (neon blue, as desired); Purple gel food color (regal purple, as desired); Pink gel food color (neon pink, as desired); 6.8 ounces (2 packets, 96g) French vanilla instant pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended); 3¾ cups cold whole milk; 8 ounces (226g) whipped topping (thawed); 2.82 ounces (80g) Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles (CandiFetti brand recommended)

Introduction

Unicorn Poke Cake is a fun and colorful dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a whimsical treat. This moist white cake is swirled with vibrant colors, filled with creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped cream and sparkling candy sprinkles. It’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!

A rectangular glass baking dish holds a colorful layered dessert placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a spongy cake with patches of blue, purple, and some pink. Above the cake is a creamy yellow custard layer spread unevenly. The top layer is thick white whipped cream covered with bright, multicolored sprinkles in blue, pink, purple, and yellow shapes of dots and stars. A piece has been cut out, showing the layered inside, and the cut slice is visible on a white plate nearby, also decorated with sprinkles on top. An additional small white bowl filled with the same sprinkles and a black and white patterned towel with two forks rest on the table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15 ounces (432g) white cake mix (Duncan Hines brand recommended)

1 cup water

½ cup vegetable oil

3 egg whites (room temperature)

Blue gel food color (neon blue recommended)

Purple gel food color (regal purple recommended)

Pink gel food color (neon pink recommended)

6.8 ounces (2 x 3.4 ounce or 96g) French vanilla instant pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)

3¾ cups cold whole milk

8 ounces (226g) whipped topping (thawed)

2.82 ounces (80g) Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles (CandiFetti brand recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Use a handheld mixer on medium speed to mix until fully combined and smooth, with no lumps.

Step 3: Divide the batter evenly into three smaller bowls (glass or disposable bowls work best to avoid staining).

Step 4: Add 3-4 drops of blue gel food color to one bowl and stir until fully blended with no streaks.

Step 5: Add 5-7 drops of purple gel food color to the second bowl and stir until fully blended.

Step 6: Add 5-7 drops of pink gel food color to the third bowl and stir until fully blended.

Step 7: Spoon dollops of each colored batter into the prepared baking dish. Once all batter is in, gently swirl the colors together using a toothpick or bamboo skewer. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 22 minutes as oven times may vary. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 8: Using the rounded end of a wooden spoon, poke holes about one inch apart all over the cooled cake.

Step 9: In a large bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant pudding mixes with a handheld mixer on low speed or a whisk until the pudding thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 10: Spoon the pudding into the holes until filled, then spread the remaining pudding evenly over the cake surface.

Step 11: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer. Cover and chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 12: Remove the cake from the fridge and sprinkle the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles evenly over the top. Slice into 3 rows by 5 rows and serve. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food colors for vibrant, streak-free batter coloring without thinning the batter.

Glass or disposable bowls help prevent staining when mixing colored batter.

For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives.

Add a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding for extra flavor.

Try different sprinkle shapes or edible glitter for a unique topping twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, white or vanilla cake mix works best for vibrant colors and a neutral flavor, but you can try yellow or funfetti cake mixes for a different twist.

How do I make sure the swirl colors don’t blend together too much?

Gently drop the colored batter spoonfuls next to each other and use a light swirling motion with a toothpick or skewer. Avoid over-mixing to keep the colors distinct.