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Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings (3x5 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant and colorful Unicorn Poke Cake combines a moist, swirled white cake base with brightly tinted batter, rich French vanilla pudding filling, and a luscious whipped topping. The poke method allows the pudding to soak into the cake, creating a moist, creamy texture throughout, while the festive unicorn sprinkles add sparkle and fun. Perfect for celebrations and whimsical gatherings, this cake is visually stunning and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 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)

Pudding Filling

  • 6.8 ounces (2 packets, 96g) French vanilla instant pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)
  • 3¾ cups cold whole milk

Topping and Garnish

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with a nonstick baking spray such as Baker’s Joy to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a medium (2-3 quart) mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and room temperature egg whites. Use a handheld mixer set to medium speed and mix until no lumps remain and the batter is smooth.
  3. Divide and Tint Batter: Divide the cake batter evenly into three smaller bowls. Use glass or disposable bowls to avoid staining. Add 3-4 drops of blue gel food color to one bowl and stir until fully blended with no streaks.
  4. Tint Purple Batter: Add 5-7 drops of purple gel food color into the second bowl, stirring thoroughly until streak-free and uniformly purple.
  5. Tint Pink Batter: Add 5-7 drops of pink gel food color to the third bowl, stirring until the batter is fully tinted and streak-free.
  6. Combine Batter in Pan: Drop spoonfuls of each tinted batter randomly into the prepared baking dish. When all batter is added, use a toothpick or bamboo skewer to gently swirl the colors together for a marbled effect without overmixing.
  7. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes. Start checking for doneness around 22 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when done. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  8. Create Poke Holes: Once cooled, use the rounded end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about an inch apart throughout the entire cake surface.
  9. Prepare Pudding: In a large mixing bowl (4-5 quart), whisk together the French vanilla instant pudding mix and cold whole milk. Use a handheld mixer on low speed or a whisk, mixing 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens noticeably.
  10. Fill Cake with Pudding: Spoon the thickened pudding into each poke hole until filled. Then spread the remaining pudding evenly over the entire cake surface using a silicone or offset spatula.
  11. Add Whipped Topping: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. Cover the cake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
  12. Finish and Serve: After chilling, remove the cake from the fridge and sprinkle the top with the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles for a festive touch. Slice the cake into 3 rows by 5 columns and serve chilled. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days covered.

Notes

  • Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better batter incorporation and cake texture.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors that won’t thin the batter.
  • Do not over-swirl the batter in the pan; a gentle swirl creates a pretty marbling effect.
  • Check cake doneness early, as oven temperatures vary.
  • The pudding filling can be prepared in advance and refrigerated but add to cake just before serving.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Unicorn cake, poke cake, colorful cake, vanilla pudding cake, whimsical dessert, party cake, marbled cake

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Find it online: https://tastewithrafael.com/unicorn-poke-cake-recipe/