Unicorn Poke Cake

Let’s talk about something magical. Do you remember the chocolate poke cakes your grandma used to make? This Unicorn Poke Cake is like that, but dialed up to eleven with rainbow sprinkles, fluffy and delicious. What are some of the best dreamy vibes? Is this a good vanilla cake? Is it easier than it looks, and the “oohs” you’ll get when you serve it? Is this a good birthday cake? When I want to whip up something delicious, fun and colorful this **Unicorn Poke Cake** is always a must try. What was your first choice?

What is a unicorn poke cake?

Imagine a classic vanilla cake, baked to golden perfection, then poked all over with holes. Now imagine pouring a sweet, creamy, dreamy concoction into those holes, letting it soak into every hole. What is nook and cranny? What’s a good topping for whipped cream frosting? Is there a blizzard of rainbow What is a unicorn Poke Cake? Is this a super-moist, intensely flavored cake? The name comes from its colorful appearance, reminiscent of all things unicorn – whimsical, bright, etc. Is it irresistible?

Why you will love this recipe?

What I love about this **Unicorn Poke Cake** is its simplicity. I don’t need to be a master baker to do this. It’s almost foolproof!

Flavor:What is a soft, tender vanilla cake infused with sweet filling? The burst of vanilla is comforting and classic, then the whipped cream frosting is light and airy. What is the perfect canvas for sprinkles? Is this the perfect balance of sweet and delightful?
Simplicity:How do you make a delicious cake? If you can bake a boxed cake mix (and honestly, even if you don’t!), you could make this. How do you make a frosting? What is the best way to add a touch of sweetness?
Cost-What are some basic ingredients for a cake mix? You probably have most of them in your pantry already! If you’re buying a fancy bakery cake, this is an absolute steal.
Versatility:What are some of the best birthday cake ideas? Birthday parties, potlucks, picnics or just a fun weekend treat. Can you customize the colors and sprinkles to match any theme? What is a good poke cake? I swear this Unicorn Poke Cake always disappears first!

What is a crowd pleaser recipe? I always have a hard time with chocolate, so I make this **Unicorn Poke Cake**. What is the flavor of vanilla?

How do you make a unicorn poke cake?

Quick Overview

What is the recipe for a vanilla cake? While it’s still warm, you poke a bunch of holes in it (this is the fun part!). Then, you whip up a sweet, creamy mixture and pour it all over the cake, letting it soak into those little crumbs. What’s not to like about rainbow sprinkles? Is it that easy to make a delicious cake? What is your favorite cake and why?

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water) – I have a box of this. Always opt for a good quality brand. What makes a difference?

For the Poke Filling:

1 (3 ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix – Make sure it’s instant, not cook and serve!
2 cups cold milk (whole milk is best for richness) – I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch and it works great. How did you turn out?
1 cup heavy cream – This is what gives the filling that extra creamy texture.
1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adjust to your sweetness preference.

What is the recipe for Whipped Cream Frosting?

2 cups heavy cream – Cold is key for whipping it up properly.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sift it to avoid any lumps.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely touch of flavor.
What is a unicorn without sprinkles?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. How do you remove cake? I always line the bottom with parchment paper, too, just to be extra safe. What is worse than a cake that gets stuck?

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

How do I prepare a Cake Batter according to the directions on the box? Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined. Should the batter be smooth and lump free?

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Is it necessary to pour the batter into a pan and bake for the time specified on the box? To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and test again. Don’t open the oven too often, or the cake will sink!

Step 4: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before poking holes in it. When you poke the holes in the cake, it’s important that the filling is still warm, as this allows for the frosting to spread evenly. How do I soak in water? Why don’t you poke it while it’s piping hot?

Step 5: Poke the Holes

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes all over the cake. The holes should be about 1 inch apart. Don’t be shy – the more holes, the better filling! What is my kids’ favorite part to help with?

Step 6: Prepare the Poke Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Set aside. Is it safe to let it stand for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly? In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. What is the best way to make whipped cream into a pudding?

Step 7: Pour the Filling

If you have a poked cake, pour the pudding mixture evenly over it, making sure to fill all the holes. Use a spatula to spread it out if necessary. The cake should be completely covered with the filling. What is the magic of a cake?

Step 8: Chill the Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set completely and the flavors to meld together. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!

Step 9: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside. If you overwhip the cream, it will turn grainy. The frosting should be light and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the chilled cake. What are some fun ways to sprinkle rainbow sprinkles? Is it possible to add edible glitter to your unicorns? I always let my kids help with decorating – they love it!

Step 11: Slice & Serve

Slice the cake into squares and serve immediately. This cake is best served cold. It’s perfect for a hot summer day. What are some good ways to store leftovers in the refrigerator?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best ways to make a unicorn poke cake? What are some fun serving suggestions?

For a Birthday Party: Serve with scoops of vanilla ice cream and colorful candles. It’s the perfect birthday treat!

For a Potluck: Bring the whole cake and let everyone serve themselves. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

For a Summer Picnic: Pack the cake in a cooler and enjoy it outdoors. It’s refreshing and delicious on a hot day.

For a Cozy Night In: Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of tea or coffee. It’s the perfect comfort food.

My family tradition is to always serve this at our summer block parties. It is very popular and I never have any leftovers.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Unicorn Poke Cake

Okay, so I’ve made this cake countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for perfecting your Unicorn Poke Cake:

Cake Choice: While a boxed cake mix is super convenient, you can definitely use your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe for this. Just make sure it’s a light and fluffy cake that will soak up the filling nicely.

Poke Depth: Don’t be afraid to poke the holes deep! You want the filling to really penetrate the cake. I usually poke the holes almost all the way to the bottom of the pan.

Filling Consistency: If your filling seems too thin, add a little more instant pudding mix. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk. You want it to be pourable but not runny.

Sprinkle Power: Don’t skimp on the sprinkles! The more sprinkles, the more fun. I like to use a mix of different sizes and shapes for extra visual appeal.

Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! The cake needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for the filling to set properly. Overnight is even better.

Frosting Stability: If you’re making the cake ahead of time, you can stabilize the whipped cream frosting by adding a tablespoon of cornstarch or gelatin. This will prevent it from weeping or deflating.

I remember the first time I tried making this, I didn’t poke the holes deep enough, and the filling didn’t really soak into the cake. It was still good, but not nearly as moist and delicious as it could have been. Lesson learned!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make this ahead of time? Here’s how to store your Unicorn Poke Cake:

Room Temperature: This cake is best stored in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. The whipped cream frosting can melt at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the cake, but the texture of the whipped cream frosting may change slightly. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend frosting the cake just before serving for the best results. If you frost it ahead of time, the frosting may start to soften or weep.

I usually make this the day before I need it, so it has plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator. It’s always a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and make sure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free. The taste and texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. I’ve tested this with a few different gluten-free cake mixes, and they all worked pretty well. Just follow the instructions on the box carefully.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Absolutely! Vanilla is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other flavors like white chocolate, cheesecake, or even pistachio. Just make sure the flavor complements the cake and frosting. I once tried it with banana cream pudding, and it was surprisingly good!

Can I make this as cupcakes instead?

Yes, you can! Just bake the cake batter in cupcake liners instead of a 9×13 inch pan. Reduce the baking time accordingly. Once the cupcakes are cool, poke holes in them and fill them with the pudding mixture. Then, top with whipped cream frosting and sprinkles.

How can I make the colors more vibrant?

You can add a few drops of food coloring to the pudding mixture or the whipped cream frosting. Gel food coloring is best, as it’s more concentrated and won’t water down the mixture. I like to use a combination of pink, blue, and purple for a true unicorn effect.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

While Cool Whip is a convenient option, I highly recommend using real whipped cream for the best taste and texture. Real whipped cream is lighter, fluffier, and has a much better flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make at home! I promise, it’s worth the extra effort.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my recipe for Unicorn Poke Cake! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so much fun to make. Plus, who can resist a cake that’s as colorful and magical as a unicorn? If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes for more delicious treats. And as always, happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Please comment below and let me know.

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