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Easy Patriotic Funfetti Poke Cake Recipe with Vanilla Pudding

patriotic funfetti poke cake - featured image

A festive and moist funfetti poke cake filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with whipped topping and patriotic sprinkles, perfect for celebrations and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) funfetti cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O or Kozy Shack recommended)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
  • 8 oz (227 g) frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) red, white & blue sprinkles
  • Optional: fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the funfetti cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, poke holes all over the top about 1 inch apart using a wooden spoon handle or fork.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
  7. Pour the pudding evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Spread gently with a spatula if needed.
  8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the pudding set and flavors meld.
  9. Before serving, fold the thawed whipped topping gently until smooth and spread evenly over the chilled cake.
  10. Sprinkle the red, white, and blue sprinkles on top. Add fresh berries if desired.
  11. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better mixing. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Poke holes while the cake is warm to allow pudding to soak in deeply. Whisk pudding vigorously for a smooth texture. Chill the cake well for best results. Add sprinkles just before serving to prevent melting or color bleeding. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, use appropriate substitutions.

Nutrition

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