Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle Recipe

Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines color, flavor, and fun? The Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle is a delightful treat that brings together the joy of a Funfetti cake, the richness of pudding, and the elegance of a trifle—all in one easy recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking to brighten up a regular day, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through creating this deliciously moist and colorful trifle, offering tips and tricks along the way. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

What is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a classic dessert that has been popular since the 1970s. The concept is simple: after baking the cake, you poke holes throughout and pour a delicious filling—usually pudding, Jell-O, or sweetened condensed milk—into the holes. This creates a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and rich in texture.

History of Poke Cakes

The poke cake was introduced by Jell-O in 1969 as a way to boost sales of their gelatin products. The idea of poking holes into a freshly baked cake and filling it with liquid gelatin quickly caught on, especially in American households looking for simple yet crowd-pleasing desserts. Over time, the poke cake evolved to include other fillings like pudding and custard, offering a wide range of variations.

How Poke Cakes Became a Trend

Poke cakes rose in popularity for their ease of preparation and the ability to customize them with different flavors and fillings. The versatility made them a hit for special occasions like birthdays, potlucks, and holidays. Today, poke cakes have gone beyond just Jell-O fillings; bakers experiment with all kinds of creative ingredients, including Funfetti cake mix, which adds a festive twist to the traditional poke cake recipe.

Ingredients for Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle

Creating a Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle requires only a few simple ingredients, but each plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Basic Ingredients

Funfetti Cake Mix
Funfetti cake mix is the base of this recipe, providing a colorful and celebratory look. It has sprinkles baked right into the cake, adding both fun and texture to every bite.
Instant Pudding Mix (Vanilla or Chocolate)
Instant pudding mix brings moisture and richness to the poke cake. Choose vanilla for a classic flavor, or switch things up with chocolate for a more indulgent option.
Whipped Topping (or Whipped Cream)
The whipped topping helps to lighten the overall dessert, creating an airy layer between the cake and pudding. You can use store-bought whipped topping, or whip your own cream for an extra touch of freshness.
Milk
Milk is needed to prepare the instant pudding mix. The amount will vary based on the package instructions of the pudding mix you choose.
Sprinkles
Extra sprinkles are optional but highly encouraged. They can be used to top off the trifle, adding even more color and fun.

Optional Add-ins

While the basic ingredients will make a delicious trifle, you can get creative with optional add-ins to enhance the flavor and texture:

Fresh Fruit
Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the pudding and cake.
Candies
For a crunchy, sweet surprise, mix in some chopped candies like M&Ms, toffee bits, or chocolate chips.
Syrups
A drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup between layers will take your trifle to the next level of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle

This delicious dessert may look impressive, but it’s quite simple to make! Follow these steps for a foolproof Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle that will wow your guests.

Step 1 – Prepare the Funfetti Cake Mix

Start by preparing the Funfetti cake mix according to the package instructions.

Ingredients: You’ll likely need eggs, oil, and water in addition to the cake mix.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake it in the oven at the temperature specified on the box, usually around 350°F (175°C). Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically 25-30 minutes.

Tips for Success:

Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can lead to a dense, dry cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Use the middle rack of the oven to ensure even baking.

Step 2 – Poke the Cake (How to Do It Perfectly)

Once the cake is baked and cooled slightly (about 10-15 minutes), it’s time to poke the cake.

Tools to Use: Use a fork, wooden skewer, or the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface of the cake. The holes should be evenly spaced about 1 inch apart.
How Deep: The holes should be deep enough to allow the pudding to fill the cake but not go all the way to the bottom—aim for halfway through the cake.

Tips for Even Poking:

Poke the holes while the cake is still warm to allow better absorption of the pudding.
Be gentle when poking to avoid tearing the cake.

Step 3 – Prepare the Pudding

While the cake cools further, prepare the instant pudding mix.

Mix: In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk, following the package instructions. Usually, this requires 2 cups of milk per package of pudding mix.
Consistency: Stir for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken, but make sure it’s still pourable. The pudding should have a creamy texture, not too runny but not fully set either.

Pro Tip: For a richer pudding, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.

Step 4 – Pour Pudding into the Cake

Now it’s time to fill those holes!

Pour: Slowly pour the pudding over the entire surface of the cake, ensuring the pudding flows into the holes. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly if needed.
Let it Set: Once the pudding is in, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set and soak into the cake fully.

Pro Tip: If you’re using chocolate pudding, consider adding chocolate chips to the pudding before pouring for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 5 – Layering for the Trifle

After the cake has cooled and the pudding has set, it’s time to build your trifle.

Cut the Cake: Cut the poke cake into squares to make it easier to layer in your trifle dish.
Layer: Start by placing a layer of cake squares at the bottom of your trifle dish. Follow with a layer of whipped topping, and repeat the layers until the dish is full. Make sure to end with a whipped topping layer for a clean, smooth finish.

Optional Add-ins:
For extra flavor, you can add layers of fruit or candy between the cake and whipped topping layers.

Step 6 – Add Funfetti Toppings

To finish off your trifle, add a generous amount of sprinkles on top of the final whipped topping layer.

Optional: Add extra toppings like candy bits, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of syrup for a bit of extra flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Poke Cake

While a Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are tips to ensure your poke cake comes out perfect every time!

Why Is My Poke Cake Soggy?

One of the most frequent problems with poke cakes is sogginess. If your cake feels too wet or mushy, here’s why:

Too Much Liquid: Adding too much pudding or not following the pudding-to-milk ratio can cause excess moisture, making the cake soggy. Stick to the package instructions and pour the pudding evenly across the holes.
Improper Poking: If the holes are too big or spaced too close together, too much pudding may seep into the cake, making it overly wet. Use a smaller tool like a fork or skewer for more controlled poking.
Not Letting the Cake Set: Make sure to give the pudding time to set properly in the refrigerator. Rushing this step can result in a cake that doesn’t hold its shape well.

What Happens When You Add Pudding Mix to Cake Mix?

Adding pudding mix directly to the cake batter is a popular trick for extra moist cakes. Here’s what happens:

Enhances Moisture: The pudding mix helps retain moisture in the cake, creating a tender and fluffy texture. It also adds a rich, creamy flavor.
Risk of Overdoing It: Be cautious not to add too much pudding mix to the batter, as this can make the cake too dense and heavy. Use a small amount (usually one package of instant pudding mix for a box of cake mix) to maintain balance.

FAQs about Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle

What Happens When You Add Pudding Mix to Cake Mix?

When you add pudding mix to a cake mix, it improves the cake’s moisture and texture. The pudding mix infuses the cake with extra richness, making each bite more tender and flavorful. It also helps the cake maintain its softness for longer, which is perfect for poke cakes that need to absorb extra liquid.

However, adding too much pudding mix can make the cake too dense, so it’s important to follow the recommended ratio: usually one small box of pudding mix for one box of cake mix. If you want to enhance the flavor, try complementary combinations like chocolate pudding mix with Funfetti cake.

Why Is My Poke Cake Soggy?

A poke cake can become soggy if too much liquid is added or if the cake isn’t given enough time to set properly. Here are some tips to prevent sogginess:

Watch the Pudding Consistency: Make sure the pudding isn’t too runny before pouring it into the holes. The pudding should be creamy but not overly thin.
Control the Amount of Liquid: Use the correct ratio of milk to pudding mix. Overpouring or using too much milk can make the cake absorb more liquid than necessary.
Refrigeration Time: Give the cake ample time to set in the fridge. At least an hour is recommended, but more time is better for a firmer, non-soggy cake.

Can You Add Pudding to Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix?

Yes, you can add pudding mix to a Betty Crocker Super Moist cake mix to boost the cake’s flavor and moisture. Betty Crocker Super Moist mixes are designed to be soft and fluffy on their own, but the addition of pudding will create an even more decadent result. Just add one box of instant pudding mix (3.4 oz) directly to the cake mix, and adjust the wet ingredients according to the box’s instructions. If you’re using a flavored pudding mix, make sure it complements the flavor of the cake.

How Do You Poke a Hole in a Cake?

Poking holes in a cake is simple, but there are a few tricks to getting it right:

When to Poke: Wait until the cake has cooled slightly—about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps maintain the structure of the cake while still allowing the pudding to absorb.
Tools to Use: The best tools for poking holes are a fork, a skewer, or the handle of a wooden spoon. Smaller tools like forks or skewers create more, evenly distributed holes, which prevent the cake from getting too soggy.
How to Poke: Gently poke holes about 1 inch apart across the entire surface of the cake. Be careful not to go all the way to the bottom, as this can cause the filling to pool underneath the cake.

Fun Variations of Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle

While the traditional Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle is already a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make this dessert even more exciting. Here are a few fun variations to try!

Chocolate Funfetti Poke Cake

For chocolate lovers, this variation adds a rich twist to the classic poke cake:

Swap the Pudding: Instead of using vanilla pudding, try using chocolate pudding mix for an indulgent, fudgy layer that pairs perfectly with the colorful Funfetti cake.
Top with Chocolate Shavings: After layering the cake and pudding in your trifle dish, add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips between the layers for extra decadence.
Optional Add-ins: You can also add layers of crumbled Oreos or chocolate candies for added crunch and flavor.

Strawberry Funfetti Poke Cake

For a fruity and vibrant variation, you can add strawberries to the mix:

Use Strawberry Pudding or Jell-O: Replace the vanilla pudding with strawberry-flavored pudding or Jell-O for a burst of fruity flavor. The pink hue adds a pop of color that complements the Funfetti cake.
Add Fresh Strawberries: Layer sliced fresh strawberries between the cake and whipped topping layers to bring in a natural, sweet element.
Top with Strawberry Syrup: Drizzle strawberry syrup over the top for an extra fruity punch.

Rainbow Poke Cake with Different Pudding Flavors

Make your trifle even more colorful by using different pudding flavors:

Use Multiple Pudding Colors: Prepare several flavors of pudding in different colors (vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, etc.), and pour each into different sections of the cake. This creates a vibrant, rainbow effect when the cake is sliced.
Add Colorful Layers: As you layer the trifle, alternate different pudding flavors for a colorful and playful presentation. Add extra sprinkles between layers to keep the Funfetti theme strong.
Finish with Rainbow Sprinkles: No Funfetti cake is complete without a generous sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles on top!

Tips for Making the Perfect Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle

Creating a delicious and visually appealing trifle requires attention to a few key details. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle is a hit at every gathering.

How to Get the Right Consistency

One of the most important aspects of this dessert is getting the texture just right—moist but not soggy, creamy yet firm.

Control the Pudding’s Thickness: Make sure the pudding is the right consistency before pouring it over the cake. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable. If the pudding is too runny, the cake may absorb too much liquid, leading to sogginess.
Let the Cake Cool Slightly: Before poking holes, allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes. This ensures that the cake doesn’t crumble when poked, but is still warm enough to absorb the pudding well.

Choosing the Right Pudding Mix

The pudding mix you choose can significantly affect the flavor and texture of your trifle.

Instant vs. Cook-and-Serve Pudding: Instant pudding is ideal for this recipe because it sets quickly and is easy to work with. Cook-and-serve pudding works too, but you’ll need to cool it thoroughly before adding it to the cake.
Flavor Pairings: Vanilla and chocolate pudding are classic options, but you can also experiment with other flavors like butterscotch, banana, or lemon to suit your taste preferences.

Storage Tips

If you’re making the trifle ahead of time or have leftovers, here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigerate Immediately: Trifle should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as it’s assembled. The cold helps the layers set and keeps the whipped topping fresh.
Use a Covered Dish: If you’re not serving the trifle immediately, cover it with plastic wrap or use a dish with a lid to prevent it from drying out.
How Long It Keeps: A trifle will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, after the first day, the cake may start to get a bit softer as it continues to absorb the pudding.

Pro Tip: If you know you’ll be making the trifle ahead of time, consider waiting to add the whipped topping and sprinkles until just before serving to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle is the perfect dessert for any celebration or casual gathering. Its layers of colorful Funfetti cake, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping create a delightful combination that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dessert delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Plus, the fun variations and customizable options make it versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this trifle will quickly become a go-to recipe for parties, potlucks, or even just a special treat for your family. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet, colorful magic of a Pudding Funfetti Poke Cake Trifle!