Mardi Gras celebrations are vibrant, festive, and absolutely delightful, but sometimes the energy required to bake a traditional King Cake from scratch can be daunting. Thankfully, this incredible King Cake Poke Cake offers a delightfully easy and equally delicious “cheater’s” version of the classic Mardi Gras dessert! Crafted with a simple yellow cake mix, infused with a rich cinnamon pudding, and finished with a sweet, colorful glaze, this semi-homemade King Cake guarantees an ooey-gooey texture and an explosion of flavor that’s both fun to eat and effortless to prepare. We’ve even kept the beloved tradition alive by hiding a plastic baby inside for that exciting surprise moment, bringing luck and prosperity to the finder!
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King Cake Poke Cake: Your Ultimate Mardi Gras Dessert Cheat!
As a long-time enthusiast of Mardi Gras, I’ve always cherished the lively traditions and, of course, the iconic King Cake. While the elaborate yeast-based, cinnamon-swirled King Cake is a true masterpiece, sometimes its complexity and time commitment can be a bit much. That’s precisely where my super easy King Cake Poke Cake comes to the rescue! This delightful twist on the classic King Cake offers all the festive flavors and vibrant colors with a fraction of the effort, making it perfect for your Mardi Gras celebrations without the stress.
Using a boxed cake mix and instant pudding, this recipe transforms into a wonderfully moist and gooey dessert, sporting the traditional purple, green, and gold colors that symbolize justice, faith, and power, respectively. It’s a kitchen hack that yields truly homemade-tasting results in minutes. If you’re looking for a similar handheld treat, be sure to check out my Mardi Gras Cupcakes!
Of course, no King Cake is complete without its hidden surprise! Just like the traditional version, this poke cake includes a small plastic baby figurine tucked inside. The person who finds the baby in their slice is said to be blessed with luck and prosperity, and traditionally, they become the “king” or “queen” for the day, often responsible for hosting the next Mardi Gras gathering. So, don’t forget to include one in your cake for that extra touch of fun and tradition!
The Rich History and Symbolism of Traditional King Cake
King Cake, or “Galette des Rois” in its original French, is a dessert with deep roots stretching back to medieval Europe, where it was enjoyed to celebrate Epiphany (Twelfth Night), marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem. Over centuries, this tradition made its way to New Orleans and other Gulf Coast regions, becoming synonymous with the Mardi Gras season, which officially begins on Epiphany and culminates on Fat Tuesday.
The cake itself is typically a brioche-like pastry, often braided or twisted into an oval shape, adorned with a simple glaze and sprinkles. The iconic colors of purple, green, and gold hold significant meaning in Mardi Gras tradition. Purple symbolizes justice, green represents faith, and gold signifies power. These vibrant hues not only make the King Cake visually appealing but also connect it deeply to the spiritual and cultural values of the celebration.
Perhaps the most cherished tradition is the small plastic baby (or “fève” in French) hidden within the cake. Whoever finds the baby in their slice is considered lucky and blessed with prosperity. This person is then crowned “King” or “Queen” for the day and is typically responsible for hosting the next King Cake party. This element of surprise and shared responsibility adds an extra layer of excitement and community spirit to the Mardi Gras festivities, making the King Cake more than just a dessert—it’s a shared experience.
Why a Poke Cake Version? The Ultimate Convenience for Mardi Gras!
While the allure of a traditional King Cake is undeniable, its preparation can be quite time-consuming, involving yeast, multiple rises, and intricate shaping. This King Cake Poke Cake offers a fantastic alternative, allowing you to enjoy all the classic flavors and festive spirit with significantly less effort. The beauty of a poke cake lies in its simplicity and the incredible moistness it achieves.
By using a boxed cake mix, you cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. The “poke” method involves creating holes in the baked cake, which are then filled with a liquid component—in this case, a delicious cinnamon pudding. This process ensures every bite is incredibly moist and flavorful, a signature characteristic that sets poke cakes apart. It’s an ideal solution for busy hosts or anyone looking for a stress-free Mardi Gras dessert that still feels special and homemade.
Storing Your Festive King Cake Poke Cake
To keep your King Cake Poke Cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, given how tasty it is!), place them in an airtight container. This will protect the cake from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in your refrigerator. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding filling helps maintain its moistness for longer.
For extended storage, this poke cake freezes beautifully. You can freeze individual slices or the entire cake (preferably before decorating with sprinkles, as they might bleed when thawing) in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you froze it without sprinkles, add a fresh sprinkle of green, gold, and purple sugars before serving to restore its festive appearance.
Expert Tips for the Perfect King Cake Poke Cake Every Time
- Cake Mix Versatility: While yellow cake mix is traditional for its golden hue, feel free to experiment! White or even chocolate cake mix can be used if you prefer, offering a different base flavor while still delivering that iconic Mardi Gras look with the sprinkles.
- Pudding Flavor Adventures: The cinnamon pudding adds a wonderful warmth and traditional spice. However, don’t hesitate to swap it for other flavors like cheesecake, pistachio, banana, or even a classic vanilla pudding for a different taste profile. Just ensure it’s instant pudding mix for ease.
- Mastering the Poke Holes: The key to a truly moist poke cake is proper hole-poking. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a sturdy skewer to create large, deep holes, aiming for about ¾ of the way through the cake. It’s crucial not to poke all the way to the bottom, as the delicious pudding filling could seep out when you cut the cake, resulting in a less integrated and messier slice. Even spacing, about 1 inch apart, ensures every bite is saturated with flavor.
- The Make-Ahead Marvel: King Cake Poke Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. It requires time for the pudding to fully set and infuse the cake with moisture, so preparing it the day before you plan to serve it is highly recommended. Simply make the cake and pudding as directed, cover it tightly, and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake to achieve its optimal texture.
- Decorate Just Before Serving: To maintain the vibrant, distinct colors of your purple, green, and gold decorating sugars and prevent them from bleeding into the glaze, wait until just before you’re ready to serve the cake to sprinkle them on top.
- Hiding the Baby: For the traditional plastic baby, ensure it’s clean before inserting. Once the pudding has set and the cake is cool, gently push the baby into one of the pudding-filled holes. Make sure it’s fully submerged and hidden from plain sight, adding to the surprise!
- Glaze Consistency is Key: When making the glaze, start with half the milk and add more gradually. The goal is a glaze that’s thin enough to pour and spread smoothly but thick enough to stay on top of the cake without running off the sides too quickly. It should slowly drip off your whisk.
King Cake Poke Cake Recipe
20 minutes
15 minutes
1 hour 5 minutes
30 minutes
12 slices
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (1 box) — Duncan Hines brand recommended
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
For the Pudding
- 3.4 ounces vanilla pudding mix (1 box)
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk (start with ¼ cup, add more as needed)
- Decorating sugar (green, gold, and purple, for topping)
- 1 plastic baby (optional, for tradition)
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional, for precise measurement of cake mix)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Large Mixing Bowls (2-3)
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon or Skewer (for poking holes)
- Spatula or Off-set Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and releases easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire 15.25 ounces of yellow cake mix, 1 cup of water, 3 large room temperature eggs, and ⅓ cup of vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly according to the package directions until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake the cake as directed on the cake mix box (typically around 20-25 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for the pudding to set properly without melting.
- Once the cake is fully cooled to room temperature, retrieve the handle of a wooden spoon or a sturdy skewer. Use it to poke holes all over the top surface of the cake. Ensure the holes are deep enough (approximately ¾ of the way through the cake) but do not go completely through to the bottom of the pan. This technique allows the pudding to create pockets of moisture without leaking out when the cake is sliced. Aim for consistent spacing, about 1 inch apart, to ensure even pudding distribution across the entire cake.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the 3.4 ounces of vanilla pudding mix, 2½ cups of milk, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding mixture begins to thicken slightly. Immediately after mixing, pour the cinnamon pudding evenly over the entire poked cake, making sure the pudding seeps into all the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread the pudding if needed, ensuring the surface is fully covered.
- Cover the cake pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and place it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time allows the pudding to fully set and infuse into the cake, creating its signature moist texture. If desired, and once the cake is thoroughly cooled and the pudding has set, gently insert a clean plastic baby figurine into one of the pudding-filled holes. Make sure it’s completely hidden within the cake for the traditional Mardi Gras surprise!
- While the cake is chilling, prepare the sweet glaze. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of powdered sugar and ¼ cup of milk until smooth and free of lumps. The glaze should be pourable but have enough body to coat the cake. If it appears too thick, you can add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, up to a total of ½ cup, until you achieve the desired smooth, pourable consistency. Be careful not to make it too thin, or it will run right off the cake.
- Once the cake is thoroughly chilled and the pudding is firm, gently pour the prepared glaze over the entire top surface of the cake. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly from edge to edge, creating a smooth, white layer that will serve as the canvas for your festive Mardi Gras colors. Work quickly, as the glaze will start to set.
- Immediately after applying the glaze (while it’s still wet), generously sprinkle the green, gold, and purple decorating sugars over the top. You can create distinct stripes, sections, or a freestyle pattern to capture the vibrant and joyful spirit of Mardi Gras. Serve this delightful King Cake Poke Cake immediately for the best experience, or keep it chilled until you’re ready to slice and share!
Notes
Calories from Fat 90
Becky Hardin
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How to Make King Cake Poke Cake (with Cake Mix) Step-by-Step with Photos
Creating this easy King Cake Poke Cake is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Here’s a visual guide to walk you through each step, making sure your Mardi Gras dessert is perfectly moist, flavorful, and festive. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the comprehensive recipe card above.
Step 1: Bake the Cake. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Follow the simple instructions on your favorite yellow cake mix box to prepare the batter, then pour it into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, then let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding. This ensures the cake is sturdy enough for poking and absorbs the pudding perfectly.
Step 2: Poke the Cake. Once your cake is thoroughly cooled, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer. Systematically poke holes across the entire top surface of the cake. Aim for holes that are about ¾ of the way deep, making sure not to go all the way to the bottom. This technique is essential for the pudding to infuse deeply, creating that signature moistness without leaking when sliced.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Pudding. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, milk, and ground cinnamon until it begins to thicken. This cinnamon-infused pudding is what gives our King Cake Poke Cake its distinctive flavor. Pour this mixture immediately and evenly over the poked cake, ensuring that it fills all the created holes. You can gently spread it with a spatula to cover the entire surface if needed.
Step 4: Chill and Hide the Baby. Cover the cake pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until the pudding has fully set. This step is crucial for the cake’s texture and flavor. After the cake is chilled, don’t forget the fun part: gently hide a clean plastic baby figurine into one of the pudding-filled holes. This traditional surprise is what makes a King Cake truly special!
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze. While your cake is chilling, prepare the sweet glaze. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and half of the milk (¼ cup) until it’s smooth and lump-free. The consistency is key here – it should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the cake. If it’s too thick, add the remaining milk gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the perfect pourable texture.
Step 6: Glaze the Cake. Once the cake is thoroughly chilled and the pudding is firm, gently pour the prepared smooth glaze evenly over the entire top surface. Use a spatula or an offset spatula to spread it from edge to edge, creating a uniform, sweet white layer that forms the perfect canvas for your festive Mardi Gras decorations. Work swiftly as the glaze can start to set quickly.
Step 7: Decorate with Festive Sugars. Immediately after applying the glaze, and while it’s still wet, generously sprinkle the traditional green, gold, and purple decorating sugars over the top. You can create stripes, sections, or a freestyle pattern to capture the vibrant and joyful spirit of Mardi Gras. The vivid colors are essential for the King Cake aesthetic. Now, your delightful King Cake Poke Cake is ready to be sliced, served, and enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about King Cake Poke Cake
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your easy King Cake Poke Cake:
- What is the significance of the King Cake colors? The three iconic colors of Mardi Gras King Cake—purple, green, and gold—each hold symbolic meaning. Purple represents justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold stands for power. These colors are not only visually striking but also deeply embedded in the rich traditions of Mardi Gras.
- Where does the King Cake tradition come from? The tradition of King Cake dates back to ancient European celebrations of Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, which commemorates the biblical visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. Over time, it evolved and was brought to New Orleans by French colonists, becoming a staple of the Mardi Gras season.
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix or pudding? Absolutely! While yellow cake mix and vanilla/cinnamon pudding are recommended for a classic flavor profile, feel free to get creative. White cake mix offers a neutral base, and you could experiment with pudding flavors like cheesecake, pistachio, or even a spiced pumpkin for a unique twist. Just be sure to maintain the correct liquid ratios.
- How do I hide the plastic baby safely? For safety, ensure the plastic baby figurine is clean and food-safe. Once the cake has cooled completely and the pudding has set (before glazing), gently push the baby into one of the pudding-filled holes. Make sure it’s fully submerged and hidden so it’s a true surprise when someone finds it! Remind guests about the tradition before serving.
- Can I make this King Cake Poke Cake ahead of time? Yes, this King Cake Poke Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight in the refrigerator helps the pudding fully set and permeate the cake, resulting in an even moister and more flavorful experience. Just hold off on adding the colored sprinkles until just before serving to keep their colors vibrant.
Serving Suggestions for Your Mardi Gras Masterpiece
Your beautiful King Cake Poke Cake is a celebration in itself, but a few serving touches can elevate the experience. Serve slices chilled, as the pudding sets best when cold. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a festive sparkling beverage to complete the treat. For an extra touch of Mardi Gras flair, arrange individual slices on small plates and add a few extra pinches of green, gold, and purple sprinkles to the plate for a dynamic presentation. Don’t forget to have small paper crowns or Mardi Gras beads on hand for the lucky person who finds the hidden baby!
More Easy Poke Cake Recipes to Try!
Eggnog Poke Cake
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Boston Cream Poke Cake
Better Than Sex Cake
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Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras, hosting a festive gathering, or simply craving a delicious and easy dessert, this King Cake Poke Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant colors, moist texture, and delightful cinnamon flavor capture the spirit of the season with minimal effort. So go ahead, whip up this festive treat, hide that baby, and let the good times roll!