If you’ve ever dreamed of magic at your dessert table, Unicorn Poke Cake is your ticket to a showstopping, joy-sparking treat! With its marbled colors, bursts of fruity flavors, and fluffy whipped topping showered in sprinkles and edible glitter, this cake looks straight out of a fairy tale. It’s not only easy to assemble with simple grocery store staples, but every slice delivers a swirl of whimsy that brings big smiles to kids and grownups alike. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just want to bake something joyful, Unicorn Poke Cake deserves a spot in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
For the Toppings:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (3 oz) box blue raspberry gelatin mix
- 1 (3 oz) box pink strawberry gelatin mix
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- pastel sprinkles
- food coloring (optional)
- edible glitter (optional)
How to Make Unicorn Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish—nothing fancy, just making sure that golden base will pop out easily. Next, whip up the white cake batter according to your package directions and pour it into your prepared dish. Slide it into the oven and bake per the box’s timing, usually about 25 minutes, until lightly golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before moving on; this pause is key so your gelatin colors don’t melt right through.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Here’s where the magic starts! Grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer and poke holes evenly all over the top of your cake, about an inch apart. Go ahead and poke right down to almost the bottom—these little wells are ready to soak up the colorful gelatin and become the heart of your Unicorn Poke Cake stripes.
Step 3: Mix and Color the Gelatin
In two separate bowls, dissolve the blue raspberry gelatin and the pink strawberry gelatin each in half a cup of boiling water. Stir them really well until not a single grain remains. These vibrant mixes will soon be the stunning stripes inside your cake—think of it as edible tie-dye!
Step 4: Spoon in the Gelatin
Carefully spoon the blue gelatin mixture over half the cake, and the pink over the other half, letting the liquid seep right down into the holes. It’s absolutely fine if the colors swirl and mingle a bit in the middle—that’s part of the whimsical charm! Don’t worry if some sits on top; as the cake chills, it all soaks in.
Step 5: Sweeten and Chill
Now, pour that whole can of sweetened condensed milk slowly over the cake surface, letting it fill the holes and mingle with the gels. This step is pure decadence, adding softness and creamy sweetness in every bite. Cover your cake and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, letting the colors set and flavors meld together while the cake gets perfectly cold and moist.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Cream and Decorations
Once chilled, it’s time for the cloud topping! If you want extra color, add a few drops of food coloring into your thawed whipped topping and gently swirl it for a marbled effect—absolutely magical. Spread this billowy topping evenly across your cake, smoothing or swirling to your heart’s content. Generously scatter pastel sprinkles and a pinch of edible glitter over the top for the full unicorn fantasy. Now step back and admire your work!
How to Serve Unicorn Poke Cake
Garnishes
For that sparkling finish, go wild with pastel sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a few fun cake toppers—anything that makes your heart happy! I love tucking in little star picks, rainbow candies, or even a scoop of ice cream on the side for a birthday-level treat. Just remember to sprinkle decorations right before serving to keep them vibrant and crisp.
Side Dishes
While Unicorn Poke Cake is truly the star of any dessert table, it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, or a playful scoop of rainbow sherbet. You can keep things simple with some fizzy fruit punch, or lean into the whimsical theme with a cotton candy milkshake for an extra burst of color and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
When it comes to presenting Unicorn Poke Cake, let your imagination run wild! Slice and serve on pastel plates, stack mini squares on a tiered cake stand, or cut with a star-shaped cutter for individual servings at a party. For birthdays, add unicorn figurines or rainbow lollipops to take the display over the top. The more playful, the better—it’s all about joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Unicorn Poke Cake keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap or use an airtight cake keeper to ensure the whipped topping stays fluffy and the sprinkles remain fresh. It’s a fantastic treat to have on hand for a quick, colorful snack or an after-dinner delight.
Freezing
While you can freeze unicorn poke cake, I recommend doing so before you add whipped topping and decorations. Wrap the chilled, gelatin-filled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and add the whipped topping and decorations fresh for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
No need to reheat this cake—it’s meant to be served chilled for maximum refreshment and color contrast! If you just pulled it from the fridge and want it to soften a bit, let it chill on the counter for 10 minutes before serving. This softens the cake just enough while keeping those vibrant colors vivid.
FAQs
Can I use different gelatin flavors and colors?
Absolutely! Unicorn Poke Cake is all about fun and personalization. Swap in grape, lime, or orange for unexpected bursts of color or to match a party’s color scheme. The method is the same, so let your imagination lead the way!
What if I don’t have edible glitter?
Don’t worry—a generous shower of pastel sprinkles alone still delivers plenty of visual sparkle and whimsy. You could also try crushed rock candy or use a colorful sugar dust as an alternative to edible glitter.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! There are dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping options available at most major grocery stores. Just double-check your cake mix and sprinkle ingredients to keep everything meeting your diet requirements.
Can I make cupcakes instead of one big poke cake?
Definitely! Prepare the cake batter and divide among cupcake liners. Once baked and cooled, poke holes in each, drizzle over the gelatin mixtures, and decorate as directed. They bake up just as beautifully and are perfect for parties or grab-and-go treats!
How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Be sure to use the correct amount of boiling water with your gelatin and let the cake chill fully for two hours before adding toppings. Serving within two or three days helps, too—the whipped topping and condensed milk help keep things moist but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring pure joy to your next celebration—or just need a little magic in the middle of a regular week—give Unicorn Poke Cake a try. Every slice brings big, bright color and irresistible flavor that will have everyone smiling (and asking for seconds). It’s easy, eye-catching, and endlessly customizable, so why not make a little bit of unicorn magic happen in your own kitchen?
Print
Unicorn Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Unicorn Poke Cake is a whimsical and colorful dessert perfect for birthdays or special occasions. This funfetti cake is soaked in sweetened condensed milk and vibrant gelatin, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a magical treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
For the Toppings:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (3 oz) box blue raspberry gelatin mix
- 1 (3 oz) box pink strawberry gelatin mix
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- pastel sprinkles
- food coloring (optional)
- edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the white cake as per package instructions. Cool for 15–20 minutes.
- Poke Holes: Use a skewer to poke holes across the cake’s surface.
- Prepare Gelatin: Dissolve each gelatin mix in boiling water separately. Pour blue gelatin on half the cake and pink on the other half.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Add Topping: Spread whipped topping over the cake. Optionally, add food coloring for a swirl effect.
- Decorate: Top with pastel sprinkles and edible glitter before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the colors with different gelatin flavors.
- For special occasions, decorate with unicorn-themed toppers or rainbow candies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
