Name: Grinch Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; Ingredients from the cake mix box (water, oil, eggs); Neon green gel food coloring (generous amount); 3.4 oz cheesecake instant pudding mix; 2 cups milk; Red gel food coloring (generous amount); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 5 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons whole milk (plus more as needed); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Neon green gel food coloring (generous amount); Green sprinkles; Jumbo heart sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

There is an undeniable charm to holiday-themed treats, and the Grinch Poke Cake Recipe is no exception. This vibrant, eye-catching dessert combines fluffy white cake infused with a cheerful neon green hue, laced with pockets of rich red cheesecake pudding, and topped with luscious green buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles. It’s the perfect way to bring a sprinkle of whimsy and sweetness to your table, whether you’re celebrating the season or just craving a fun and delicious dessert that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a smooth, bright green mixture that spreads evenly across the bowl. A silver whisk rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the green mixture, with light reflections showing the texture of the smooth sauce or batter. The scene is bright, clean, and simple, focusing on the vivid color and creamy texture of the mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Grinch Poke Cake Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s for the cake’s tender crumb, the creamy red pudding surprise inside, or the irresistibly smooth frosting that crowns the whole creation.

White cake mix plus ingredients from box: The base of your cake, giving you a soft, fluffy layer perfect for soaking up pudding and frosting.
Neon green gel food coloring: Adds that unmistakable vivid green color reminiscent of the Grinch himself, brightening up every bite.
3.4 oz cheesecake instant pudding: This pudding pack brings creamy richness and a luscious texture inside the cake’s holes.
2 cups milk: Used to prepare the pudding, ensuring it’s smooth and spreadable into the poked cake.
Red gel food coloring: Transforms the cheesecake pudding into a striking red, creating a festive contrast in the cake.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The creamy foundation for the buttercream frosting, providing softness and flavor.
5 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly and helps achieve that fluffy texture.
2 tablespoons whole milk: Balances the frosting’s consistency, making it easy to spread but not runny.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor profile.
Green sprinkles: For a fun, festive crunch that complements the green frosting.
Jumbo heart sprinkles: Adds a charming pop of color and whimsy to the cake’s decoration.

How to Make Grinch Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bake Your Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish so the cake doesn’t stick later on. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your white cake mix, water, oil, and eggs according to the box’s instructions. Now for the magic touch: add a hefty amount of neon green gel food coloring until the batter is the perfect shade reminiscent of the Grinch’s mischievous hue. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake as directed by the cake mix box. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely—this chilling step ensures the pudding seeps in perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Red Cheesecake Pudding Filling

While your cake cools, whisk together the cheesecake instant pudding and 2 cups of milk in a medium bowl. Add red gel food coloring generously and whisk until you get a rich, vibrant red that will stand out beautifully against the green cake. This pudding is the secret to the cake’s moist pockets of tart creaminess that make every bite exciting.

Step 3: Poke and Pour

Using a large straw, the slim end of a wooden spoon, or something similar, poke holes all over the cooled cake, spacing them evenly for maximum puddling effect. Next, with a food syringe or turkey baster, fill each hole with the red cheesecake pudding mixture. This step is what creates the fun surprise inside the cake — rich red pockets bursting with creamy flavor. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the pudding set beautifully within the cake.

Step 4: Whip Up the Green Buttercream Frosting

Once the pudding has set, it’s time for the frosting. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and a generous splash of neon green gel food coloring. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well between additions. Alternate adding the 2 tablespoons of whole milk as needed to create a spreadable, fluffy frosting. If it gets too thin, no worries—just add more powdered sugar to thicken it back up.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Spread the bright green frosting smoothly over the top of your pudding-filled cake. To finish, sprinkle generously with green sprinkles and jumbo heart-shaped sprinkles, adding a playful and festive touch that’s sure to delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice.

How to Serve Grinch Poke Cake Recipe

A square slice of cake sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is a green sponge, the middle layer is red and crumbly, and the top layer is smooth green frosting decorated with green sprinkles and small red heart-shaped sprinkles. Near the plate, a metal fork rests to the left. In the background, there is a clear glass mug filled with white milk and a white bowl with extra green sprinkles inside. The setting is bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra dose of holiday cheer, adding green and red themed garnishes is a must. Beyond sprinkles, you can try edible glitter or little candy cane pieces to bring some seasonal sparkle. The contrast between the smooth frosting and crunchy garnishes creates a delightful texture combo that makes every bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light vanilla or peppermint ice cream, balancing its sweetness while doubling down on festive flavors. Serving a hot cup of cocoa or a fruity holiday punch alongside makes the experience even more cozy and joyful for guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, cut the Grinch Poke Cake Recipe into themed shapes using cookie cutters—think hearts or stars. You could also serve individual portions in clear cups to show off the colorful pudding pockets. Wrapping slices with a festive ribbon turns them into edible gifts, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Grinch Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake stays moist and flavorful, but it’s best enjoyed within a few days to appreciate the pudding’s creamy texture at its freshest.

Freezing

Freezing this cake isn’t ideal because the pudding filling might change texture. However, if you must, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to help the cake regain some of its original softness.

Reheating

This cake is delightful served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before slicing, which loosens the frosting and softens the cake without ruining the beautiful pudding pockets inside.

FAQs

Can I make the Grinch Poke Cake Recipe without food coloring?

While the food coloring really brings the cake’s festive character to life, you can certainly skip it if desired. The flavors will remain delicious, though it won’t have that iconic green and red appearance that makes this dessert so special.

What can I use instead of cheesecake pudding mix?

If cheesecake pudding isn’t available, vanilla or plain instant pudding works fairly well. It won’t have the same creamy tang, but it will still add moist pockets inside the cake, which is key for a poke cake.

How do I get the green frosting to be such a bright color?

Gel food coloring is your best friend here because it provides intense color without thinning your frosting like liquid food coloring can. Using neon green gel ensures your frosting is vivid and eye-catching.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of the Grinch Poke Cake Recipe, select a gluten-free white cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free. The pudding and frosting ingredients are usually safe, but always double-check labels.

What is the best way to poke holes in the cake?

A large straw or the narrow end of a wooden spoon works perfectly because they create consistent, evenly spaced holes without tearing the cake. This helps the pudding seep in evenly for balanced flavor and texture throughout the cake.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend the Grinch Poke Cake Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a splash of festive fun and flavor to their dessert lineup. It’s joyful, colorful, and indulgently delicious—qualities that make every holiday or celebration a little brighter. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to create a show-stopping cake that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe again and again!