A sprinkle-filled celebration cake that’s perfect for kicking off the school year.

This Back-to-School Poke Cake is the ultimate way to celebrate the start of a new school year. Made with Funfetti mix, a creamy vanilla filling, and loads of rainbow sprinkles, it’s bright, cheerful, and seriously easy to make. Perfect for first-day festivities, class parties, or after-school surprises, this Back-to-School Poke Cake brings the fun and flavor in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with a box of Funfetti cake mix
• Bright, colorful, and full of rainbow sprinkles
• Filled with creamy vanilla pudding and sweetened condensed milk
• Perfect for after-school snacks, parties, or school events
• It’s this month’s bake-along recipe!
• Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve

Ingredient Notes

• Funfetti cake mix – Any brand works, but Pillsbury’s classic mix gives you that signature birthday cake flavor and built-in sprinkles.
• Rainbow sprinkles – Use jimmies (the long, soft kind) so they don’t bleed color.
• Sweetened condensed milk – This thick and sweet base helps the filling soak perfectly into the cake.
• Vanilla or white chocolate pudding – Instant pudding works best. Choose vanilla for a classic flavor or white chocolate for something richer.
• Whipped topping – Cool Whip or any stabilized whipped topping spreads easily and holds up well in the fridge.
• Mini ABC letter sprinkles – Great for a school-themed touch. You can find them online or in specialty baking stores, especially around back-to-school season.

Before You Bake

Do I need to let the cake cool before adding the filling?
Yes, let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes so it’s warm but not hot. This helps the filling soak in without melting the topping.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
You can, but make sure it’s fully prepared and cooled. Instant pudding is quicker and sets more evenly in the cake.

Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, a yellow or vanilla cake mix works well—just stir in rainbow sprinkles to keep the funfetti effect.

Back to School Poke Cake

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 1 box Funfetti cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed on the box)
• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Poke Filling:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup vanilla or white chocolate pudding (prepared from instant mix or store-bought)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
• Mini ABC letter sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch dish with baking spray.
2. Prepare the Funfetti cake mix according to package instructions, folding in the extra sprinkles.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, according to the package timing.
4. Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, prepared pudding, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Pour the mixture slowly over the cake, letting it fill the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
7. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the filling soak in.
8. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
   Decorate with rainbow sprinkles and mini ABC letter sprinkles.
9. Slice into squares and serve!

FAQ

How far in advance can I make this?
You can prepare it 1–2 days ahead. Keep it covered and chilled in the fridge.

Does this need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, because of the pudding and whipped topping, it should be stored in the refrigerator.

What kind of sprinkles work best?
Use jimmies (the longer, softer sprinkles). Avoid nonpareils, which can bleed color.

How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?
Don’t overfill the holes, and let it chill for at least an hour but no more than 2 days. The whipped topping helps lock in texture.

Sprinkle of Fun

Make this Back-to-School Poke Cake for a sweet TGIF treat after the first week back! Add a mini banner that says “You Did It!” and serve with juice boxes or milk in fun cups. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the week and start a new school year with sprinkles and smiles.