Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Let’s get the party started—crank your oven to the temp on the cake mix box (usually 350°F) and feel the kitchen hum with promise. Grab a 9×13 cake pan—grease it well with butter or spray (I love that slick shine!). Take a sec to breathe—this is gonna be a sprinkle wonder, and you’re already on your way.

Step 2: Mix the Funfetti Batter
Follow the cake mix box directions—usually eggs, oil, and water—dump it all in a big bowl and mix ‘til smooth (I love that easy start!). Stir in 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles—watch those colors pop as you blend (my heart’s racing with sprinkle joy!). Pour the batter into your prepped pan—smooth it out and admire that sprinkle-dotted sea—it’s ready to bake!

Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pop the pan in the oven—bake per the box, usually 25-30 minutes—check with a toothpick ‘til it’s got a few crumbs (I love seeing it puff up golden!). Cool it completely in the pan—takes about an hour (I sneak a peek and dream of pudding!). This is the fluffy base for our poke party.

Step 4: Poke the Holes
Grab a wooden spoon handle or wide chopstick—poke holes all over the cooled cake, about 1/2 inch wide (I giggle making those little wells!). Space them even but not too fussy—aim for lots of spots for pudding to sink in (my kitchen’s buzzing with anticipation!). This is where the fun really starts.

Step 5: Fill with Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk one 3.4 oz box of vanilla instant pudding with 1 1/2 cups milk—mix just ‘til it thickens but stays runny (I love that creamy swirl!). Use a small piping bag or spoon to fill those holes—drizzle it in ‘til they’re brimming (I feel like a pudding artist!). Spread any leftover pudding over the top—smooth it out and grin at that creamy layer.

Step 6: Whip the Topping
Mix 1 cup milk with the second 3.4 oz box of pudding—whisk ‘til it thickens a bit (I watch it turn velvety!). Fold in 4 cups frozen whipped topping—gently swirl it with a spatula ‘til fluffy (I love that cloud-like fluff!). Spread it over the cake—keep it even or save some to pipe swirls later—I’m dreaming of sprinkles already!

Step 7: Sprinkle and Chill
Scatter extra rainbow sprinkles over the top—go wild or keep it cute (I toss them like confetti for that birthday vibe!). Pop the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—let that pudding set (I count the minutes, drooling!). This chill makes it a creamy, dreamy delight.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
Pull it out—look at those layers, all poke-y and sprinkle-packed! Slice it into squares—big or small, your call—and serve it up chilled (that first bite’s gonna make you grin ear to ear!). Pair it with milk or just dig in—it’s party time, and you made it happen!