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Christmas Jello Poke Cake

This holiday poke cake combines moist white cake soaked with red and green Jello, topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles. An easy but impressive Christmas dessert.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:19 GMT
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A vibrant dessert layered in red, green, and white with whipped cream and festive sprinkles on top. Pin it
A vibrant dessert layered in red, green, and white with whipped cream and festive sprinkles on top. | zestplate.com

Christmas Jello Poke Cake

I discovered this colorful Christmas Poke Cake years ago and it's become my holiday party signature. Every time I bring it out people's eyes light up at those festive red and green stripes peeking through. The best part? It looks fancy but uses simple ingredients like cake mix and Jell-O making it totally doable even during the busy holiday season.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why this cake is pure holiday magic:

  • Those red and green stripes make it look like Christmas in cake form
  • The Jell-O soaks into every bite making it incredibly moist
  • You can throw it together quickly between wrapping presents
  • Make it the day before then just add the topping when you're ready

Ingredients for Christmas Jello Poke Cake

  • White Cake Mix: The perfect blank canvas for our festive colors makes this recipe super easy.
  • Lime Jell-O: Creates those beautiful green stripes that make this cake so festive and fun.
  • Cherry Jell-O: Gives us those gorgeous red stripes for that perfect Christmas look.
  • Whipped Topping: The creamy cloud-like layer that makes everything extra special.
  • Holiday Sprinkles: These festive little decorations add that magical Christmas touch.
  • Boiling Water: To dissolve our Jell-O and make it ready for poking.
  • Cold Water: Helps cool down the Jell-O so it sets perfectly in our cake.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with the Cake Base
Grab your favorite box mix and whip it up following the directions. Pour that batter into a greased 9x13 pan and pop it in the oven. Once it's done let it cool on your counter for about 20 minutes you want it just warm not hot.
Mix Up Your Jell-O
While your cake's cooling get both Jell-O flavors ready. Pour that boiling water over each one giving them a good stir until every crystal dissolves. Add your cold water and let them cool down but don't wait too long or they'll start setting up.
Make Those Perfect Holes
Here's where the magic happens. Take your straw or spoon handle and start poking those holes all over your cake. Space them about an inch apart and go deep but not all the way through. The more holes the more Jell-O goodness in every bite.
Pour the Jell-O Magic
Now for the fun part. Take your time pouring those beautiful colors one half red one half green. Watch as each color disappears into the holes. If you see any pooling use your spoon to guide it right where you want it.
Let it Set
Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap and slide it into the fridge. Give it at least 6 hours but honestly overnight is even better. This lets those flavors really sink in and the Jell-O set up perfectly.
Final Touches
Just before you're ready to serve spread that fluffy whipped topping all over making it smooth and pretty. Then add your sprinkles in whatever pattern makes you happy. Get creative this is the part everyone sees first.

Tips for Success

White cake mix really lets those holiday colors shine

  • Feel free to switch up the Jell-O flavors to your favorites
  • The longer it chills the better it slices
  • Save the topping and sprinkles for serving time they'll look fresher
A vibrant layered dessert features green, red, and white sections topped with festive sprinkles and whipped cream, set against a backdrop of holiday decorations. Pin it
A vibrant layered dessert features green, red, and white sections topped with festive sprinkles and whipped cream, set against a backdrop of holiday decorations. | zestplate.com

How to Store

Keep your cake covered in the fridge it'll stay perfect for about 3 days. Want to make it way ahead? Skip the topping wrap it up tight and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge then add your toppings before serving.

A Festive Holiday Treat

Every time I serve this cake at holiday gatherings it disappears in minutes. There's something about those jewel-toned layers and creamy topping that makes everyone smile. Serve it alongside hot cocoa or holiday punch and watch the Christmas magic happen!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use less cold water?

Less water makes Jello more concentrated for better flavor in cake.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, best made day ahead to allow Jello to set completely.

→ Why cool before poking?

Prevents cake from crumbling when poking holes.

→ Can I use homemade cake?

Yes, any white cake recipe works as base.

→ Can I use real whipped cream?

Yes, but Cool Whip holds up longer for serving.

Jello Poke Cake

A festive Christmas cake featuring red and green Jello soaked into white cake and topped with whipped cream.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients.
02 3 oz box lime Jello.
03 3 oz box cherry Jello.
04 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed.
05 Red and green sprinkles.

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare white cake according to package directions, ensuring all ingredients are properly measured.

Step 02

Pour cake batter into thoroughly greased 9x13 baking pan, spreading evenly.

Step 03

Bake cake following package time and temperature instructions until toothpick comes clean.

Step 04

Allow cake to cool approximately 20 minutes until just warm to touch.

Step 05

Create evenly spaced holes throughout entire cake surface using straw or wooden spoon handle.

Step 06

Prepare lime Jello using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water, stirring until crystals dissolve.

Step 07

Prepare cherry Jello using same modified water measurements as lime Jello.

Step 08

Carefully pour green Jello over one half of cake, ensuring liquid fills holes.

Step 09

Pour red Jello over remaining cake half, again filling holes completely.

Step 10

Refrigerate cake minimum 6 hours or overnight to allow Jello to set properly.

Step 11

Remove from refrigerator and spread thawed Cool Whip evenly across entire surface.

Step 12

Decorate top with red and green sprinkles in festive pattern.

Step 13

Return to refrigerator until ready to serve. Cut into squares when serving, wiping knife between cuts.

Step 14

Store any leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Notes

  1. Make ahead friendly.
  2. Great for parties.
  3. Festive appearance.
  4. Kid friendly dessert.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Measuring cups.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (Cool Whip).
  • Eggs (in cake mix).
  • Wheat (cake mix).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 121
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 2 g