Christmas Poke Cake with Jello

Looking for a bright, festive dessert that is sure to be a crowd favorite? This Christmas poke cake with jello is the answer. This easy recipe starts with a base of white cake mix, then filled with festive red and green jello and topped with fluffy Cool Whip; it’s the perfect easy Christmas dessert.

If you love poke cakes just as much as I do, be sure to check out this Eggnog Poke Cake, which is also perfect for the holiday season.

I make this Christmas poke cake every year, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. It is the perfect dessert made with simple ingredients. The simplicity of using a box cake mix makes it a breeze, and the addition of red and green jello not only added vibrant colors but kept the cake irresistibly moist. The best part? It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert, allowing me to focus on the festivities while still serving up a delicious show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients for Christmas Poke Cake with Jello

• White boxed cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package) – Forms a soft, fluffy base for the cake. Follow the package instructions to make the cake. I used Duncan Hines cake mix, which called for 1 cup of water, 3 egg whites, and 1/2 cup of oil.
• Green jello – Adds the signature Christmas green to the cake and helps keep the cake moist. I used lime jello in my cake.
• Red jello – Adds the signature Christmas red color to the cake and, like the green jello, aids in maintaining the cake’s moisture. I used cherry jello in my cake, however, strawberry, cranberry, or raspberry would all work.
• Boiling water – Dissolves the jello.
• Whipped topping – Brings a light, creamy element to the cake.
• Christmas sprinkles – These festive sprinkles add a touch of holiday magic, making the cake visually appealing and ready to steal the show at your family gatherings.

Making the Christmas Poke Cake with Jello

1. Prepare the cake – Start by preparing the white cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan, following the package directions. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding to the next steps.
2. Poke holes for jello – Take the thick end of a chopstick, a wide straw, or the thin end of a wooden spoon and carefully poke rows of holes across the cake, maintaining approximately a 1-inch gap between each hole.
3. Dissolve the jello – In two separate bowls, add the green jello to one and the red jello to the other. Pour 1 cup of boiling water into each bowl and stir until the jello is completely dissolved.
4. Infuse the cake – With a steady hand, carefully pour or spoon the dissolved jello into the holes you created in the cake, alternating between red and green.
5. Set in the refrigerator – Place the cake in the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least four hours. This chilling time allows the jello to solidify, ensuring a cohesive and flavorful texture in each slice.
6. Top and decorate – Once the cake has set, generously spread the thawed whipped topping over the top of the cake. Sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles on top, adding a festive touch to your creation.
7. Slice and enjoy – Finally, slice the cake into squares and revel in the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this easy-to-make and visually stunning Christmas poke cake.

Variations and substitutions

Homemade whipped cream – Substitute the whipped topping with three cups of homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. Simply whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Gluten-free – Choose a gluten-free cake mix if you or your guests have dietary restrictions. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The Jell-O brand jello and Cool Whip whipped topping I used when I made my cake are both gluten-free. If you are unsure whether your sprinkles are gluten-free, use a safe alternative like your favorite Christmas candy.

Different toppings – Instead of Christmas sprinkles, top the cake with crushed candy canes, shredded coconut, chocolate shavings, or your favorite Christmas candy for a unique touch.

Custom holiday colors – Experiment with different jello colors to match the specific holiday theme or color scheme you have in mind. Blue and red jello can be used to make a Memorial Day or 4th of July poke cake. Orange, green, and purple jello would be great for Halloween.

Tips for success

• Careful jello filling – Be cautious not to overfill the holes with jello, as it can lead to a soggy texture. I like to use a condiment bottle from the dollar store for better control of where my jello goes. A turkey baster also works great. You might not use all the prepared jello, so start conservatively and add more as needed.
• Mind the hole spacing – Avoid poking the holes too close together. If the holes are too tightly spaced, the jello colors may run together, resulting in a brownish tint. Aim to poke holes every 1 inch or so for best results, ensuring a visually appealing and vibrant finish.
• Opt for white cake – Ensure you use white cake mix instead of yellow to make the colors truly stand out. The vibrant hues of the jello won’t be as pronounced on a yellow cake, so stick to white for a visually striking result.
• Chill sufficiently – Allow the cake to set in the refrigerator for the recommended time (at least four hours) to ensure the jello sets properly. This chilling period contributes to a cohesive texture and enhances the overall flavor.
• Decorate just before serving – If you plan to decorate the cake with sprinkles, wait until just before serving to add them. Some sprinkles may bleed over time, especially when in contact with moisture, potentially discoloring the whipped topping. Adding them at the last minute ensures a fresh and vibrant presentation.

Storage

Wrap leftovers well in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

I do not recommend freezing this poke cake as the texture may be affected, especially with the jello component (jello does not freeze well). It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

Christmas Poke Cake with Jello FAQs

Looking for more treats to brighten up your holiday season?

Check out these easy recipes.

• Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
• No-bake Eggnog Pie
• Pretzel Reindeers

Love this fun recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Christmas Poke Cake with Jello

Author: Mandy

A festive twist on a classic, this Christmas Poke Cake is a breeze to make with white cake, green and red jello, and a fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy, colorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Chill Time 4 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Servings

Calories

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box of white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)
• 1 (3 ounce) box of green jello I used lime
• 1 (3 ounce) box of red jello I used cherry
• 2 cups boiling water divided
• 1 (8 ounce) tub of whipped topping thawed
• Christmas sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

 

• Prepare the cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to the package directions. Allow the cake to cool completely.
• Using the thick end of a chopstick or a wide straw, poke rows of holes across the cake about 1 inch apart.
• Add the green and red jello to two separate small bowls. Add 1 cup of boiling water to each bowl and stir until the jello is completely dissolved.
• Carefully pour or spoon the jello into the holes in the cake, alternating between red and green.
• Allow the cake to set in the refrigerator for at least four hours.
• Top the cake with the whipped topping and sprinkles, slice and enjoy.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• I do not recommend freezing this poke cake texture may be affected, especially with the jello component (jello does not freeze well). It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.

Love this recipe?Follow @semihomemadekitchen for more!

Sharing is caring!