Rainbow Jello Poke Cake

This vibrant rainbow poke cake is made with a few simple ingredients, including a boxed cake mix, colorful Jello, and whipped topping. It is as delicious as it is fun and is the perfect addition to any celebration that needs a pop of color.

Easy Rainbow Jello Poke Cake

I’ve always had a thing for rainbows; they just have this magical quality, don’t they? That’s why I’m all about this rainbow poke cake. It’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, if you’ve got a box of basic white cake mix and some Jello lying around, you’re pretty much halfway there. 

I’ve busted this delicious cake out for birthday parties more than once, and let me tell you, it’s a hit every single time. And when St Patrick’s Day rolls around, forget about it—this cake steals the show faster than you can say “pot of gold.”

If you love this easy, colorful cake, check out my festive red and green Christmas Jello Poke Cake.

Simple Ingredients

• Boxed white cake mix  (plus ingredients listed on the back of the box) – Forms the base of the cake and provides a neutral canvas for the colorful Jello.
• Jello – Adds rainbow colors and fruity flavor to the cake. I used cherry, orange, lemon, lime, berry blue, and grape. Feel free to use any Jello color you like.
• Water – Used to dissolve the Jello and create a liquid mixture for pouring over the cake.
• Whipped topping – Provides a creamy topping for the cake.
• Rainbow sprinkles – Sprinkle your favorite sprinkles on top of the whipped topping for decoration and added crunch.

Making the Rainbow Poke Cake

1. Bake the cake – Prepare the white cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to the package instructions.
2. Poke holes – Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
3. Add Jello – Prepare the Jello according to the package instructions. Pour the liquid Jello into the holes of the cake, alternating between the colors. You won’t use all of the Jello.
4. Set in refrigerator – Place the cake in the fridge to set the Jello for about 2 hours.

5. Add topping – Once the Jello has set, spread whipped topping over the top of the cake.
6. Chill – Chill the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
7. Add sprinkles – When ready to serve, finish by sprinkling rainbow sprinkles over the whipped topping.
8. Serve and enjoy – Slice and enjoy your vibrant and delicious rainbow poke cake!

Variations and substitutions

Homemade white cake – Instead of a boxed cake mix, you can prepare a homemade white cake from scratch using your favorite recipe. Just ensure that it bakes into a 9×13-inch pan.

Homemade whipped cream – Instead of store-bought Cool Whip, you can make your own whipped cream at home. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form.

Customized colors – Customize the colors of the Jello to match the occasion or theme of your event. For example, use red and green Jello for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or blue and white for a winter-themed cake. Choose Jello flavors and colors that align with your desired color scheme.

Tips for success

• Poke holes carefully – When poking holes into the cake, only go about 3/4 of the way down to prevent the Jello from pooling at the bottom of the pan.
• Be mindful of Jello pouring – Pour a small amount of Jello into each of the poked holes, just enough to color it. Avoid overfilling the holes, as it can make the cake soggy. You won’t use all the Jello.
• Utilize leftover Jello – Use the leftover to make another fun rainbow dessert like Jello cups, or prepare only half the box of Jello and use the rest of the powder to make these vibrant Jello sugar cookies.
• Control pouring – Use a condiment bottle or turkey baster to add the Jello mixture to the cake for better control and precision.
• Chill properly – Allow the cake to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure the Jello has fully set and the cake is chilled before serving.
• Add sprinkles before serving – Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the whipped topping right before serving to prevent them from bleeding into the topping and discoloring it.

​How to store the rainbow cake

Store leftovers covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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Looking for more easy poke cake recipes?

Check out these recipes the whole family will love!

• Hot Chocolate Poke Cake
• Eggnog Poke Cake
• Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Did you love the fun colors of this rainbow recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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