Easy Jello Poke Cake Recipe for a Moist, Colorful Dessert
Make this easy Jello Poke Cake for a moist, colorful dessert perfect for any party or potluck. This simple recipe uses cake mix and gelatin for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box, usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 ounces flavored gelatin (such as strawberry or lime Jello)
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Instructions
- Prepare the cake according to the package directions for a 9×13 inch pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling slightly, prepare the gelatin. In a bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin completely in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of cold water. Set the gelatin mixture aside to cool slightly, but do not let it set.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the top of the warm cake, spacing the holes about 1 inch apart. Poke all the way down to the bottom of the cake.
- Slowly and evenly pour the liquid gelatin mixture over the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.
- Once the cake is chilled and set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top.
- Slice and serve this moist cake immediately. Keep leftovers refrigerated.
Notes
- For a festive Christmas Jello Poke Cake, use red and green gelatin layers. Pour half the liquid gelatin (one color) in, chill until partially set, then pour the second color on top before the final chill.
- You can substitute the white cake mix with yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor base.
- For a richer topping, use a cream cheese frosting instead of plain whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25