If you’re searching for an easy, yet showstopping dessert that can work well for many different occasions, look no further than a Jello poke cake.
This classic dessert combines the light and fluffy texture of cake with the refreshing and fruity flavors of Jello. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a delightful and nostalgic treat that everyone will love.
Personally, I like Jello poke cake best during the summer, as the cake gets refrigerated while the Jello sets so the cake is typically served cold.
This is also a great cake recipe to turn into an easy flag cake if you need something for a 4th of July or Juneteenth celebration.
Related: If you love this poke cake, then you may also love Jello Salad, Jello Jigglers, Ambrosia Salad, or Kool-Aid Pie.
Ingredients
- White cake mix
- Jello mix
- Cool Whip
While these are the three main ingredients you will need, keep in mind the cake mix and Jello mix will require other ingredients. This may vary based on your cake mix brand, but this may include water, oil, eggs, or milk.
If you plan to turn your Jello poke cake into an easy flag cake, you will also need fresh strawberries and blueberries.
Directions
Prepare the cake mix according to the box directions to create a 9×13 cake. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the Jello mixture. In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir well.
Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake. Then, use a spoon or pastry brush to spoon the Jello mixture on top of the cake so it seeps into the holes.
Refrigerate the cake for 3-4 hours, so the Jello has time to set. Then, top the cake with Cool Whip and serve!
Easy Flag Cake
If you want to turn your Jello Poke cake into a an easy flag cake, simply use both red and blue Jello mixes and distribute them over the cake, like an American flag. You won’t use all of the blue Jello mix, so feel free to simply mix up half instead of the entire box.
Once the cake has set and the Cool Whip has been added, top with lines of fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries like an American flag.
Tips & Variations
- You can use any cake mix flavor. Some flavors will go better with certain Jello flavors than others. But any cake mix can become a poke cake. You can also bake a cake from scratch or use a pre-made (not frosted) cake from a bakery.
- Use any flavor of Jello you like! I think lemon or lime would be really fun for summer, too.
- You can use other frosting beyond Cool Whip (whipped topping) like cream cheese frosting or buttercream.
- Fresh fruit is optional as a topping, but I think it makes this Jello poke cake recipe feel more festive and finished.
Making a Jello poke cake is a delightful way to elevate a simple cake into a visually stunning and delicious dessert. With its vibrant colors and fruity flavors, it’s bound to be a hit at any gathering.
The best part is you can customize it to your liking by choosing different flavors of cake and Jello. Happy baking!
Jello Poke Cake
Equipment
-
1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 ounces box Jello mix
- 8 ounces whipped topping Cool Whip
Instructions
-
Prepare the cake mix according to the box directions to create a 9×13 cake. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
-
While the cake is cooling, prepare the Jello mixture. In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
-
Add ½ cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir well.
-
Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
-
Then, use a spoon or pastry brush to spoon the Jello mixture on top of the cake so it seeps into the holes.
-
Refrigerate the cake for 3-4 hours, so the Jello has time to set.
-
Then top the cake with Cool Whip and fresh berries if using and serve!
Notes
- While these are the three main ingredients you will need, keep in mind the cake mix and Jello mix will require other ingredients. This may vary based on your cake mix brand, but this may include water, oil, eggs, or milk.
- If you plan to turn your Jello poke cake into an easy flag cake, you will also need fresh strawberries and blueberries.
- Jello poke cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days after making.