Jello Poke Cake Recipe

The Easiest Jello Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Summer Joy

Crafting a delightful jello poke cake brings unexpected magic to dessert time.

Sweet surprises emerge when gelatin transforms ordinary cake into something extraordinary.

Colorful liquid seeps through soft cake layers, creating vibrant patterns that catch everyone’s eye.

Each slice promises a burst of flavor and whimsical texture.

Intricate designs bloom across the surface, making this dessert a conversation starter.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something remarkable that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

You’ll want to serve this playful treat at your next gathering.

Jello Poke Cake Ingredient List For Success

Cake Base:
  • White Cake Mix: A versatile mix that creates a soft and fluffy foundation for the colorful dessert.
  • Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
Jello Layer:
  • Strawberry Jello: Brings vibrant color and fruity flavor to the cake.
  • Boiling Water: Dissolves the Jello powder completely.
  • Cold Water: Helps cool and set the Jello mixture.
Topping:
  • Whipped Topping, Fresh Strawberries: Creates a light, creamy finish and adds a fresh, decorative touch to the cake.

Steps For Bright And Sweet Jello Poke Cake

Step 1: Whip Up The Cake Batter

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour.

Mix the white cake mix following the package guidelines, combining:
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs

Pour the smooth batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake rest and cool completely inside the pan.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Jello Liquid

Grab a bowl and dissolve strawberry Jello in boiling water, stirring until every crystal disappears.

Add cold water and mix thoroughly until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Perforate The Cake Surface

After the cake has cooled down, take a wooden spoon handle and playfully poke holes all across the cake’s surface.

Don’t be shy – make those holes generous!

Step 4: Drench In Jello Magic

Carefully pour the Jello mixture over the cake, watching it seep into every single hole.

Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours until the Jello sets completely.

Step 5: Decorate And Serve

Spread a cloud-like layer of whipped topping across the entire cake.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries on top.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your gorgeous creation!

Jello Poke Cake Tips For Any Color Combo

  • Create evenly spaced holes across the cake surface for consistent Jello distribution and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Allow cake to cool completely before adding Jello to prevent liquid from becoming too runny and ensure proper setting.
  • Experiment with different Jello flavors like raspberry, cherry, or lime to match your taste preferences or seasonal themes.
  • Refrigerate cake for minimum 4 hours, but overnight chilling can enhance flavor penetration and texture integration.
  • Top with fresh berries, mint leaves, or sprinkle colored sugar to elevate the cake's visual appeal and add extra texture.

New Jello Poke Cake Flavors To Try Next

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Vegan Version: Swap traditional cake mix with a vegan cake mix, use plant-based egg replacer, and top with coconut whipped cream instead of dairy whipped topping.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free Jello and a sugar-free cake mix, and substitute whipped topping with a lighter Greek yogurt alternative.
  • Tropical Remix: Swap strawberry Jello with mango or pineapple Jello, and use corresponding fresh fruit for garnishing the cake.

Serving Jello Poke Cake At Birthday Parties

  • Strawberry Splash Party: Serve this vibrant cake at summer gatherings, where its bright red color will steal the show and delight guests.
  • Summer Dessert Delight: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to enhance the cake's fruity strawberry flavor and creamy texture.
  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack individual slices in small containers for outdoor events, making it a portable and crowd-pleasing dessert that travels well.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Present as a colorful centerpiece at weekend brunches, complementing other light and fresh breakfast dishes with its sweet strawberry appeal.

Storing Jello Poke Cake For Extra Freshness

  • Store the Jello Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Do not leave the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to whipped topping and Jello's perishable nature.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's moisture and texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are needed for the Jello Poke Cake?

You’ll need a white cake mix, strawberry Jello, water, vegetable oil, eggs, whipped topping, and optional fresh strawberries for garnish.

  • Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Absolutely! You can swap strawberry Jello for any flavor like cherry, raspberry, or lime to create a different taste and color variation of the cake.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without any wet batter, the cake is done baking. This typically takes 30-35 minutes at 350F.

Why Jello Poke Cake Always Gets The Applause

  • Blast of Colorful Flavor: Dive into a vibrant strawberry-infused dessert that transforms a simple white cake into a showstopping treat with brilliant red hues and juicy taste.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this crowd-pleasing cake using basic pantry ingredients and minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delight family and friends with a dessert that's visually appealing, incredibly moist, and bursting with sweet strawberry goodness that everyone will love.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, birthdays, summer gatherings, and casual celebrations where you want a dessert that's both impressive and easy to prepare.
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Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Jello Poke Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible Jello Poke Cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its playful texture and nostalgic charm. Colorful gelatin-infused layers promise a sweet journey through childhood memories, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) white cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Jello Filling:

  • 1 box (3 ounces / 85 grams) strawberry Jello
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cold water

Topping:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whipped topping
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped fresh strawberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring its surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the white cake batter according to package instructions, incorporating water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and well-blended.
  3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool completely inside the baking pan, which helps maintain its structure and moisture.
  5. Prepare the strawberry Jello by dissolving it thoroughly in boiling water, stirring until no granules remain.
  6. Add cold water to the Jello mixture and blend well to create a smooth, uniform liquid.
  7. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully create multiple holes across the entire cake surface, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent Jello absorption.
  8. Slowly pour the prepared Jello mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into the poked holes and saturate the cake’s interior.
  9. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling the Jello to set completely and infuse the cake with fruity flavor.
  10. Once set, generously spread whipped topping across the cake’s surface, creating a smooth and even layer.
  11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped strawberries for an additional burst of color and flavor.

Notes

  • Select cake mix carefully, choosing high-quality brands for better texture and flavor.
  • Ensure cake is completely cool before adding Jello to prevent soggy results and maintain cake structure.
  • Poke holes consistently and evenly across entire cake surface for uniform Jello distribution and vibrant color penetration.
  • Consider alternative flavors like raspberry or cherry Jello for exciting variations and personalized taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 246 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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