Can I use a different cake flavor instead of white?

Absolutely! While white cake works best to showcase the colorful jello, you can use yellow or even a funfetti cake mix for a bit more whimsy. Just keep in mind darker cakes may change the appearance of the jello colors.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can prepare the Christmas Poke Cake with Jello Recipe up to 2 days ahead. Just cover and keep refrigerated, and the flavors will meld even better over time. Just add the sprinkles right before serving.

Can I substitute fresh fruit for jello?

While fresh berries are delicious on their own, they wouldn’t soak into the cake like jello does to create the signature effect. However, you can definitely add fresh fruit alongside or as a garnish for extra freshness.

Christmas Poke Cake with Jello - Festive Holiday Dessert

Description

This festive Christmas Poke Cake combines a moist white cake base with vibrant red and green jello flavors that seep into delicious holes poked throughout the cake. Topped with creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping, and finished with colorful sprinkles, this easy-to-make dessert brings holiday cheer and delightful flavors to your celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 (15 oz) box white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box

Jello Mixtures

1 (6 oz) box strawberry jello
1 (6 oz) box lime jello
2 cups boiling water

Topping

1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Decoration

Red and green sprinkles or decorations

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F or the temperature specified on your cake mix package. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
Mix and Bake Cake: In a mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions, incorporating all required ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Poke Holes: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart all over the cake. Let the cake cool further while you prepare the jello.
Prepare Jello: In two separate bowls, dissolve each box of jello (strawberry and lime) with 1 cup of boiling water each, stirring until fully dissolved.
Pour Jello Over Cake: Pour the red and green jello mixtures alternately in rows over the cake, making sure to distribute enough liquid so it seeps into the holes. You may not need to use all the jello. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for about 15 minutes.
Make the Topping: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to create a creamy mixture.
Spread Topping and Chill: Spread the pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over the chilled cake. Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 2 hours to set.
Decorate and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with red and green sprinkles or other festive decorations. Slice and enjoy your Christmas Poke Cake!

Notes

You can substitute the white cake mix with a homemade white cake batter for a scratch version.
If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use other jello colors or flavors to match your theme.
Ensure the cake is slightly warm but not hot when poking holes so the jello will seep in properly without melting the cake structure.
The pudding topping can be made lighter using sugar-free pudding mix or a lower-fat whipped topping if desired.
For best results, allow full chilling time to let the jello set into the cake and the topping firm up.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg