Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jello Poke Cake is a classic that everyone loves, and for good reason! The cake is soft, moist, and infused with a burst of fruity Jello flavor. It’s simple to make, with only a few ingredients, and it’s a fun treat that can be customized to fit any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a summer dessert, a birthday cake, or just something to sweeten up your week, this cake is perfect. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option, as it needs to chill in the fridge, giving you time to enjoy other activities.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (or any cake mix of your choice)

• Ingredients required for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box)

For the Jello filling:

• 1 package (3 oz) Jello (any flavor—strawberry, raspberry, lime, etc.)

• 1 cup boiling water

For the topping:

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for a creamier topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bake the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box (usually with eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for the time specified on the box (usually about 30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Poke the cake: Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled (about 15 minutes), use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake, making sure to poke down to the bottom of the cake.

3. Prepare the Jello: In a medium bowl, mix the Jello powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until the Jello is completely dissolved. Then, carefully pour the Jello mixture over the cake, making sure the liquid fills the holes you made earlier. You can gently use a spoon to help guide the Jello into the holes.

4. Chill the cake: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the Jello is set and the cake is fully chilled.

5. Prepare the topping: While the cake is chilling, prepare the topping. If you like a richer topping, mix the whipped topping with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined. You can also just use the whipped topping alone.

6. Add the topping: Once the cake is fully chilled and the Jello is set, spread the whipped topping (or whipped topping mixture) evenly over the cake, covering the entire surface.

7. Serve: Slice into squares and serve! Enjoy your colorful, fruity, and delicious Jello Poke Cake.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16, depending on portion size

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes (for the cake)

• Chill Time: 2-3 hours

• Total Time: 3-4 hours (including chilling)

Variations

• Different Flavors of Jello: Mix and match different Jello flavors to create a rainbow of colors and flavors. Some great combinations include strawberry and lime, orange and lemon, or cherry and blueberry.

• Fruit Topping: Add fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of the whipped topping for an added burst of flavor and freshness.

• Colored Whipped Cream: Add a little food coloring to the whipped topping to match the Jello color or theme for a festive look.

• Cake Variations: Use a flavored cake mix (like strawberry or lemon) for extra flavor, or try a chocolate cake mix for a fun twist.

• Layered Cake: To make the cake even more fun, you can layer different colored Jello in the cake by letting each layer set before pouring the next flavor in.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Jello Poke Cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. The cake may become a little softer as it sits, but it will still be delicious.

• Reheating: This cake is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just slice and serve directly from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use sugar-free Jello for this recipe?

Yes! You can use sugar-free Jello if you want to reduce the sugar content. The texture may be slightly different, but the overall taste will still be delicious.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade whipped cream, just whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until soft peaks form and use that instead of Cool Whip.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, Jello Poke Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. It needs time to chill in the refrigerator, so making it a day before the event is ideal. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute a different type of cake mix, such as yellow, strawberry, or even chocolate cake mix. The Jello and topping will pair well with many different cake flavors.

Can I add other toppings to the cake?

Yes! You can add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even chocolate shavings to the top of the whipped cream topping to add texture and extra flavor.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping works perfectly for this recipe. You can find it in the frozen section of most grocery stores.

Can I freeze Jello Poke Cake?

While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire cake with the Jello and whipped topping, you can freeze the cake portion before adding the topping and Jello. Once frozen, let it thaw completely and then add the Jello and whipped topping just before serving.

Conclusion

Jello Poke Cake is a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors, moist cake, and sweet, creamy topping, it’s a treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with different flavors, Jello Poke Cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to brighten any party or gathering. Try it today and delight in the fun, fruity goodness of this simple yet irresistible dessert!

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