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Ultimate Easy Jello Poke Cake Recipe for Moist Results

A moist slice of green jello poke cake topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

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Make this simple Jello Poke Cake for a moist, colorful dessert perfect for any party or potluck. This recipe uses box cake mix and gelatin for easy assembly and maximum flavor absorption.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box for preparation)
  • 1 package (3 oz) Jello (any flavor, e.g., Strawberry or Lime)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • Optional: Fresh berries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the white cake according to the box directions using a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Do not let it cool completely.
  3. While the cake is cooling slightly, prepare the Jello according to package directions, but substitute the cold water amount with cold water only (do not use the extra water sometimes called for in the instructions). Dissolve the Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in 1 cup of cold water.
  4. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Make holes about 1 inch apart, poking all the way down to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Slowly pour the liquid Jello mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to seep into all the holes.
  6. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the Jello is completely set.
  7. Once the Jello is firm, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
  8. Chill the cake for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a Strawberry Jello Cake, use strawberry Jello and consider adding a layer of vanilla pudding mixed with the Jello liquid for extra creaminess.
  • For a Festive Christmas Jello Poke Cake, use red Jello (like cherry or strawberry) and green Jello (like lime). Prepare each flavor separately, pour half the cake with one color, chill until set, then pour the second color over the top and chill again before poking.
  • For the moistest cake, do not overbake the initial cake layer.
  • If you prefer a firmer topping, substitute the whipped topping with a mixture of 8 ounces cream cheese softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beaten until smooth.

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