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The Ultimate Easy Jello Poke Cake Recipe for a Moist, Colorful Dessert

A close-up slice of moist jello poke cake featuring white cake, bright red strawberry jello, and swirls of whipped cream topping.

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Make this simple Jello Poke Cake for a moist, bright, and jiggly dessert that is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you want a fun treat. This recipe uses a box mix for easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box for preparation)
  • 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (like Strawberry Jello)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake according to the package 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 for about 15 minutes.
  3. While the cake is cooling slightly, prepare the gelatin according to the package directions, but substitute the cold water amount listed on the package with 1 cup of cold water. Dissolve the gelatin completely in the boiling water, then stir in the 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 the holes about 1 inch apart, poking all the way down to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Slowly pour the liquid gelatin mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
  6. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.
  7. Once the gelatin is set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
  8. Chill the cake again for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a festive look, like a Christmas Jello Poke Cake, use red and green Jello layers. Prepare one flavor, let it set slightly, then pour the second flavor on top before chilling completely.
  • You can substitute the white cake mix with yellow cake mix for a slightly richer flavor base.
  • To make this a Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, use strawberry gelatin and consider adding sliced fresh strawberries over the whipped topping before serving.
  • If you want a richer topping, mix the whipped topping with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese before spreading it over the set gelatin.

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