Cake with jello drizzles poked throughout, and topped with a smooth layer of whipped cream! This light and cool Jello Poke Cake recipe is always a crowd favorite.
MY LATEST VIDEOS
Strawberry jello Cake
I have fond memories of family gatherings and parties that involve this long-time-family-favorite dessert – Jello Poke Cake (we love it so much we’ve made so many variations on the site you can find HERE). While it’s absolutely unparalleled at BBQ’s and summer parties because of its cool and creamy texture… Let’s be honest – I crave it year round.
Picture this: a delicious cake with fruity jello poked throughout, and topped with a smooth layer of whipped cream. Needless to say, it’s always a crowd favorite. Since I was a kid, we’ve ALWAYS had poke cake at Sunday dinners, family parties, holiday meals, and Fourth of July BBQ’s.
What’s awesome is that you can change out the flavor of jello depending on your mood. We almost always use strawberry, but our other favorites are raspberry and cherry. I’ve also done lime, blue raspberry and orange before, but those are definitely a little more adventurous!
How to make Jello Cake
This Jello cake is really so simple, which is probably why we make it ALL the time.
Begin by making your cake (whether you make one from scratch, or use a box mix – either one is perfect!) Once the cake is slightly cooled, poke holes with a fork at 1/2 inch intervals.
From there, make your jello as you regularly would according to the box, and then carefully pour it over the cake, making sure it gets in all the holes you previously made.
Chill the cake for a few hours and top with whipped cream right before serving, and you’re set! So easy and SO delicious!
Tips for poke cake:
- You can use a cake made from scratch, a box cake, or a store bought cake.
- White cake pairs well with all flavors of jello
- Add a layer of similar pie filling to the top of the cake then top that with whip cream. Such as strawberry jello with strawberry pie filling
- For a nice clean slice, wipe the knife after each cut.
How long does it take for the jello to set?
It won’t set up like normal gelatin does, but it will take at least a few hours for the jello to soak into the cake and cool completely. So plan ahead when making this poke cake!
How to speed up the cook time:
You can speed up the time it takes to make this dish a couple of ways.
- First, you can buy a pre-made, unfrosted white cake at a local bakery.
- Second, stick the cake in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. Long enough to set the jello, but not freeze the cake.
Can I make poke cupcakes?
Absolutely! Instead of making a 9×13 cake make cupcakes according to the directions on the box. Once the cupcakes have cooled poke them with a fork or skewer, use a soup spoon to drizzle jello into the holes and chill
Can I use chocolate cake mix?
Of course. This recipe can be used to make any flavor of cake mix and pair it with a complimentary flavor. Such as chocolate cake with raspberry or black cherry jello.
How do I store poke cake?
- Refrigerate: Because of the jello, keep the cake chilled. Tightly cover the cake and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, wrap cake with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Note: If the cake is frosted, then you’ll need to flash freeze it first. You do this by placing individual pieces on a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Freeze for 2-3 hours, or until the outside is frozen, then wrap in plastic and foil, label and return to the freezer.
I know you’ll love this simple, cool, and delicious treat! It’s also pretty light and not as decadent as some of the chocolate treats we make, which is another reason why I love it so much. 😉
For more poke cake recipes, check out:
Jello Poke Cake recipe
I Love Jello Poke Cake! I Went With Raspberry Here, But You Can Easily Make A Cherry Or A Strawberry Poke Cake.
Ingredients
- 1 white cake mix box and any ingredients listed on box
- 1 3.3 oz jello mix raspberry, cherry or strawberry
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tub Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Topping
Instructions
-
Prepare cake mix as directed and bake in a 9x13 pan. Let cool for 15 minutes.
-
Poke cake with fork at ½ inch intervals.
-
Prepare jell-o as directed. Spoon over cake mix until jell-o liquid is all gone.
-
Chill 3 to 4 hours and top with whipped cream. Refrigerate until ready to serve. ENJOY!
That pink looks perfect for Valentine’s Day! I’ve never had a cake like this. Does it make the cake soggy?
No, but it makes it super moist and so refreshing. Let me know if you ever try it out. 🙂
What size box of jello big or small one?
Love your Poke cake……..if you’d like to expand the recipe try taking a big spoon and pouring in hot pudding first into holes you make in the cake. Then pour the jello all over and refrigerate. Yummie and smooth. Perfect for summer time
Thanks for the tip, Deanna – I will try that next time!
Do you let the jello set up at all before pouring it on the cake? Mine totally absorbed into the cake and never solidified in the holes- even after a few hours. My cake was cool. The flavors were awesome so I am determined to find out where I went wrong and try it again. Thanks!
What size cake mix & box of jello is required. Also what is the serving size. I look forward to your response.
Thank you,
Gee
Thank you for making a recipe that is wonderful and so easy..!!!
You’re so very welcome!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Thank you
You are so welcome!!
I love how easy this cake is to make & how incredibly good it is. I took it to a church event & it was gone in minutes!
Love this! Such an easy and yummy cake!!
I am so glad you think so 🙂 It is my go-to!! Thank you!
We made this for a family gathering and everyone loved this cake. So easy and so delicious ????
Love taking this to family gatherings!! I am glad your family liked it! Thank you so much!
When it comes to cake, this has to be one of my family’s favorites! So soft and tasty!
I’ve had this yummy recipe so many times at events. I hadn’t realized it was so easy to make until finding the recipe here. Thanks for sharing