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Jello Poke Cake is cool, creamy, and perfect for any get-together. Use any flavor of Jello to make this crowd-favorite dessert!
Poke Cake is one of our favorite summer desserts! Be sure to check out some of our other poke cake variations: Banana Pudding Poke Cake and Boston Cream Poke Cake.
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.
It’s perfect for BBQs and summer parties because of its cool and creamy texture. Let’s be honest, I crave it year round.
You can change the flavor of Jello depending on your mood. We almost always make Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, 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!
Jello Poke Cake has been around since 1976, at least that is when it first appeared in print. The General Foods Kitchen printed the recipe in an advertisement booklet and from there it reached kitchens all over the country.
The popularity grew because it was an easy, quick dessert that could be made ahead of time. Not to mention it is easy to customize and delicious.
How to make Jello Cake
This Jello Cake is really so simple, which is probably why we make it ALL the time.
CAKE. Prepare cake mix as directed and bake in a 9×13 pan. Let cool for 15 minutes. Poke holes in the cake with a fork at ½-inch intervals.
JEllO. Prepare Jello as directed. Spoon over the cake mix until the Jello liquid is all gone.
CHILL + ENJOY! Chill for 3 to 4 hours and top with Whipped Cream. Refrigerate until ready to serve. ENJOY!
Make cupcakes
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 Jell-o into the holes and chill.
Poke cake Recipe tips
Tips for poke cake:
- Use a cake made from scratch, a box mix, or a store bought cake.
- For a nice clean slice, wipe the knife after each cut.
- Garnish with coordinating fresh fruit. Fresh strawberries are especially delicious.
Setting the Poke Cake. It won’t set up like normal gelatin does, but it will take at least a few hours for the Jell-o to soak into the cake and cool completely. So plan ahead when making this Poke Cake!
Speed up the cooking time.
- Buy a pre-made, unfrosted white cake at a local bakery.
- Stick the cake in the freezer for 30-60 minutes, long enough to set the jello but not freeze the cake.
Flavor variations.
- Use chocolate cake mix. This recipe can be used to make any flavor of cake mix paired with a complimentary flavor. Chocolate cake with raspberry or black cherry jello would be delicious!
- 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 Whipped Cream. Strawberry jello would pair well with strawberry pie filling.
more Poke Cake delicious-ness
We love Poke Cake so much and have made several varieties. It’s so easy to change up with any flavor of jello. The possibilities are endless!
Here are some of our favorites on the site:
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake
- Boston Cream Poke Cake
- Lemon Lime Poke Cake
- Red Velvet Poke Cake
Storing Info
STORE. Because of the jello, keep the cake chilled. Tightly cover the cake and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To FREEZE, wrap the Poke Cake with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
If the cake is frosted, flash-freeze first. Flash-freeze a whole cake 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. Wrap in plastic and foil, label, and return to the freezer.
For more cool cake recipes:
Jello Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box white cake mix, plus any ingredients listed on box
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry Jell-O, (or raspberry or cherry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping, (or 2 cups whipped cream)
Instructions
- Prepare cake as directed on the box and bake in a 9-x-13-inch baking dish. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Poke cake with a fork at ½-1-inch intervals.
- Use hot and cold water to make Jell-O as directed on the package.
- Spoon Jell-O liquid over the cake gradually until it is all absorbed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. Top with whipped topping right before serving.
Video
Notes
- White cake pairs well with all flavors of jello making it easy to change the flavor.
- Only add 1 cup of boiling water and 1 cup of cold water to Jell-O powder.
- Plan ahead to allow enough time for the cake to chill and allow the jello to set.
- Use a white cake made from scratch, a box mix, or a plain store-bought white cake. Just poke holes, add Jell-O, and chill.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious 😋 came out prefect and taste like it!.
I’m so glad that it turned out well.
I make this but do so using a sour cream cake mix and cream cheese frosting and it is one of my absolute favorites. Good stuff.
I will have to try that!! Thanks for sharing!
I bake deserts for our local soup kitchen and I wanted something not too expensive but different that our customers would love. This poke cake is a repeat. I have also made other poke cakes and they are a hit. Thanks for the great desert recipes.
Poke cakes are the best for that reason…cheap & so good! Glad it’s a hit! Thank you!
I remembered this cake from the 80s, and have recently been using this recipe when time is limited for dinner parties with fresh fruit toppings. Everyone loves it and it’s so easy.
I’ve been doing the same as a lot of the comments and just use half the water. Then after the jello sets and it’s chilled, I top it off with a can of cherry pie filling (I use black cherry jello) Then the cool whip on top of that. It’s so good!
I have been making a round Christmas jello cake for years. One layer with raspberry jello. One layer with lime jello. I only use 1 cup of boiling water per flavor. I skip the cold water. It’s PERFECT every time!
Love this cake and how easy it is! I used a lemon cake mix with the raspberry jello and it was yummy! I want to make another chocolate one with strawberry jello 🙌🏼
Made this using cherry jello. Texture was great. Kinda bland. Next time I think I’ll add almond extract. I will use this recipe again.
Easy and delicious!
My first try the cake way way too spongy. I felt it was too much liquid. So I read some other recipes and cut it down to one cup of water in the Jell-O. I use half a cup of boiling to melt the Jell-O and then put in half a cup of cold. And it turned out just right. Thanks for posting this recipe. I haven’t made one of these in years!
Thanks for the feedback! So glad you enjoyed the cake!
I substitute the cold water with 7up- it’s a lot fresher tasting
Thanks for sharing what you did!
I make this but add vanilla pudding with cool whip for the frosting. Yum
Ooh yummy!!
This is the best cake ever. Lol. I know it’s been around awhile. But never thought to make one. I’m making a second one with lemon and candied lemon as a garnish. Also I found using a brand new hair pick works really good, a lil bit bigger holes and it’s precise.
I am so happy to find this recipe! My mom and I used to make this all the time but I lost the recipe. I think she used to cut the water in half to make it more strawberry like. I know that sounds silly. The one thing she did was after the cake and Jell-O was cool and ready to serve she put a layer of vanilla instant pudding. And then the Cool Whip. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Your recipe is how we do it!! Either way it’s going to be delicious.
My hubby is the baker!! I am always looking up recipes for this and that and when I saw this option i thought what a great idea!
I made this last 4th of July using blueberries and sliced strawberry to make an American flag on top.
It’s was such a hit!
Everyone loved it!
I’m making it again tonight for easter tomorrow but this time using strawberry cake mix, added 1/2c sour cream and using strawberry jello. It comes out just as good.
Thank you!
Happy Easter everyone! 🐰🐣
I never found how to make the jello for the jello poke cake
maybe 1 cup hot water, whisk until dissolved, then 1 cup cold water
I’d recommend just following the directions listed on the recipe card. It will walk you through step by step how to make this recipe. You can also watch the video to see how we made up the jello for the cake as well.
You make it according to the 3 oz box instructions.. 1 cup boiling water until it is dissolved, followed by 1 cup cold water.
Can this recipe be made successfully using sugar free jello?
Yes, it should still work fine with sugar free jello.
I have seen recipes for both jello poke cake and pudding poke cake. It may be weird but could you use half jello and half pudding or would that just be a big ol’ mess?
You know, I have had jello poke cake and pudding poke cake, but not necessarily together. You could totally experiment and give it a try to see how it turns out though. You’ll have to let us know!
I tried this recipe using a box white cake mix and lemon jello. I omitted the 1 cup of cold water when making the jello, as suggested by one of the other commenters. It turned out perfect. I didn’t want the whip cream frosting, so instead I covered it with a can of raspberry pie filling. It was delicious! I will definitely make this again.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing how you made the cake!
I have made cupcakes instead of the cake they were very good Strawberry cake mix and Strawberry Jello Great
Can the cake be iced instead of cool whip
Is there a way to make the cake come out less dry and spongy and more dense and moist like brownies tend to be? I hade poke cake at a party and it tasted the same as this but the consistency was a lot more creamy almost like mixed with pudding or something and not lioe dry cake exactly.
You can use pudding in stead of jello that would help check online for a pudding poke cake
Yes! We have a few different poke cake recipes that are more of that texture you are thinking. They use pudding rather than jello, which makes the cake more dense/moist.
This one uses caramel and sweetened condensed milk: https://lilluna.com/better-than-anything-cake/.
This one uses coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk: https://lilluna.com/coconut-poke-cake/.
These poke cakes use pudding: https://lilluna.com/oreo-pudding-poke-cake/ or https://lilluna.com/banana-pudding-poke-cake/ or https://lilluna.com/boston-cream-poke-cake/.
We actually make vanilla pudding and fold the cool whip in before putting it on the cake. We also make sure to add enough jello to where it soaks it up, we never had a dry cake doing it this way. I hope this helps.
Can I use a round cake pan? If so do I do two instead of one?
Yes, you would use 2 round cake pans (either 8 or 9 inch should work).
When preparing the jello portion of this recipe, it calls for one cup of boiling water and one cup of cold water. My cake was very sponge. Too much liquid. So, I checked other recipes for jello poke cake. They call for one cup of boiling water only. Please correct your recipe so others will not be disappointed in their dessert.
Thank you for pointing that out and for the feedback!
Nutrition Label is not correct…the cake alone has more than .1 grams of Carbohydrates, not including the added jello.
Diabetics calculate properly
Thanks for catching that. It looks like the nutrition facts got miscalculated. We’ll work on getting that fixed. Thanks!
Wish I had read this comment 🙁
Sadly I have a 3 layer sponge, haha!
Yes, I agree that the recipe may wish to be updated to lessen the liquid in the initial instructions.
Thanks!
I made these as cupcakes and unfortunately they turned out super soft and got even softer after the jello. They did not hold together. I would advise baking til somewhat firm, or may be better as cake. Yummy taste though. Made a whipped cream with vanilla pudding powder added in.
Thanks for the feedback and sharing what you did!
Delicious!! Made it for the 4th of July and it was gone very quickly, I’ll make 2 next time.
I have always loved this cake, nice to see that you posted it.
Thank you,
Joyce
Can I use dream whip
Yes, you could top with that instead.
This was topped with a pudding dream whip topping in the original recipe I still use it Just whip together 2 cups milk 1 small box instant pudding 1 pkg dream whip When it starts to thicken spread over the cake
You can totally use that too! Both are tasty options!
My husbands diabetic so made it with all sugar free items! You couldn’t tell it was sugar free!!
I use orange jello and Mandarin oranges on top of cool whip. My grandkids steal the oranges off the top so I buy 2 cans just in case
I make with orange Jello too! I make candied orange slices for the top!
Yummy!!
You are the best I loved your recipes everything that you do !😋
I mix a tub of vanilla frosting with the whip cream and it’s amazing! Everyone always comments on how perfect it is.
I loved this cake as a kid but the recipe died with my grandmother. Thanks for the memories. Tasted great. For the frosting I just mixed a packet of dream whip, a packet of vanilla pudding, and a cup of milk. So good.
Can I use a strawberry cake for this recipe or will it be too much.
You definitely could! It’ll be a stronger strawberry flavor, but I’m sure it will still be delicious.
This cake is so good. It’s easy and full of flavor. It was moist and my kids loved it.
I’m making one right now. Sounds really good.
Gelatin helps keep the cake shaped. I think adding juice would just make it mushy.
I used a strawberry cake mix instead of white . An added fresh chopped strawberries to the jello mixture . Also added cream cheese to the cool whip topping an strawberries
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing what you did!
My daughter’s in-laws brought this cake to their parties over the past 4 yrs. So good & tasty. They gave me oral instructions & I tried to make the cake. It failed but edible. Found your recipe & decided to add to our Easter dinner desserts this year. It was WONDERFUL! So moist, tasty & fresh–perfect for Spring. I decorated with whole strawberries. It turned out great. It disappeared before my expensive bakery torts cakes & cookies. Thank you.
This is an absolute incredible recipe
Can you use strawberry juice from a carton of frozen strawberries instead of jello?
You could try! I’m not sure how well it would work… I have never tried using that. But if you do, you’ll have to let us know how it turns out.
Easy and soooo delicious! We love it in the spring with fresh berries. We have made orange one too!
I grew up with this recipe only difference is my mom would add vanilla pudding on top and then the Cool Whip. So good! Try it!
Can you freeze this cake
Loved this recipe since I can remember. The addition of fruit filling on top i@ fantastic.
I remember my Mom making this recipe when I was a child and how much I loved it then!
It was so easy to make and brought back great memories!
Oh I’m so glad! Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
I made this for my co-workers with white cake strawberry jello cream cheese coolwhip frosting and topped it with fresh strawberries, they loved it!
Yay!! So glad to hear that. Sounds delicious!
We decorate this as a flag cake for 4th of July. Blueberries make the stars area and rows of thinly sluced strawberries for the stripes.
Went to a father’s day cookout and brought this raspberry poke cake, there were lots of other deserts there but this was the first to go! It was a very big hit.
Yay! So glad to hear that it was a hit!
Going to a friends for dinner tomorrow. Asked m guy what I should bring for dessert. This is what he picked (he even went to the store for the ingredients). Such a fun easy recipe that always tastes and looks good!
Used raspberry jello and top with cool whip and fresh berries. Delicious
Mmmm sounds amazing!
Wonderful summer cake! So easy to make!
Yes! It is a good one for summer! Hope you enjoy!
I have made jello cake for years. I like to make 2 different flavored layers and put fluffy white frosting between and on top. It keeps better and is delicious!
That sounds delicious too! Thanks for sharing what you do.
Such a blast from the past!! Thank you for this recipe (which can be changed according to your jello preference). It is super easy to make and is a great pot luck dessert.
Thank you, I’m going to make this for a late Easter dinner we are having.
Oh fun! Hope the cake is a hit!
My mom made this when I was a young girl. Now my family is loving it!!!! Was a huge hit! So easy and satisfying!!
Awww, I love to hear that!! So glad the cake was a hit!
Do you allow the jello sit for a few minutes before putting it in the cake? (Preset up?)
No you don’t have to. You can just pour it right over the cake once it is dissolved.
Can you use regular frosting instead of jello?
Use can use regular frosting instead of the Cool Whip topping but I would make sure to use the jello in the recipe. Hope this helps!
Only use 1/2 cold water when mixing the jello. The cake is too soggy using 1 cup hot water and 1 cup cold water when mixing up the jello.
Thanks so much for those suggestions. I appreciate it!
I’m making this tonight. Using a vanilla cake mix and a lemon jello. I’m going to take the suggestion of cutting the water to one cup for the jello and putting it in the freezer to speed it up. My kids want dessert soon.😆 Thanks for sharing. I can always count on you for great recipes and more. #lilluna
I don’t blame them! 😉 Hope that the cake turned out yummy. So glad you enjoy the recipes here!
Your Brilliant girl
We use to make the very same cakes Strawberry and Lime
CooL
Oh so fun!! This is such a good memory dessert!
Didn’t make it, it just sounds weird
Would like to make peach cake with raspberry jello – peach melba ! Would like to use small chunks of peach in cale – anybody ever tried this and how did it come out?
I haven’t tried the raspberry jello with peach chunks in the cake, but I’d love to hear how it turns out if you give it a try!
Awesome; and Thank you!!!
Can you make it using cupcakes pan?
Absolutely! Instead of making a 9×13 cake, you can 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 then chill.
I have a question about jello poke cake can you make the jello prior to making the cake so the jello dissolves while the cake is baking and how much water do you use between a hot and cold
I wouldn’t suggest making the jello first. The recipe will work best if the cake is baked first, then poke holes in and pour the liquid jello over the top. Then to let it set/chill in the fridge. For the water, you’ll use 1 cup boiling water and 1 cup of cold water.
I made this cake years ago, and I used the quick set directions for the Jello. It makes the Jello just a little bit thicker so that it doesn’t all run to the bottom of the cake and it doesn’t make it soggy.
Oh good to know. Thanks for sharing what you did!
I’m going to try making this cake with Orange Jell-o and spreading Orange Marmalade on top of cake with whipped cream before serving. If anyone knows why this shouldn’t work, please email me.
I imagine it will work just fine! I have switched up the flavors in the cake before and it’s fun to see how versatile it is. Excited to hear how the orange turns out!
I just got done baking this cake and pouring the jell-o over the top and popped it into the refrigerator to cool. I used to make this cake in the 80’s when my children were small. I haven’t made a cake from a box in years. It didn’t seem like there was enough batter for a 9×13 cake. It seems thinner than they used to be. I’m sure it will taste good, but if I ever make it again I will use 2 boxes of cake mix and make some cupcakes with the leftover batter. Or make the cake from scratch. I know the amount of batter is not what a 9”x13” pan holds. Anyway I’m sure it will be delicious. I’m making it with real whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Yum.
Mmmm I bet that real whipped cream and fresh strawberries took it to the next level. Sounds amazing! I wonder if they have changed the amount of cake mix in the boxes compared to what they used to have in the 80’s? Not sure. Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
I did make this cake with raspberry jello a couple of weeks ago and it was a hit. My mother used to make jello cakes and take to family events. My husband then made this cake after me with blueberry jello. Family loved that!!
Ooh the raspberry and the blueberry both sound delicious. I love how versatile the cake can be with all the different flavors. So glad you enjoyed the cake!
Can I use lime jello?
Sure!! You really can use whatever flavor of jello you prefer. This cake is super versatile!
Been making this cake for years. It’s light and cool. Although I make it year round, summer when it’s hot is the perfect time. It’s always a hit. Marble cake mix is also good and any flavor jello works. Our favorite is white cake and raspberry jello.
Pretty sure I have the “original” recipe. Topping calls for instant vanilla pudding ( I’ve substituted chocolate too) “dream whip” boxed topping and 1 1/2 cups cold milk. Splash of vanilla. Whip it up. I’m not a fan of cool whip. And to be honest the pudding topping is so yummy I usually double it. I know, my bad!
Sounds delicious!! And I have to agree, summer is my favorite time for this cake too!
I like to mix about 1/3 of container of ready mix strawberry or your voice of flavor frosting with cool whip. Just frost and refrigerate to let jello to set.
Thanks for sharing what you do!
Thank you so much for posting this! I was making a similar recipe, and it did not have the milk and vanilla. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to spread it. I added a bit of cream, but after several tablespoons wasn’t getting the proper consistency. So I started searching and found your comments. Again – thank you!!!
Made this cake with cherry jello using canned bing cherry juice for part of the cold liquid. Put drained bing cherries on top of the cool whip. Yum!
I love this variation! Sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing what you did!
I made one with an orange supreme cake mix and orange jello! It was fabulous! Thanks!
That sounds heavenly! I love that idea of an orange poke cake. It reminds me of orange creamsicles. I’ll have to try that out. Thanks for sharing!
Simple, refreshing and quick to make !
I’m so happy you enjoyed it too! One of my favorite desserts for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Way back when I made this cake for the kids family and of course me. I thought the jello was made with less water so as to gel more quickly and not break down the cake. What do you say have you heard of this??
Joy Goyette
California Gal
I have not heard of that before. Have you tried making the jello with less water for this poke cake? If so, I would love to hear how it turned out and if it made the cake more firm. Let me know. 🙂
Yes, made this with 1/2 water for jello!
Stronger flavors set up nicely.
That’s awesome! Good to know!
Can you make it using cupcakes pan?
Yes, I used half the amount of water for jello. I also mixed 2 different jellos for variety. Just make sure you use the lighter colored jello first.
Neetneet. Correction. Use darker jello first.
I made the Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake with the strawberry pie filling on top of the jello. It was so good and refreshing! I had this and cheesecake available and nearly everyone chose the cake! 🙂
Oh that sounds delicious! Glad to hear the cake was a hit! Thanks for sharing.
If you were in a hurry could you use the Speed Set Method?
I would suggest if you’re in a hurry, you can buy a pre-made cake that is already cool. Also, you can stick the cake in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. Long enough to set the jello, but not freeze the cake.
Delicious!
Thank you!!
My family has made this for years. The only difference is that we put a layer of tapioca pudding down on the cake, then a layer of cool whip- yummo!!!!!!!
Ooh that sounds delicious too!! Such a fun cake to make! Thanks for sharing.
Yummm
Thanks!!
Our Sewing Club in Rockingham ,West Australia does a Charity For Breast Cancer every year and this year it’s on May 27 -We call it .”Breast Cancer Morning Tea “and we have raffles of gifts that we make or buy for it and provide deserts and coffee or tea for those who come .I saw this recipe and it having that pinkish look .I thought the cherry jello would work great for the event. So I’ll let you know what the girls thought of it afterwards
Oh yes, please do! I’d love to hear the response. The event sounds incredible too. Hope it turns out well this year!
I’ve been making the poke cake since he 1960’s except for a health and fitness faze in the late 90’s. The concept of poking the cake top comes from the use of a wooden spoon handle used. A fork doesn’t make a big enough well for the jello to fill. The jello puddles in thew hole and makes pools of color.
How fun that you have been making poke cake for many years! A wooden spoon is a great way to poke the holes too. Thanks for the suggestion.
I like to use cranberry or raspberry jello in the poke cake. Also, a topping of vanilla pudding then the cool whip. Walnuts on top. Yum !
Sounds delicious!! Thanks for sharing!
Most jello cake recipes only call for hot water in jello. Yours calls for both hot and cold. Just was wondering why.
This jello poke cake calls for both hot and cold water as opposed to some others. I liked how the texture turned out with this method. The instructions in the recipe calls for making your jello as you regularly would according to the box. The box directions call for 1 cup boiling water and 1 cup cold water so we just mixed the jello like you would normally. Hope this helps!
I made a white 9″ round cake with lemon Jell-O and my own lemon frosting and it turned out beautifully. I have a total winner at home. I made it Sunday for Easter and it was gone on Monday 😁 wish I could share pictures
That sounds amazing! I’m so glad it turned out so well!
I am always asked to make my cherry poke cake which uses cherry jello, 1 package of cream cheese whipped and then folded into the Cool Whip and topped with can of cherry pie filing.
Sounds like a heavenly combination! Thanks for sharing what you do!
Since I only had a 6 oz box of raspberry jello I made it according to the directions but only used half of it. It’s in the fridge so we will see.
Let me know how it turns out. I’d love to know!
Nutrition facts are skewed. And its .3oz box not 3.3oz.
Definitely not .3 it is just 3 oz.
I grew up on this cake. It’s awesome! My mom made different variations .We didn’t have tons of junk foods like kids do these days. So when mom made cakes & pies we loved it. That was our junk food. Simpler times better days! Thanks for sharing I haven’t made this in years.
It is 1 box that is the 3.3 or 3.4 ounce.
I did a similar cake…..i used the box orange cake..then used orange jello. For frosting i did a small box of instant vanilla pudding mixed with 1 cup of milk instead of 2…and one big container of cool-whip…..just like a orange dream cicle
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing that!
What if you use 6 ounce (large) jello and just add the 1 cup of boiling and one cup of cold water to it? Will it gel properly? I didn’t realize that I was using the wrong size jello. Will it taste sweeter or heavier?
Oh, man, I wish I knew. I haven’t used the larger one. I would follow the recipe on the box.
Delicious and loved by everyone, especially the kids!
Glad you tried it! Kids always love it! Thank you!
One of my favorites! Delicious and not too rich. Always a crowd-pleaser.
Glad you agree! Thank you!
Can the jello poke cake be done in layers and Use cool whip in between the layers without the layers sliding off each other?
I haven’t tried layering jello poke cake but I think it’d be worth a try. If your layers aren’t too thick then the cool whip in between the layers wouldn’t slide as easily. Let me know how it goes if you try layering. I would love to hear how it turned out!
I always make this cake with 2-tiers, with cool whip in the middle. I use the Taste of Home recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/strawberry-poke-cake/
Turns out like the picture every time!
Looks like a great recipe as well!
Perfection!!!
My Gran used to make this cake but before she poured the cake mix into the pan she would put in pie filling or fruit pieces. An example-Cherry pie filling, then yellow cake mix, bake then use cherry jello, Mandarine oranges with orange jello etc.. Always a huge hit at family gatherings. Now I just need to figure out if home made vegan jello will work in the recipe. Any cake mix can be done vegan.
I love using different flavors 🙂 That’s a good question…if you try it, you will have to let me know 🙂
DId you know you can make a jello cake in a bundt pan? I’vE done it. I love to use my BunDt pan instead of a 9×13.
I personally haven’t tried. One way to find out 😉
I wanted to make this but stores no longer sell a 13.3 0z box of Jello. I esp wanted to make it with sugar free Jello, and again no Jello is that size. I had to but 0.3 oz package and try to figure out how much I need and ended up with 4 times the amount! This receipee need to be changed!
The recipe is 1 (3.3ounce) box 🙂 That will make a big difference.
Easy to make and it was yummy. I used strawberry jello. I also mixed the cool whip with strawberry frosting and iced the top.
Perfect!! Thank you for sharing what you did!
If you made it with four boxes. How did it come out? At least you tried
It is a one(1) 3.3oz box not 13.3….
It’s not a 13 ounce pkg it’s one 3.3 ounce pkg
my moms favorite she taught me to make, i can eat whole thing
I am glad she taught you! I can eat the whole thing, too! Thank you!
First time making this yummy treat!
I used sugar free cherry jello mix (the smaller box) WHICH yields 2 cups like the original recipe…it was killer moist and oh so yummy good. I’ll keep it on top of my festive, easy, flexible FLAVORed cake recipes. I’m really surprised I don’t recall my grandma making this for me when I was a little kid in the 60s…she was a jello wizard
I am glad you tried it! Thank you for letting me know what you did & thought!
Thank u for the recipe! I havent made it in years so i just needed a little memory boost!
Glad it could help! Thank you 🙂
Hi Kristyn…I thought I had tried all the oldies. since I was born in 1961 I spent a lot of time with my grandma…she Was a wizard with all jelo fun things in the day! I try to limit extra sugar when and where most of the time…can this dessert be made with the sugar free jelo mixs?
It sure could 🙂 Hope you like it!
I going to make this right now and my friends told me this was a great cake to make with any jello favor
It really is! I’ve tried so many! Hope you like it!
I inherited this recipe from my mom 20 years ago when it was shown as a two layer round cake with one layer cherry and one layer lime — for christmas — with Cool-whip between the layers, on the sides, and on the top. However using a fork never got enough Jell-o into the cake and using a wooden spoon handle mushed the cake at the bottom of the holes. My solution was to use a use a straw. And since the straw can result in a thin layer of Jell-o on the bottom of the cake pan, I flip over cake then “ice” the upside-down cake. I’ve made it in round layers, square layers, and 9×13 single layer. Whatever version, it always turns out to be a crowd pleaser.
It sure does! Thanks for sharing that!
So do you add cold water to jeLlo after you mix it With hot water?
Yes 🙂
I fIrst made this cake years ago fOr my husband to take to his Christmas Party At work. Everybody there loved it he said! He brought home a cleaned empty baking dish. The next time i wanted to make the Jello poke cake, i couldn’t find my recipe. I have not made it sincE. That was in the 1970’s. I am thrilled to have fOund the recipe once agAin and i Will be sure to never lose it!!! Fyi FOr christmas i used cherry and lime jello, and after MakiNg round holes with the handLe of a wooden spoon, i First Poured the cherry flavor over the top in a Zig-zag pattern. Then i poured the lime flavor over the part of the cake top i had not poured with the cherry. I used all of bOth flAvors. Into the fridge to get it nice and cold. Then i spread the Cool whip All over the top of the cake and put it back Into the fridGe. That was the Day before the Christmas parTy. My hubby told me that it taSted delicious and it was reAl ChrIstmassy lookIng, especially after it was sliced into square pieces. I decorated the top with a sprinkling of snowflake marshmallows, bUt i haven’t seen those in years. This is a fun cake to mAke and eAt!
That sounds perfect! I am so glad you found this recipe & that it’s a hit! Thank you!
This recipe is not new to me but it is a wonderful cakE. Is there a way to post a pic?
It’s my favorite! I don’t allow pics from others to get uploaded on here, I’m sorry! But, I believe it’s a pretty cake!
My sons absolute favorite cake! I combine one 3 oz box of prepared instant vanilla pudding with the cool whip for the topping… makes it absolutely amazing !! You will not be disappointed!
Sounds great! Thank you for sharing that!
I’m am making this cake.. I hope its good
It is seriously my favorite! I hope you liked it! Thank you 🙂
This cake was super moist and easy to make. Instead of plain whipped topping i used a pack of VANILLA pudding, 1 cup of milk and 4oz of whipped topping to make a light and fluffy flavored icing. It was a hit in my house!
That sounds delicious!! I will have to try 🙂 Thanks for sharing that!
Great cake and east to make!
Happy to know you think that! Thank you for sharing that!!
HOw are you making the frosting?? What are the measurements?
It is just topped with whipped topping. I buy the tub. You can use however much you would like on it 🙂
love the poke cakes. and so easy to make.
Me too! Thank you for stopping by!
This is the first time trying making a poke cake my kids are grown so I’m making it for their step dad. I hope it turns out ok. Question though, I’m not putting a topping on it is it still going to be moist and yummy? ? Hoping so I. Missouri lol thank you for your help✌
Yes, it will still be moist & yummy! I haven’t tried leaving the topping off, but I am sure it will still be great!
I did orange jello but when making cake added orange juice insTed off water also cool whip added instant pudding mix with 1cup of milk
Sounds great!! I hope you liked it! Thank you for sharing!
I have a wuestion i made my cake put the jello into it when i cut into it i seen i didnt put nearly enough jello into it could i add more jello to it
When did you cut into it? You can add more into the holes, but not after it’s baked.
I make the cake as described, but I vary the icing. I let the cool whip thaw until it is a creamy consistency. I add in 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix an 1 cup of milk. Blend well. Spread a couple hours before serving, so it has time to set up in the fridge. It makes a super creamy frosting, that has a ton of flavor. (You could use instant chocolate pudding if you wanted chocolate covered strawberry jello cake). Enjoy!
That sounds perfect!! I will have to try that next time! Thank you for sharing that!
Looking good jello cake!
Thank you 🙂
I made this dessert for easter and it was so good, simple and refreshing. This is a great recipe for summertime! I can’t wait to make it again!
I loVe fruity desserts and love the idea of using pie filling to top off the cake. So yummy!
Love this simple dessert that everybody likes. Its a Favorite during the summer because its cool and light!
13.3 oz of jello? Is that correct?seems like a lot of jello. Most recipes that i looked up called for 3oz of jello. So is your recipe correCt? I want to make it for mothers day!!
Wonderful cake. So easy
Thank you so much 🙂
It is 1 (3.3oz) box 🙂 Sorry, to have not responded sooner. Hopefully, you tried it & it worked out!
No. The recipe reads 1 (one) 3.3 box of jello.
No it is one of the 3 oz. box of jello
WE love this easy jello cake! It’s the perfect dessert for hot summer days!!!
We really enjoy this jello cake! It’s so easy and absolutely delicious!
Such a great idea! I loved the flavor the jello added to the cake!
So yummy and so easy! We make this every summer and it is always a hit
I love how simple this is to make! So delicious!
This is one of our favorite go-to desserts! It’s light & fluffy, easy to make, & so tasty! It’s the perfect summer dessert!
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
Wonderful poke cake, Ive made this for years.
It’s my favorite go-to! I am glad you think that! Thank you!
When it comes to cake, this has to be one of my family’s favorites! So soft and tasty!
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!
Love this! Such an easy and yummy cake!!
I am so glad you think so 🙂 It is my go-to!! Thank you!
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!
Thank you
You are so welcome!!
Thank you for making a recipe that is wonderful and so easy..!!!
You’re so very welcome!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Can you bake the cake one day, and poke the holes and fill it the next day
What size cake mix & box of jello is required. Also what is the serving size. I look forward to your response.
Thank you,
Gee
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!
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!
I’m looking at my pudding recipe, it just calls for cold mil. Heat it in microwave???
What size box of jello big or small one?
jUST THE THREE OZ. BOX. bUT IF YOU HAVE THE LARGER BOX, SIMPLY USE TWO CUPS AND LET THE OTHER TWO CUPS SET AS REGULAR JELLO.
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. 🙂
The cake came out very soggy. I had made this cake many years ago and it wasn’t soggy at all. It wasn’t this recipe. Don’t remember how much of the Jello mixture I ised, but I will DEFINITELY not use all of the liquid tHe next time I make this cake. Very disappointed. The cake mix I used was Duncan Hines SupEr MoIst classic white.
I am sorry it was. I have never had it turn out soggy, so I am not sure what happened. Thank you for trying it!
I made the cake today and it was completely soggy after 4 hours in frig. I’m glad I didn’t waste the container of cool whip. I used a lemon Duncan Hines cake mix and a 3 oz box of jello. So disappointing.
I know what happened!! a reader pointed out that the recipe was only supposed to use half the water that the jello calls for!! she asked the author to correct the recipe and she said she would…BUT she didn’t..I ruined my cake as well…I think that sucks that it was pointed out and she said she would fix it and didn’t!! very poor etiquette…such a shame I was really looking forward to this cake too…we were low on things and this was one of the things we had in the kitchen so I really wanted it to turn out well 🙁 My kids wanted something sweet … it’s a soggy mess…I should have known better I am an experienced cook!!
Hi Gwen! We didn’t ever say we would correct the recipe, just thanked the reader for pointing out her experience and feedback. This jello poke cake calls for both hot and cold water as opposed to some others. I liked how the texture turned out with this method. The instructions in the recipe calls for making your jello as you regularly would according to the box. The box directions call for 1 cup boiling water and 1 cup cold water so we just mixed the jello like you would normally. I’m sorry to hear yours turned out soggy. Thanks for giving the recipe a try!