Create a festive and moist Christmas Jello Poke Cake using simple cake mix and vibrant red and green Jell-O. This easy holiday dessert is perfect for potlucks and parties.
Author:katereilly
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:4 hours 55 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking and Chilling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, water)
1 cup boiling water
1 package (3 oz) strawberry or cherry Jell-O (red)
1 package (3 oz) lime or lemon Jell-O (green)
1 cup cold water (divided)
1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup festive sprinkles (red, green, white)
Instructions
Prepare the white cake according to the package directions, but use only the ingredients listed on the box. Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch baking pan.
While the cake is still warm from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
Prepare the red Jell-O: Pour the package of red Jell-O into a bowl. Add 1 cup of boiling water and stir until the Jell-O is completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup of cold water.
Carefully and slowly pour the red Jell-O mixture evenly over the entire surface of the warm cake, allowing the liquid to seep into the holes.
Prepare the green Jell-O: In a separate bowl, repeat the process using the green Jell-O package, 1 cup of boiling water, and the remaining 1/2 cup of cold water.
Pour the green Jell-O mixture evenly over the red Jell-O layer on the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the Jell-O is completely set.
Once the Jell-O is firm, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
Sprinkle the top generously with festive red, green, and white sprinkles before serving.
Notes
For the moistest cake, poke holes while the cake is still warm. The warmth helps the Jell-O soak in better.
You can use any combination of red and green Jell-O flavors you prefer.
Make this ahead of time; it tastes even better after chilling overnight.