Jello Poke Cake is a super easy dessert perfect for spring and summer! Made simple with your favorite box of cake mix, some strawberry Jello, a hearty layer of Cool Whip and topped with freshly sliced strawberries, this cake can serve a crowd and takes no time at all to whip up!
Jello Poke Cake
Looking for a cake that’s not only easy, but also unique and delicious? I bring you the Jello poke cake. A classic dessert that’s been popular since the 70s, this cake comes out creamy, moist, and super flavorful. I love this recipe because it’s a quick and easy way to elevate a tried and true cake mix. Plus you’ve likely got most, if not all the ingredients on hand. Just take your favorite white cake mix and bake as normal. Mix up some jello, poke some holes in the cake, and pour. Slap some Cool Whip on top once set and some fresh fruit and you’ve got a colorful cake that will dazzle and delight any pool party, outdoor get together, or just a spring weekend on the patio! The strawberry flavors (and color that gets added to this cake) are delightful. Plus if you make this cake while in strawberry season, the fresh slices of berries really take it over the top!
For more fruity fresh cakes, try this tangy Orange Cake or no bake Berry Icebox Cake!
Does the cake have a jello texture?
It does not. So the jello here doesn’t set like typical jello. It is made the same but by pouring the unset jello over the cake, the flavor just seeps into the cake giving the cake an extra moist and almost creamy like texture. So don’t worry you aren’t sinking your teeth into a cake with pockets of squishy jello inside!
How To Make Jello Poke Cake
- Bake. Prep your chosen cake mix and bake it according to the directions on the box (or the recipe if you’re making it from scratch).
- Cool. Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for about 30 minutes. Use the handle of a utensil or straw to poke holes evenly across the cake.
- Mix. In a mixing bowl (or right in the pot) add the boiling water and dissolve the strawberry gelatin. Pour in the cold water and mix thoroughly.
- Pour. Carefully pour the jello mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes you’ve created.
- Refrigerate. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours so the gelatin can set properly.
- Spread. Spoon the thawed cool whip onto the cake and spread it evenly.
- Serve. Top with freshly sliced strawberries and enjoy!
Storing Jello Poke Cake
Store any leftover cake covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Any longer and the cake may start to get soggy.
Ingredients Notes for Jello Poke Cake
- Boxed Cake Mix – I like white cake mix for this recipe so the flavor of the jello shines through. However you could also opt for vanilla, yellow, or even angel food. You’ll also need the ingredients listed on the cake mix – eggs, oil, and water, generally.
- Strawberry Jello – You can experiment with other flavors and colors for different holidays or seasons!
- Water – For the jello, you’ll need both boiling water and cold water.
- Cool Whip – Be sure to thaw it in the fridge before topping the cake.
- Strawberries – Freshly sliced as a topping. Of course you can also try out other fruits like blackberries, blueberries, peaches, or kiwi! Or try something like a fruit pizza and do an array of fresh fruits.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Jello Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 Box White cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water
- 1 3 oz Box Strawberry Jello
- 1 Cup Boiling water
- ½ Cup Cold water
- 1 8 oz Container Cool Whip thawed in the fridge
- 1 Cup Sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the white cake according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon or other utensil to poke holes evenly across the surface.
- In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in ½ cup of cold water.
- Pour the Jello mixture slowly and evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.
- Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the chilled cake.
- Top with sliced strawberries before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you use whipping cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can make your own whipped cream and use that if you wish. Just keep in mind that fresh whipped cream doesn’t hold up as long as cool whip does so you won’t want to put it on the cake until right when you’re serving, or even just add it to individual pieces.