A festive Christmas Jello Poke Cake that blends colorful red and green gelatin into a moist cake, topped with whipped cream. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for holiday dessert tables.
Christmas Jello Poke Cake is a fun and festive dessert that brings holiday colors to your table. Moist cake is baked, then “poked” with holes so vibrant red and green Jello can soak in. It creates a colorful, flavorful treat that’s as cheerful as it is delicious.
Topped with fluffy whipped cream and optional sprinkles, this cake is perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet addition to a festive dessert spread. It’s easy to make, gorgeous, and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
It is the best Christmas dessert. The ideas are endless for Poke Cake Recipes.
What's in this post: Christmas Jello Poke Cake
Why We Love This
- Festive and colorful: Red and green Jello make it a show-stopping holiday dessert.
- Moist and flavorful: The Jello soaks into the cake, keeping every bite tender and sweet.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a fun poke technique make it beginner friendly.
- Kid-approved: Bright colors and sweet flavors make it a hit with children.
- Versatile topping: Whipped cream, sprinkles, or even crushed candy canes add extra flair and flavor.
Ingredients
- White Cake Mix: Use your favorite brand for a light, fluffy base.
- Red Jello Mix and Lime Jello Mix: These create the festive red and green swirls throughout the cake.
- Cool Whip: Adds a creamy, fluffy topping; you can also use Homemade Whipped Cream.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Red and green sprinkles make the cake extra festive and fun to serve.
Jump to recipe to the very bottom and get the complete ingredient list.
Variations
- Change the Frosting: Swap the whipped topping for a rich buttercream frosting for a different texture and flavor.
- Add Fruit: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add color, flavor, and a natural sweetness. Perfect for a strawberry Jello poke cake.
- Change the Jello Flavor: Experiment with different Jello flavors to match any occasion, from birthdays to family movie nights.
- Try Different Cake Flavors: Use red velvet, yellow, or your favorite cake mix for a unique twist on this festive dessert.
- Mix-In Ideas: Add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crushed candy for extra texture and flavor.
- Seasonal Themes: Adjust colors and flavors to fit holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Halloween for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the cake based on the box instructions. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2. Poke the cake with the end of a wooden spoon. Make sure to poke cakes everywhere.
Step 3. Prepare both of the Jell-O mixes. Alternate spooning the strawberry gelatin and the green gelatin mix over the cake.
Step 4. Continue until you have used half of the mixture. The full amount is not needed. Place in the fridge to cool completely.
Step 5. Top with the cool whip.
Step 6. Add the sprinkles to the top of the cake. Cut and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. This is the best cake and so easy to make with just a few ingredients.
When cutting the cake, wipe the knife with cold water for a clean cut.
I think it is best prepared a day ahead of time. This allows the flavors to really soak into the cake and it tastes even more delicious.
Letting the jello soak into the cake for several hour or overnight really helps with the flavoring. Plus it makes the colors so vibrant.
You can use a fork to poke the cake or really anything you have. The end of a wooden spoon also works as well. Another idea is to use a toothpick.
This is such an easy recipe so just use what you have and make this amazing cake.
Store any Christmas poke cake Christmas leftovers in the refrigerator covered. You can cover with plastic wrap or with the lid that came with your pan.
How To Make For Every Holiday?
- Halloween Poke Cake – Decorate a white cake with orange jello mix. Top with a orange frosting and fun Halloween Sprinkles.
- Easter Poke Cake – Poke a white or yellow cake with fun pastel colors. Then top with white frosting with Easter Bunnies on top.
- Valentines Day – Make a Red Velvet cake and poke holes and pour sweetened condensed milk over the top. Top with frosting and red hot candies. See Valentine’s Day Poke Cake Recipe.
- St Patrick’s Day – We love using lime green jello poured over a white cake. Makes for a fun and festive treat for St Patrick’s Day.
- Thanksgiving Poke Cake – Make a spice cake and drizzle with caramel size. Mix in apple pie filling for a perfect fall dessert.
- 4th of July Poke Cake – We love to make 4th of July Poke Cake Recipe with red and blue jello.
More Christmas Dessert Ideas
- Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe
- Crock Pot Christmas Candy Recipe
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Christmas Chocolate Covered Oreo Recipe
- Crack Christmas Chex Mix Recipe
- Christmas Cranberry Cake Recipe
Try this delicious holiday cake with jello and come back and leave a star recipe rating and comment. I think you will love this delicious cake recipe.
Christmas Jello Poke Cake
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix as directed and bake in a 9×13 pan. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Poke cake with the end of a wooden spoon throughout the cake. I spaced the holes about 1″ apart on the cake.
- Prepare both jell-o mixes as directed on the back in the box in separate bowls.
- Then take turn spooning the jello mixes over the cake alternating the flavors per rows on the cake. Only use ½ half of each of the jello mixes as the full amounts are not needed.
- Then chill the cake for 3 to 4 hours in a refrigerator and top with the cool whip.
- Sprinkle the top with your favorite Christmas sprinkles! Serve and Enjoy!
Recipe Video
can you use something with the whip cream or in place of? Just not a real big fan of it.
You can use a traditional frosting instead (like buttercream) and it would still be delicious!