This delightful Jell-O Poke Cake is a fun and colorful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of a moist white cake and vibrant Jell-O creates a visually appealing treat that is sure to impress your guests. Topped with a light and fluffy whipped topping, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. The white cake mix and Jell-O are essential for this recipe, and you can choose any flavor of Jell-O to match your preference. Additionally, make sure to get a container of thawed whipped topping to finish off the cake.
Ingredients For Jell-O Poke Cake Recipe
White cake mix: A pre-packaged mix that forms the base of the cake, making it easy and convenient to prepare.
Jell-O: A flavored gelatin dessert that adds color and flavor to the cake. You can choose any flavor you like.
Boiling water: Used to dissolve the Jell-O powder completely.
Cold water: Helps to cool down the Jell-O mixture before pouring it over the cake.
Whipped topping: A light and airy topping that adds a creamy finish to the cake.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure the jell-o mixture penetrates deeply into the cake, use a skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to create larger holes instead of a fork. This will allow the flavor to distribute more evenly throughout the dessert.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
white cake mix - Substitute with yellow cake mix: The flavor will be slightly richer, but it will still work well with the jell-o.
white cake mix - Substitute with homemade cake batter: Use a basic vanilla cake recipe to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.
jell-o - Substitute with gelatin and fruit juice: Mix unflavored gelatin with fruit juice to create a natural and customizable flavor.
boiling water - Substitute with hot fruit juice: Adds extra flavor to the jell-o mixture.
cold water - Substitute with cold fruit juice: Enhances the flavor profile of the jell-o.
thawed whipped topping - Substitute with whipped cream: Provides a fresher, creamier texture and taste.
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How to Store or Freeze This Cake
- To keep your Jell-O Poke Cake fresh and delightful, first ensure the cake is completely cooled and the whipped topping is spread evenly over the surface.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent it from drying out and keep it moist and flavorful.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps maintain the texture and taste of both the cake and the Jell-O.
- If you plan to enjoy the cake over several days, cut it into individual servings and store them in airtight containers. This makes it easier to grab a piece whenever you want without exposing the entire cake to air.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the Jell-O Poke Cake. First, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no part of the cake is exposed to air. Then, wrap it again with aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Label the wrapped cake with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the cake's texture and flavor.
- Once thawed, if the whipped topping looks a bit soft, you can add a fresh layer to rejuvenate its appearance and taste.
- Avoid refreezing the cake once it has been thawed, as this can affect the texture and overall quality of the dessert.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Jell-O poke cake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Cut a slice of the cake and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to keep the moisture in. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check and add more time if necessary, but be careful not to overheat as it can make the cake rubbery.
If you prefer a steam method, place the cake slice in a steamer basket over simmering water for about 5 minutes. This method helps retain the moisture and keeps the cake soft.
For a more gourmet approach, you can use a sous-vide machine. Seal the cake slice in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse it in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) for about 30 minutes. This ensures even heating without drying out the cake.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cake slice in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method can give the cake a slightly crispy edge while keeping the inside moist.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cake mix as directed on the box.
9x13 inch pan: The baking pan size specified for the cake mix.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the Jell-O with boiling water and then cold water.
Fork: Used to poke holes all over the cake.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the boiling water and cold water.
Whisk: Used to stir the Jell-O mixture until dissolved.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the cake for at least 2 hours.
Spatula: Used to spread the whipped topping over the cake before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Cake
Use a cake mix: Opt for a cake mix to save time on measuring and mixing ingredients.
Boil water in advance: Boil the water while the cake is baking to speed up the Jell-O preparation.
Cool the cake quickly: Place the cake in the fridge for a few minutes to cool it faster before poking holes.
Pre-thaw whipped topping: Make sure the whipped topping is thawed and ready to use while the cake is setting in the fridge.
Use a fork for poking: A fork makes quick work of poking holes evenly across the cake.

Jell-O Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box White cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
- 1 package Jell-O any flavor
- 1 cup Boiling water
- 1 cup Cold water
- 1 container Whipped topping thawed
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Prepare and bake the cake mix as directed on the box for a 9x13 inch pan.
- 3. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes, then poke holes all over the cake with a fork.
- 4. In a bowl, mix the Jell-O with boiling water until dissolved, then stir in the cold water.
- 5. Pour the Jell-O mixture over the cake, making sure it gets into the holes.
- 6. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.
- 7. Spread the whipped topping over the cake before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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