Name: Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) box white cake mix; Ingredients called for on cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water); 1 (6 oz) box strawberry jello; 1 (6 oz) box lime jello; 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per jello box); 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup milk; 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; Red and green sprinkles or decorations

There's something truly magical about a dessert that bursts with color and layers of flavor, especially during the holidays. This Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe is a perfect example — moist, bright, and comforting all at once, it's a festive treat that always brings smiles around my kitchen table.

The image shows a slice of colorful sponge cake on a white plate. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is light yellow with sections of red and green sponge mixed inside, looking soft and airy with many small holes, while the top layer is white creamy frosting with a smooth texture. On top of the frosting, there are small round sprinkles in red and green colors evenly scattered. The background surface is a white marbled texture, and a red and white cloth is under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Christmas poke cake a few years ago when I wanted a show-stopping but easy holiday dessert. Honestly, it exceeded all my expectations — the colors, the creamy topping, and the festive vibe make it a no-brainer for any holiday gathering.

Festive and Fun: The red and green jello colors poking through the cake create a cheerful, Christmas-themed treat that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
So Simple to Make: Using a boxed cake mix and instant pudding keeps the process stress-free, even if you’re juggling holiday chaos.
Light and Moist Texture: The jello seeps into the holes, adding flavor and moisture that makes every bite soft and irresistible.
Customizable Topping: The whipped topping mixed with vanilla pudding creates a luscious finish that you can jazz up with your favorite sprinkles or decorations.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe lies in how simple ingredients come together to turn a standard cake into a festive sensation. Each component plays a role, and I always keep a few tips up my sleeve when shopping or prepping.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cake mix powder, two clean whole eggs with smooth brown shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red strawberry gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green lime gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth instant vanilla pudding mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl of soft, fluffy thawed whipped topping, and a scattering of tiny red and green round sprinkles arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White cake mix: I prefer white cake for a neutral base that lets the red and green jello shine and keeps the flavors bright.
Strawberry and lime Jello: These classic holiday colors bring sweetness and a little tartness that balance perfectly with the creamy topping.
Boiling water: This dissolves the jello powder efficiently so it can soak nicely into the cake holes.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the whipped topping — be sure to use instant for best results.
Milk: Combines with pudding mix to create that luscious pudding layer; whole milk ups the creaminess if you want extra indulgence.
Frozen whipped topping: Always thaw completely for a silky texture that blends seamlessly with the pudding.
Red and green sprinkles: These finishing touches take the cake from festive to fabulous, but feel free to get creative with your decorations!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe is how easy it is to make your own spin. Over the years, I've tried switching up flavors and toppings to keep it fresh and exciting.

Variation: I once swapped the strawberry jello for raspberry and the lime for lemon to add a slightly tangier twist — it was a hit and a great way to customize based on what I had on hand.
Make it dairy-free: Using a dairy-free whipped topping and pudding mix lets those with allergies enjoy the cake without compromise.
Flavor boost: A splash of almond or vanilla extract in the cake batter adds a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with the jello flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe

A baked rectangular cake with a smooth golden brown base layer, topped with a colorful checkerboard pattern of red and green glossy patches evenly spread across the surface. The cake's surface shows small holes aligned in rows, adding texture to the vibrant colors. The edges of the cake are rounded and slightly darker than the center, and the whole cake rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bake the base cake and prep for poking

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or whatever your cake mix box directs). I always grease my 9x13 pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray so the cake releases easily later. Mix your white cake mix with its ingredients — typically eggs, oil, and water — then pour into your pan. Bake until golden and springy to the touch, following the time on your cake box. Once you pull it out, let it cool for 15 minutes, just enough so it’s still warm but not piping hot.

Step 2: Poke it... and pour the jello magic

This is where the fun begins! Using a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes about every inch across the entire cake surface. Trust me, don’t skimp — those holes let the jello seep deep, infusing each bite with flavor. Next, dissolve your strawberry and lime jello powders separately in boiling water (one cup each). I like to alternate pouring rows of red and green jelly over the cake so the colors really pop. You don’t need to use all the liquid; just enough to seep into those holes. Pop the cake into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the jello.

Step 3: Whip up creamy topping and chill

While your cake chills, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding with milk until it thickens—this usually takes just a few minutes. Then fold in the thawed whipped topping gently to keep it airy and light. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the jello-chilled cake. Then, refrigerate the cake again for at least 2 hours — this step is crucial as it gives all the delicious layers a chance to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add your festive finishing touches

When it’s time to serve, sprinkle red and green sprinkles over the top — they add just the right amount of holiday cheer and a little crunch. Serve chilled and watch how quick it disappears from the plate!

Top Tip

From my many times making this Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe, a few little tricks make all the difference between a good cake and a showstopper.

Don’t overbake your cake: A slightly underbaked cake holds moisture better, which means your jello soak-in is more vibrant and juicy.
Use warm cake when poking: It’s easier to poke holes without crumbling when the cake is warm but not hot.
Alternate jello pours carefully: Pour slowly in rows to prevent mixing colors too much—for that signature Christmas red and green look.
Let it chill long enough: Skipping the chilling time sacrifices the cake’s structure and flavor melding, so don’t rush the fridge time!

How to Serve Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe

Christmas poke cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for red and green sprinkles because they add a festive pop — but sometimes I sprinkle crushed candy canes or even chopped pistachios for a bit of crunch and holiday flair. Fresh mint leaves also look stunning if you want a more elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but I like pairing it with simple sides like hot cocoa or a cup of spiced tea. If you’re making a dessert buffet, fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait balance its indulgence nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this cake cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters (think stars or Christmas trees) to wow guests. Layered parfait glasses with cake chunks, jello, and whipped topping is another fun way to reinvent this cake for smaller servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Christmas poke cake keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers a delightful treat.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing this cake isn’t ideal because the jello layer changes texture and can become watery upon thawing. If you want to save leftovers, refrigerate instead for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This is always a chilled dessert in my book. Instead of reheating, I like to let the cake come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it’s been in the fridge for a while — it softens the cake just enough without losing the refreshing jello effect.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe tastes even better if made a day ahead, giving the jello and pudding topping plenty of time to meld beautifully together.

What kind of jello can I use if I want different flavors?

Feel free to get creative with flavors to suit your taste or what’s available. Raspberry and lime, cherry and lemon, or even orange and berry combinations work well and keep the festive colors vibrant.

Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed cake mix?

Yes! If you prefer baking from scratch, any white or yellow cake recipe works perfectly for this poke cake. Just be sure it’s baked in a 9x13 pan and cooled enough before poking the holes and adding the jello.

Why is the jello poured into holes important?

Poking holes allows the jello to seep deep into the cake, infusing it with flavor and moisture all the way through, rather than just sitting on top. This technique makes the cake uniquely delicious and moist.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Poke Cake with Jello and Whipped Topping Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels both nostalgic and novel. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, it’s a gift to yourself and your loved ones — colorful, delicious, and so easy to make. I really hope you try it this holiday season and share that joyful sparkle it brings, just like I do every year in my kitchen.