We think this festive red, white, and green Jello poke cake is the perfect dessert for Christmas for several reasons! It's easy to make, it's easy to do ahead and stash in the refrigerator, it's pretty, and it's cool, light, and refreshing after a long stretch of feasting on rich foods!
The cake recipe is simple as can be; it starts with a white cake mix, two packages of Jello, a container of whipped topping like Cool Whip, and sprinkles! Make the cake according to the directions on the box.
Cherry and lime are a classic flavor combination, and their red and green colors are a perfect match for a traditional, colorful holiday look.
You can use any cake mix you like for a Jello poke cake, but a white cake mix is ideal for this effect. The flavor is relatively neutral, allowing the cherry and lime flavors to take center stage, and the crisp, snowy white appearance really sets off the cheerful, bright Jello colors.
I suggest using the "egg whites only" version so the cake is white as snow. Use the amount of oil, egg whites, and water as directed on the box and bake it in a nine-by-thirteen-inch pan according to the cake mix directions. If you want to make your own white cake from scratch, that's fine, too, of course!
While baking the cake, make the Jello, but NOT according to the directions on the box. To make Jello for a Jello poke cake, you'll use a smaller amount of water than recommended in the Jello package instructions.
This will create a firmer Jello that will set up well in the cake without making it too wet. This proportion of water to Jello will soak into the cake while still maintaining its structure.
Use a 3-ounce package of Jello mixed with a cup of boiling water and stir until it is completely dissolved. Do not add any more water. Let it cool at room temperature while the cake bakes.
When the cake is done, let it cool on a rack for about twenty minutes, then poke the cake in rows with the handle of a wooden spoon. I made six lines of holes to pour the Jello evenly in alternating rows.
Do this as carefully and slowly as possible to keep the colors separate. Remember that red and green mixed together make brown, and that's not the look you want! Don't be Betty-in-a-hurry; instead, be Careful, Cathy!
After you've poured the Jello over the cake, refrigerate it for a few hours, allowing the Jello to set and infuse into the cake.
When the cake has chilled, it's time to top it with an 8-ounce container of whipped topping. This works better than whipped cream because it will remain stable while the cake is refrigerated.
Remember to defrost the unopened whipped topping in the refrigerator for at least four hours without stirring it to maintain the volume you want. The cake can sit in the refrigerator covered with plastic film as long as it takes for the whipped topping to defrost; it is very chill and patient.😉
I love what sprinkles can do for a dessert of any kind! Choose the sprinkles that make you smile to top this pretty poke cake! Take a peek inside this pretty thing!
A light, cool, and refreshing cake poked with two flavors of jello and frosted with whipped topping and sprinkles for a pretty Christmasy dessert!
Bake the cake according to the directions on the box. Bake in a 9x13 baking pan. A glass pan makes a pretty presentation!
Let the cake cool for about twenty minutes, then poke holes in the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.
Mix the cherry Jello with one cup of boiling water in one bowl and lime Jello with one cup of boiling water in another bowl. Make sure the jello is completely dissolved. I found glass measuring cups with a pour spout are very handy for this!
Let the Jello cool to room temperature.
Pour the cherry Jello into every other row of holes and pour green in the remaining holes. Use all the Jello.
Refrigerate the cake for 3-4 hours or overnight, and then top with whipped topping and sprinkles.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The white cake will look the whitest if you use the "egg whites only" recipe on the cake mix box.
A Jello poke cake is a great dessert for any occasion, and you can combine colors for any season or event! They are so pretty, so easy, so light, and so refreshing!
In case you missed it, here are a couple of fun (and heavier!) Christmas treats you can make when you gather with your favorite people! Dried Beef Dip and Bacon Crack!
Here are a couple of more of our family favorites. Five Minute Cheeseball, and another addictive snack, Caramel Crunch Chocolate Chex Mix. If you're looking for unique cocktail recipes, here are two good ones: Cranberry Bourbon Slush and Grinch Cocktail!
In all the hustle and bustle, please remember the one true reason we celebrate this holiday: find time to slow down and enjoy some meaningful time with your loved ones. Christmas is a gift and was never meant to be a burden!
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Love, GB (Betty Streff)
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