Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Are you ready to add a burst of festive joy to your holiday dessert spread? Look no further than the beloved Christmas Poke Cake! This delightful treat takes a simple white cake mix and transforms it into a stunning masterpiece that captures the essence of Christmas cheer. By infusing the cake with alternating stripes of cherry and lime Jell-O, you create a moist, flavorful delight that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

The magic of Christmas Poke Cake lies in its simplicity and ability to deliver maximum “wow factor” with minimal effort. Topped with a fluffy layer of Cool Whip and sprinkled with festive colors, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this cake is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

Join me in making cherished memories around the dessert table with this easy and delightful Christmas Poke Cake. Embrace the spirit of the season with every slice as you savor the sweet flavors and vibrant colors of this festive treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet show-stopping dessert that has become a beloved tradition in my home.

Quick Benefits

• Easy and Festive Dessert Hack: Transform a basic boxed cake into a visually stunning, fruit-infused masterpiece with colorful Jell-O layers.
• Moist and Flavorful: The Jell-O infuses the cake with moisture and fruity flavors, making each bite deliciously sweet and tangy.
• Make-Ahead Wow Factor: Impress guests with minimal effort by preparing this cake in advance; the 24-hour rest ensures perfect, Instagram-worthy stripes and easy slicing.
• Nostalgic and Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both adults and kids, this cake brings joy and nostalgia to the holiday table, proving that simple and festive often beats complicated and fancy.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe Recipe

• This recipe is a festive and vibrant dessert that captures the essence of Christmas cheer with its red and green stripes, making it a visually stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
• By combining the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the fun addition of Jell-O, this dessert is a perfect “dessert hack” for busy hosts who want to impress with minimal effort.
• The poke cake technique ensures that each bite is incredibly moist and bursting with fruit-infused flavor, making it a delightful treat for both kids and adults.
• Topped with a snowy layer of Cool Whip and colorful Christmas sprinkles, this cake not only looks beautiful but also tastes delicious with a perfect balance of sweetness.
• The make-ahead nature of this recipe allows for stress-free entertaining as it needs to chill for 24 hours, ensuring easy slicing and maintaining those Instagram-worthy stripes when served.
• With a shelf life of up to 4 days in the refrigerator, this dessert is a convenient option for holiday parties, giving you the flexibility to prepare it in advance without compromising on flavor or texture.
• Christmas poke cake is a nostalgic and joyful treat that proves you don’t need complicated techniques to create a show-stopping dessert; it’s all about spreading happiness and holiday cheer with each slice.

Ingredients for Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

For the Cake

• 1 cup water (or amount listed on box)
• 15.25 oz box white cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or amount listed on box)
• 3 egg whites (or eggs as listed on box)

For the Jell-O Filling

• 3 oz box lime Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water, divided
• 1 cup cold water, divided
• 3 oz box cherry Jell-O

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles
• 8 oz container Cool Whip

How to Make Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cake

Follow the package instructions to prepare the white cake mix by combining it with water, oil, and egg whites until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for the time specified on the cake mix box or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool Completely

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely for at least 20 to 30 minutes to prevent the Jell-O from melting into warm cake.

Step 5: Poke the Holes

Using a fork, poke holes in the cake in 5 columns down the length of the pan, making them deep but not piercing through the bottom.

Step 6: Make the Jell-O

Divide the Jell-O flavors into separate bowls. Pour half of the boiling water (approximately 1/2 cup) into each bowl and stir until the powder dissolves. Follow by adding half of the cold water (around 1/2 cup) to each bowl and stir well.

Step 7: Add the Jell-O

Carefully alternate pouring cherry Jell-O and lime Jell-O over the cake using a spoon to create stripes. The Jell-O will seep into the holes.

Step 8: First Chill

Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the Jell-O to set.

Step 9: Add the Cool Whip

Remove the cake from the refrigerator and evenly spread the Cool Whip over the entire top surface.

Step 10: Final Chill and Decorate

Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the Cool Whip. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Slice and serve cold.

Storage Tips

After preparing and assembling your Christmas poke cake, it is essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and visual appeal. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to protect it from absorbing any odors in the refrigerator. Stored this way, the cake can last for up to 4 days.

For optimal results, allow the Christmas poke cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period allows the Jell-O to set properly within the cake, making it easier to slice and ensuring the distinct red and green stripes remain intact when serving. Skipping this step may result in a messy appearance and colors blending together when cutting into the cake.

While the Christmas poke cake can be stored for a few days, it is best enjoyed within 48 hours of assembly. The Jell-O helps retain moisture in the cake, but the Cool Whip topping may lose its light texture over time. Avoid freezing the cake, as the gelatin and whipped topping will release water upon thawing, compromising the texture and overall quality of the dessert. Embrace the simplicity and festive charm of this dessert by serving it fresh within the recommended timeframe to delight your guests with its vibrant colors and nostalgic flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different flavor or color combination for your Christmas Poke Cake, you can easily swap out the cherry and lime Jell-O for other gelatin flavors that suit your taste or the occasion. For example, you could try using raspberry and green apple Jell-O for a different twist. Just make sure the combined flavors complement each other well.

If you want to make the cake a bit lighter or dairy-free, you can substitute the Cool Whip with a whipped coconut cream topping. Simply refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solidified coconut cream, whip it with a bit of sweetener until fluffy, and use it as a substitute for the Cool Whip. This substitution will give your cake a delicious coconut flavor and a dairy-free option for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting the Christmas poke cake into small, bite-sized cubes and skewering them on festive toothpicks for a fun and easy-to-eat party dessert. This presentation not only showcases the colorful layers of Jell-O but also makes it convenient for guests to enjoy a taste of holiday cheer without needing a plate or fork.

Another idea is to layer individual servings of the Christmas poke cake in small Mason jars, alternating between the cherry and lime gelatin-soaked cake, and topping each layer with a dollop of fluffy Cool Whip and a sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles. This individualized presentation adds a charming touch to your holiday table and allows guests to enjoy their own portion of this festive and flavorful dessert.

FAQs for Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Jell-O to customize the cake to your preferences. Just make sure to adjust the flavors accordingly for a cohesive and delicious final result.

How far in advance can I make the Christmas Poke Cake?

You can make the Christmas Poke Cake up to 4 days in advance. However, it is recommended to allow the cake to chill overnight for at least 24 hours to ensure clean and distinct stripes when sliced.

Can I freeze the Christmas Poke Cake for later?

No, this dessert does not freeze well. Freezing the cake will cause the gelatin and whipped topping to release water upon thawing, compromising the texture of the cake. It is best enjoyed within 48 hours of assembly.

How should I store the leftover Christmas Poke Cake?

Keep any leftover Christmas Poke Cake covered and refrigerated to maintain its freshness. While the Jell-O helps preserve the cake’s moisture, the Cool Whip may lose its airiness over time. Enjoy within 4 days for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

As you prepare to make your own Christmas Poke Cake, remember that the simplicity of this dessert is what makes it truly magical. Embrace the ease and fun of creating something that brings smiles and joy to your loved ones. The vibrant colors, moist texture, and sweet flavor combination will surely make it a hit at any holiday gathering.

So, go ahead and whip up this festive treat, bask in the delight of your guests as they take their first bite, and savor the moment of creating a new holiday tradition. Christmas Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of love, laughter, and the simple pleasures that make the holiday season so special. Happy baking, and may your Christmas be merry and bright with the joy of this delightful Christmas Poke Cake at its heart.