Description
This festive Christmas Poke Cake combines a moist white cake with colorful cherry and lime gelatin poked into holes for a vibrant, jiggly effect. Topped with fluffy whipped topping, Christmas sprinkles, and cute Christmas Peeps, this dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations and serves 16 slices.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles
- Non-stick spray for baking dish
Gelatin
- 1 box (3 oz) cherry gelatin
- 1 box (3 oz) lime gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water (divided)
- 1 cup cold water (divided)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Additional Christmas sprinkles, for garnish
- Christmas Peeps, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare the cake batter: Follow the directions on the white cake mix box and stir in 1 tablespoon of Christmas sprinkles to add festive color.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare cherry gelatin: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup boiling water with the cherry gelatin mix and stir until fully dissolved, then whisk in ½ cup cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare lime gelatin: Repeat the same process in another bowl with lime gelatin—dissolve in 1 cup boiling water and whisk in ½ cup cold water. Set aside.
- Poke holes in the cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw, poke holes all over the cooled cake about 1 inch apart.
- Fill holes with gelatin: Spoon the cherry and lime gelatin into the holes alternately, placing red gelatin in one hole and green in the next until all holes are filled.
- Refrigerate the cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to allow the gelatin to set into the cake.
- Frost the cake: Once set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
- Decorate: Garnish the frosted cake with additional Christmas sprinkles and place Christmas Peeps on top for a festive look.
- Serve: Cut into 16 slices and serve chilled for a colorful and festive holiday dessert.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a creamier texture.
- The gelatin colors can be swapped for other flavors/colors to match your holiday theme.
- Make sure to refrigerate the cake long enough for the gelatin to fully set to avoid runny gelatin in the cake.
- Use different shaped straws or spoons to create varied hole sizes for a fun texture.
- This cake is best served chilled and within 2 days of preparation for freshness.