How to Make Poke Cake with Jello: A Fun Dessert for Any Occasion

I’m not much of a baker. I can only bake one kind of cookie. And I once set the oven on fire (as a teenager) because I put too much butter on an apple pie crust. But even I can make a box cake mix and some Jell-o to create this poke cake with Jello that can work for any celebration! 

What is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a cake combined with a few other things such as jello, pudding, or sweetened condensed milk. 

The concept is that you bake a cake, then poke holes in it and pour something yummy over the cake into the holes. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy
• Can be customized for ANY occasion
• Uses easy to find ingredients
• Can use cake mix or homemade cake
• Doesn’t require any special baking skills

Poke Cake with Jello Ingredients

For the full ingredients list and printable instructions, see the recipe card below. 

For the poke cake

• 1 18.25 ounce package of white cake mix, prepared to package instructions (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 package 3-ounce package strawberry gelatin (use a vegan version, if desired)
• 1 package 3-ounce package blueberry gelatin (use a vegan version, if desired)
• 2 cups boiling water, for gelatin

For the cream cheese frosting (optional – you could use prepared icing instead)

• 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese (use dairy-free or vegan, if desired)
• ½ cup powdered sugar, divided
• 2 tbsp milk (use non-dairy milk, if desired)
• 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed (use a vegan option if desired)

Variations for Jello Poke Cake

• Use white cake and red jello for Canada Day. Top with sliced strawberries. 
• Or try alternating red and blue jello for the 4th of July. Slice up 1-quart strawberries and 2 cups of blueberries and arrange them on the top of the cake like a flag.
• Red and green jello works for Christmas.
• Make black jello from grape jello and black food coloring and pair well with orange jello for Halloween. 
• Before baking the cake, stir sprinkles into the cake mix for a funfetti-style cake.
• Add whipped cream and a cherry on top for more colorful fun.
• Swap the white or yellow cake for chocolate cake for an entirely different twist on this jello poke cake. 
• Try other flavors of jello like lime, lemon, cherry, peach, watermelon, or island pineapple. 
• Skip the cream cheese frosting and simply top it with whipped cream. 

How to Make Poke Cake with Jello

1. Bake the cake in a 13×9 pan according to package instructions. Allow the cake to cool completely.

2. Poke holes in the top of the cake, using a fork for small holes or the handle end of a wooden spoon for larger holes.

3. Make the Jello. Mix together the gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved, and then spoon each prepared gelatin over the cake, making sure to pour over the holes.

4. Top with icing. If you’re making the icing, mix together cream cheese and powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix in the whipped topping. Spread over the cake.

5. Add fruit or other embellishments as desired.

6. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours before serving.

Jello Poke Cake Serving Suggestions

• Poke cake with Jello is perfect for a summer after dinner dessert, or to take on a picnic or to a potluck.
• Serve with a scoop of ice cream (non-dairy for my vegan friends).
• After preparing it, you can cut the patriotic poke cake and serve it on pretty white dishes with color-coordinated napkins.

Tips for Success

• Be sure to let the cake cool completely to avoid a soggy bottomed cake. 
• Use a syringe to fill the holes if you don’t want jello all over the cake. 
• If you’re using more than one color of Jello, add your Jello in rows and alternate the colors so you get a colorful mix of colors in the cake. It’s good to spoon over each row 2-3 times for good coverage.
• Add the whipped topping just before serving and make sure the cake doesn’t sit out at room temperature – or in the heat – for long.

Storing, Freezing + Make Ahead

This jello poke cake can be stored in the fridge for several days before serving as long as it is in an airtight container. 

It can also be frozen for up to 1 month in an airtight container before you add any icing or frosting. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw and top with icing or whipped topping, and serve cold. 

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with a lid or plastic wrap. 

FAQs

What do you use to poke holes in a cake?

You can use just about anything you like. A fork is great for smaller holes, while the back of a wooden spoon is perfect for larger holes. 

Do you have to refrigerate poke cake?

Yes, jello poke cake needs to be refrigerated and needs to be served cold. 

How long is Jello cake good for?

3-5 days is best for this cake. Any longer and the cake may start to dry out. 

Can you freeze poke cake?

Yes! Although I recommend freezing before adding any icing or frosting. Simply store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze once the cake is completely cooled and the jello has set. 

Can you change up the flavor of this cake?

Yes, you can change the flavor of this cake by changing the flavor of the cake mix or the flavor of jello you use. 

Can I make Jello poke cake with a different flavor of Jello?

Yes! You could try any of the Jello flavors with wonderful results! That’s the joy of this recipe, it’s so versatile and simple. 

Dietary Considerations

• Make it gluten-free simply by using a gluten-free cake mix
• Skip the cream cheese and use regular icing if you don’t want dairy

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• My Mom’s Apple Crisp
• Peanut Butter Cookies Just Like Grandma Used to Make! Chocolate Avocado Pudding
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