Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake

This vibrant and festive Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake brings the joy of the holiday season to your table. With its colorful red and green gelatin filling and fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cheerful addition to any winter celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eye-catching Presentation: The red and green layers create a stunning visual that’s perfect for the holidays.

Easy to Make: Using a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients makes this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

Customizable: Swap the gelatin flavors or add unique toppings to suit your preferences.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake needs time to chill, so it’s great to prepare in advance.

Kid-Friendly: The bright colors and fun process make this a hit with children and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)

For the Filling:

1 (3 oz) box red gelatin (e.g., cherry or strawberry flavor)

1 (3 oz) box green gelatin (e.g., lime flavor)

2 cups boiling water (1 cup per gelatin flavor)

For the Topping:

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed

Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or festive decorations for garnish

Directions

Bake the Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, stirring in the vanilla extract if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake as directed on the box (about 25-30 minutes).

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Poke the Cake:

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke evenly spaced holes across the entire surface of the cooled cake, about 1 inch apart.

Prepare the Gelatin Filling:

In two separate bowls, dissolve the red and green gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water each. Stir until fully dissolved.

Carefully pour the red gelatin into half of the holes and the green gelatin into the other half.

Chill the Cake:

Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.

Add the Topping:

Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.

Garnish with holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or festive decorations.

Serve:

Slice the cake and serve chilled for a cool, creamy, and colorful dessert.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Creamy Filling: Replace the gelatin with pudding for a rich and creamy twist.

Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different gelatin flavors like orange or raspberry for a unique color combination.

Layered Look: Use a piping bag to create decorative whipped topping swirls.

Alcohol-Infused: Add a splash of flavored liqueur to the gelatin for an adult version.

Themed Toppings: Change decorations to match other holidays or occasions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.

Related Recipes:

• Christmas Poke Cake
• Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
• Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a dessert where holes are poked into a baked cake, and fillings like gelatin or pudding are poured in, creating pockets of flavor and color throughout.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works beautifully, though it may not hold its shape as long as Cool Whip.

Can I use sugar-free gelatin?

Yes, sugar-free gelatin is a great option if you’re looking to reduce sugar in the recipe.

Can I freeze this cake?

It’s not recommended to freeze this cake as the gelatin and whipped topping may not retain their texture after thawing.

Conclusion

This holiday-inspired poke cake is a showstopper dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and bursting with festive colors, it’s perfect for brightening up any holiday gathering. Whether you stick to the classic red and green or get creative with variations, this cake is as versatile as it is delicious.

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