Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a colorful, festive treat where a moist white cake becomes a canvas for vibrant red and green gelatin flavors, all topped off with fluffy whipped topping and holiday sprinkles. This recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat, delivering a lovingly sweet finish to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just excited to bring some joy to the table, this Christmas poke cake will quickly become a beloved classic in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making your Christmas Poke Cake Recipe sing with flavor and texture. Each item contributes in its own special way, from the fluffy white cake base to the jiggly gelatin bursts and creamy topping that brings it all together.
- White cake mix: The foundation of your cake, easy to prepare and guarantees a soft, tender crumb.
- Red cherry or strawberry gelatin: Adds a festive red color and sweet berry flavor to the cake.
- Green lime gelatin: Brings a zesty contrast and a bright pop of green perfect for holiday cheer.
- Boiling water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin and ensuring it seeps beautifully into the cake holes.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Provides a light and creamy layer that balances the sweetness and holds the festive garnishes.
- Red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint: Adds crunch and a colorful, holiday-themed finish with a hint of minty magic.
How to Make Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the White Cake
Begin by preparing the white cake mix exactly as the package instructs. Use a 9×13-inch pan for a perfect thickness and bake until it’s golden and springy to touch. Just after baking, let the cake cool for 15 minutes—this resting time is crucial so the cake changes from piping hot to warm enough to handle the gelatin without melting it.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about one inch apart. These holes are where the magic happens as they’ll soak up the colorful gelatin, infusing each bite with bursts of vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Prepare and Add Gelatin
In two bowls, dissolve the red and green gelatin respectively using one cup of boiling water each. Stir until the powders are completely dissolved — this ensures a smooth gelatin that will easily seep into the holes without clumping. Carefully spoon the red gelatin into half the holes and the green into the remaining ones for that signature holiday look.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Place your cake in the refrigerator, allowing at least two hours for the gelatin to fully set. This chilling step locks in the textures and flavors, making the cake wonderfully moist and colorful under that creamy whipped topping.
Step 5: Add Whipped Topping and Garnish
Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly across the cake’s surface. This cloud-like layer softens the sweet gelatin’s edge and provides a base for your festive garnishes. Sprinkle with red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint to add a cheerful crunch and a perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes aren’t just for looks—they enhance every slice with texture and extra flavor. Classic red and green sprinkles provide a sweet crunch, while crushed peppermint adds a refreshing contrast that truly elevates this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe to a holiday experience.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or rich hot chocolate to complement its cool, creamy texture. A light fruit salad with citrus notes also pairs beautifully, helping balance the sweetness with refreshing juiciness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try serving individual slices in clear glasses or mason jars to showcase the colorful gelatin pockets. Or, top each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a few whole cranberries for an elegant holiday presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Christmas Poke Cake Recipe holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent it from absorbing any other refrigerator smells.
Freezing
While freezing can affect the texture of the gelatin and whipped topping, you can freeze the plain baked white cake layers ahead of time. Wrap them well and thaw thoroughly before poking holes and adding the gelatin layers for best results.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer it slightly less cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to soften the whipped topping slightly without melting the gelatin.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake works beautifully for this recipe and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s firm and fully cooled before poking and adding the gelatin.
What other gelatin flavors can I use for this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe?
You can experiment with other red and green gelatin flavors like raspberry and green apple, but cherry and lime are classic for a reason — they provide that perfect holiday balance of sweet and tart.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a vegan white cake mix, plant-based gelatin alternatives (like agar-agar), and dairy-free whipped topping. Keep in mind the setting times and textures might vary slightly.
How long should I chill the cake for the best results?
Chilling the cake for at least two hours is essential for the gelatin to fully set in the holes, creating those delightful jelly pockets throughout the cake.
Can I add peppermint extract to the whipped topping?
Yes, adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the whipped topping is a wonderful way to enhance the festive flavor profile and tie it all together with a cool, minty bite.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Poke Cake Recipe is such a joyful and easy way to bring color, texture, and holiday spirit to your dessert table. It’s simple enough to make any day special but impressive enough to wow your guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this merry, fruity cake becomes an instant favorite at your celebrations.
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Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with this vibrant and festive Christmas Poke Cake. Featuring a moist white cake infused with red cherry and green lime gelatin that soaks into every bite, it’s topped with a creamy whipped topping and sprinkled with red and green accents for a cheerful dessert perfect for any Christmas gathering.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box)
Gelatin
- 1 (3 oz) box red cherry or strawberry gelatin
- 1 (3 oz) box green lime gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water (1 cup for each gelatin flavor)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the white cake batter according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed, typically around 30 minutes. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes in the pan.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow the gelatin to seep into the cake for a moist and flavorful texture.
- Dissolve Gelatin: In two separate bowls, dissolve the red cherry/strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Repeat with the green lime gelatin in the other cup of boiling water.
- Pour Gelatin into Cake: Carefully spoon the red gelatin into half of the holes and the green gelatin into the remaining holes, ensuring an even distribution of colors across the cake. Return the cake to the refrigerator.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the gelatin-poked cake for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin has fully set within the cake.
- Add Topping and Garnish: Once the cake is chilled and set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. Decorate with red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint to add festive flair.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and serve chilled for a refreshing holiday dessert.
Notes
- For enhanced holiday flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the whipped topping or substituting with flavored whipped cream.
- This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its moist texture or festive appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
