Name: Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) box white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box; 1 (6 oz) box strawberry jello; 1 (6 oz) box lime jello; 2 cups boiling water; 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup milk; 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; Red and green sprinkles or decorations

Imagine sinking your fork into a moist, festive cake bursting with vibrant red and green jello flavors—sounds like the perfect holiday treat, right? This Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe is just that: a fun, eye-catching dessert that brings joy to any holiday table with its colorful layers and fluffy vanilla topping.

The image shows a slice of festive cake held by a woman's hand, lifted from a white dish on a white marbled surface. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer contains a soft, sponge-like texture with green and red coloring swirling through a pale yellow base, and the top layer is about half the thickness of the sponge layer, with smooth white frosting. The frosting is decorated with scattered red and green round sprinkles, along with tiny green and red sugar crystals, giving it a holiday look. The larger dish behind holds the rest of the cake cut into square pieces, each topped with the same festive decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe never fails to wow my family and guests—it’s festive, ridiculously easy, and a real crowd-pleaser! The combination of tangy jello and creamy vanilla topping always feels special, even though it's so simple to whip up.

Festive colors: The alternating red and green jello make this cake perfect as a centerpiece dessert for holiday gatherings.
Easy to make: Using a box cake mix and instant pudding cuts down on fuss without sacrificing flavor.
Unique texture: The jello soaking into the cake holes keeps it moist and adds a fun, slightly chewy contrast.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better chilled and can be prepared a day ahead, saving your holiday prep time.

The image shows a single square slice of a colorful cake on a white plate with a red and white cloth underneath. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is a light sponge with bright green and red spots that look soaked with syrup, creating a wet texture with small holes. On top, there is a thick layer of smooth white frosting decorated with small round green and red sprinkles scattered evenly. The cake looks moist and soft, and the background is a white marbled texture with blurred shapes giving it depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe lies in simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully: a sturdy yet tender white cake base, vibrant jello flavors that soak deep into every bite, and a creamy vanilla topping to balance it all out. Here’s a closer look:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cake mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red strawberry gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green lime gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth vanilla pudding mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole white milk, a small white ceramic bowl of fluffy thawed whipped topping, a neat pile of red and green round sprinkles, and two clear whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White cake mix: The neutral, fluffy base that soaks up the jello perfectly without falling apart.
Strawberry and lime jello: Classic festive colors and flavors—red and green—that deliver bright, fruity notes.
Boiling water: Needed to dissolve the jello fully, so it seeps into the cake holes and sets nicely.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra creaminess and an indulgent vanilla flavor to the whipped topping.
Milk: Combines with pudding mix to create a luscious, custardy texture.
Frozen whipped topping: Thawed whipped topping makes this dessert light and airy without heavy cream.
Red and green sprinkles or decorations: A festive touch to finish with sparkle and charm.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe is—you can tweak the jello flavors or play with toppings to suit your holiday vibe. Making it your own is half the fun!

Variation: One year, I swapped lime jello for lemon, giving the cake a more citrusy zing that everyone adored.
Dietary tweaks: To keep things lighter, you can use sugar-free jello and pudding mixes without losing the festive feel.
Seasonal spins: Try different colored jellos for other holidays—cranberry and orange for Thanksgiving, or blue and white for winter festivities.
Extra texture: Fold chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the vanilla topping for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Perfect Base Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. Use the white cake mix according to the package instructions—I find it helps to mix the batter gently but thoroughly to keep it airy. Pour it into your dish and bake as directed. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes so it’s warm but not hot—this is the perfect time to prep for poking!

Step 2: Poke and Pour the Jello Magic

This next step is where the fun begins! Grab a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes evenly about 1 inch apart all over the cake. The holes let the jello seep through and create that iconic poke cake texture. Stir up your strawberry and lime jello each in a separate bowl with 1 cup of boiling water. Pour them in alternating rows over the cake gently, making sure the jello fills the holes but doesn’t flood the top. Pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to start setting.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Vanilla Topping

While the jello sets, whisk together that instant vanilla pudding mix with the milk. It thickens quickly, so move fast but smoothly. Then fold in the thawed whipped topping—this makes your frosting light, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Spread this dreamy topping evenly over the chilled cake, then let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Decorate and Delight

Right before serving, sprinkle on plenty of red and green sprinkles or any festive decorations you love. This final touch gives your cake a bit of sparkle and may just make your guests smile big enough to share seconds!

Top Tip

From my years of poking and pouring this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe, I’ve learned a few things that save time and boost flavor. These tips make the process smoother and the end result even more delightful.

Cool before poking: Let your cake cool for at least 15 minutes before poking holes to prevent it from crumbling.
Pour jello slowly: Pour the jello in thin rows to control absorption and prevent the cake from getting soggy.
Use fresh whipped topping: Thaw your frozen whipped topping completely for smooth blending with the pudding mix.
Don’t skip chilling: The resting time in the fridge is key for flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.

How to Serve Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Christmas Jello Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with festive sprinkles—they add just the right pop of color and a bit of crunch. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle chopped pistachios or crushed peppermint candies for a surprising texture and added holiday flair.

Side Dishes

This poke cake pairs beautifully with rich eggnog, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a zesty citrus salad to balance the sweetness. It’s also a hit alongside classic Christmas cookies and fruit platters.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, I’ve arranged individual portions in clear cups layered with extra whipped topping and a jingle bell straw—everyone loves the festive vibe. Another fun idea is serving the cake on a red or green cake stand with fresh cranberries scattered around for a rustic, cozy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days—but trust me, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this cake before—it’s possible but the texture shifts a bit. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing it without the whipped topping, then adding that fresh after thawing for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is really best served chilled, so I don’t recommend reheating. Simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off—it softens the cake beautifully without losing the set jello texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cake flavors for this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While white cake provides a neutral base that lets the jello flavors shine, yellow or even angel food cake mixes can work well too. Just keep in mind the color contrast and flavor balance when choosing.

How long should I chill the poke cake before serving?

Plan to chill the cake for at least 2 hours after adding the vanilla pudding topping. This allows the jello to set and the flavors to meld. If you can wait overnight, even better!

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure your pudding mix and jello are gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the festive poke cake without worries.

What’s the best way to poke the cake without crumbling it?

Make sure the cake has cooled down but is still warm. Use the back end of a wooden spoon or a sturdy fork and gently poke holes about an inch apart without applying too much pressure. This helps keep the cake intact while making room for the jello.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe brings me back to cozy family holidays filled with laughter and sweet moments. It’s one of those simple treats that feels special because of the memories it creates. I know you’ll love making it for your loved ones too—it’s a cheerful, tasty way to celebrate any holiday with ease and joy.