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The Ultimate Easy and Moist Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Close-up of a square slice of rainbow jello poke cake showing layers of white cake, green, yellow, and red gelatin, topped with white whipped cream.

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Make this easy Jello poke cake for a moist, colorful, and delicious dessert perfect for any party or potluck. This recipe uses a box mix for simplicity and delivers a bright, jiggly flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

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  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 package (3 oz) bright colored Jello (such as Strawberry or Lime)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the white cake according to the package directions, but reduce the liquid slightly if the box suggests it, as this helps keep the cake moist. Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Bake the cake as directed on the box until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make the holes about 1 inch apart, poking all the way to the bottom of the pan.
  4. In a medium bowl, dissolve the Jello powder completely in the 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for at least two minutes until the granules are gone.
  5. Stir in the 1 cup of cold water.
  6. Carefully and slowly pour the liquid Jello mixture evenly over the entire surface of the warm cake, making sure the liquid seeps down into all the poked holes.
  7. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the Jello is completely set.
  8. Once the Jello is firm, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top of the set Jello layer.
  9. Chill the finished Jello poke cake until you are ready to serve. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For a festive Christmas Jello poke cake, use red and green Jello flavors (like Strawberry and Lime) and pour them in alternating sections after poking the holes.
  • To make a Strawberry Jello poke cake, use strawberry Jello and consider topping with fresh sliced strawberries before serving.
  • This recipe works well with any flavor of Jello you choose for a colorful dessert recipe.

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