Description
This festive Christmas Poke Cake combines a moist white cake base with vibrant red and green gelatin poked into the cake, creating colorful pockets of flavor and a delightful texture. Topped with whipped topping and holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box: typically egg whites, oil, and water)
Gelatin
- 1 (3 oz) box red gelatin (cherry or strawberry)
- 1 (3 oz) box green gelatin (lime)
- 2 cups boiling water (divided)
- 1 cup cold water (divided)
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Cake: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions and grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix and bake the white cake as directed on the box. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes until slightly warm but safe to handle.
- Pokethe Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake. This step allows the gelatin to seep into the cake for moist, colorful pockets.
- Dissolve Gelatin: In two separate bowls, dissolve the red and green gelatin powders each in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water to each bowl to cool the gelatin mixture slightly.
- Pour Gelatin into Cake: Carefully alternate pouring red gelatin into half of the holes and green gelatin into the remaining holes for a festive pattern. Pour slowly to allow gelatin to sink into the holes without overflowing.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set and the cake is chilled through.
- Add Whipped Topping and Garnish: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the chilled cake. Optionally, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or colored sugar for extra festive flair.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and serve chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This cake can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For enhanced flavor, use flavored whipped topping or add a drop of peppermint extract to the topping.
- Cream cheese frosting can be used instead of whipped topping for a richer finish.
