Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Poke Cake is a festive and colorful dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With layers of vibrant red and green gelatin soaked into a soft cake and topped with creamy pudding and whipped topping, it’s both eye-catching and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow or white cake mix, made according to package instructions
- ½ package strawberry gelatin mix, combined with ¼ cup water
- ½ package lime gelatin mix, combined with ¼ cup water
- 1 (3.4 ounces) package vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the cake according to the package instructions and bake it in a 13×9-inch pan. Let it cool briefly.
- Step 2: Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
- Step 3: Prepare the strawberry and lime gelatin separately in bowls by combining each with ¼ cup water. Spoon the red and green gelatin over alternating sections of the cake to create festive stripes.
- Step 4: Mix the vanilla pudding mix with 1 cup of milk until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and spread this mixture evenly over the top of the gelatin-soaked cake.
- Step 5: Finish by sprinkling crushed peppermint and/or red and green sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing holiday flavor and extra crunch.
- For a different look, try using cherry and lime gelatin instead of strawberry and lime.
- Allow the cake to chill for at least 4 hours before serving to let the gelatin set fully.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the texture of the gelatin and pudding topping. Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of mix?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade yellow or white cake recipe. Just bake it in a 13×9-inch pan and follow the poking and gelatin steps as directed.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator, as the gelatin has time to soak fully and the flavors meld.
PrintChristmas Poke Cake Recipe
This festive Christmas Poke Cake brings vibrant holiday colors and delicious flavors together in a simple, eye-catching dessert. Using a classic yellow or white cake base, the cake is poked and filled with alternating stripes of strawberry and lime gelatin, then topped with a smooth vanilla pudding and whipped topping mixture. Finished with crushed peppermint and colorful sprinkles, this cake is perfect for holiday celebrations and sure to impress guests with its delightful taste and festive appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 yellow or white cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
Gelatin
- ½ package strawberry gelatin mix
- ¼ cup water (for strawberry gelatin)
- ½ package lime gelatin mix
- ¼ cup water (for lime gelatin)
Pudding Topping
- 1 (3.4 ounces) package vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
Decorations
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the cake batter using the yellow or white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a fork to poke holes evenly across the surface, creating spaces to pour in the gelatin for vibrant stripes.
- Prepare Gelatin Mixes: In two separate bowls, combine the strawberry gelatin mix with ¼ cup water and the lime gelatin mix with ¼ cup water. Stir each until fully dissolved.
- Add Gelatin to Cake: Spoon the prepared red (strawberry) and green (lime) gelatin over alternating sections of the cake, filling the holes to form festive red and green stripes.
- Make the Pudding Topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Top the Cake: Spread the pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over the gelatin-filled cake surface, creating a smooth, creamy layer.
- Garnish: Finish the cake by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies and red and green sprinkles over the top for a festive holiday touch.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh whipped cream for the frozen whipped topping if preferred.
- For a stronger gelatin color and flavor, use less water for mixing gelatin but ensure it is fully dissolved.
- This cake should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for best freshness.
- Feel free to customize the decoration with other holiday-themed candies or edible glitter.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitutes can be used for milk and whipped topping accordingly.
Keywords: Christmas cake, poke cake, holiday dessert, gelatin cake, festive cake, pudding topping, strawberry gelatin, lime gelatin, whipped topping
