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jello cake recipe jello poke cake

Jello Cake Recipe Poke

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 45 minutes
With colorful Jello and whipped topping! So fun, so moist. A retro poke cake that's always a crowd-pleaser!
4 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

For the cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for enhanced flavor)

For the jello layer:

  • 2 boxes (3 oz each) of jello powder (any flavor you prefer)
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water

For the topping:

  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it spreads evenly to all corners.
    Pro tip: For a perfectly even cake, tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
    Step 2: Bake the Cake
    Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be light golden and springy to the touch. Allow the cake to cool for about 15-20 minutes—just enough so it's still warm but not hot.
    Pro tip: Don't let the cake cool completely! The warm cake will absorb the jello mixture much better than a cold one.
    Step 3: Create the Pokes
    Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a drinking straw, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart across the entire cake. Make sure to poke all the way to the bottom of the cake without breaking through the base.
    Pro tip: For more uniform distribution of jello, make approximately 35-40 holes in a grid pattern.
    Step 4: Prepare the Jello Mixture
    In a medium bowl, add the jello powder and pour in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes until the powder completely dissolves. Add 1 cup of cold water and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (but not set) for about 5 minutes.
    Pro tip: For a more intense flavor and vibrant color, you can reduce the cold water to 3/4 cup.
    Step 5: Pour the Jello Into the Cake
    Carefully pour the liquid jello mixture over the entire cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread the jello and guide it into the holes. Some jello will remain on top of the cake, which is perfectly fine—it creates a delightful jello layer.
    Pro tip: Pour slowly and in sections, allowing the liquid to seep into the holes before moving to the next section.
    Step 6: Chill and Set
    Place the cake in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight. This gives the jello plenty of time to set properly both inside and on top of the cake.
    Pro tip: For a faster set time, place the cake in the freezer for 30 minutes first, then transfer to the refrigerator for the remaining time.
    Step 7: Add the Topping and Serve
    Once the jello has completely set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. If desired, decorate with fresh fruit that complements your jello flavor—strawberries for strawberry jello, mandarin oranges for orange jello, etc.
    Pro tip: For an extra special touch, sprinkle some crushed cookies, toasted coconut, o
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