Jello Poke Cake

This super moist Jello poke cake is an old fashioned dessert that can be made with any flavor of Jello. It’s a cool, creamy and colorful cake that is perfect for entertaining!

Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

There’s something about chilled desserts in the summertime that are a refreshing and delicious treat. This strawberry jello poke cake recipe is a favorite, as well as strawberry icebox cake and better than anything poke cake.

I remember my grandma making this old fashioned dessert when I was a little girl and I always loved poking the top of the cake before she poured the Jello in. Like my dump cake recipe it is super easy to make and can be made using your favorite flavor of Jello!

Ingredient Notes

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Vanilla cake mix: I used store-bought super moist French vanilla white cake mix but my homemade vanilla cake mix works well here, too. You will bake it according to package directions.
• Jello: I used strawberry jello for the red coloring and strawberry flavor. Do not follow the instruction on the package.
• Water: You will need hot water as well as cold water separately. This will help activate the gelatin in the jello package but also help it form in the refrigerator using cold water.
• Homemade whipped cream: Make your own whipped cream or buy store-bought. Make sure your cake has cooled before spreading it over top.
• Fresh berries: I served my strawberry Jello cake with fresh strawberries, but you can garnish it how you like to match any flavor!

How to Make Jello Poke Cake

1. Bake: To get started, mix the cake batter and then bake according to the package directions. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, then poke holes all over the top with a meat fork or butter knife.
2. Pour jello over the top: Next mix together jello with hot water. Stir until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Then add cold water and stir for 1 minute. Pour the jello mixture evenly over the cake, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3. Add whipped topping: Once it has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream on top with a spatula.
4. Chill, top, and serve! Cover the jello cake and store in the fridge until ready to serve. Top with fresh berries or sprinkles just before serving.

Tips and Flavor Variations

• Frosting: My preference for frosting is whipped cream, but homemade cool whip tastes great too. Both are light and airy!
• Cool cake: Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the whipped topping (or else it will melt).
• Flavor variations: Make a lemon poke cake with lemon cake mix, use white cake with any flavor of jello or try chocolate cake mix with raspberry or cherry Jello.
• Topping: Decorate with fresh fruit, and sprinkles, leave plain or add a layer of pie filling on top of cake before adding the whipped cream.
• Storing: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it with a lid or plastic wrap.

4th of July Poke Cake

I love to make this strawberry jello poke cake for a fun 4th of July dessert and use fresh strawberries and blueberries for the American flag.

1. Assemble Jello cake as instructed.
2. Spread the whipped cream on top once it has cooled.
3. Stars: Place about 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries in the top left corner.
4. Remove the stems of 15 fresh strawberries. Then slice vertically. Create 3-4 rows of strawberry slices, starting at the top and working your way down.

Storage

• Store: Yes, this jello poke cake dessert is best served cold. It needs to be chilled for at least an hour before serving to allow the jello to soak into the cake. Make sure to cover and keep refrigerated until serving.
• Make ahead. Jello cake is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You could easily make it the day before and let it chill in the fridge overnight.
• Freeze: Freeze it without the whipped topping. Simply wrap with plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw and top with whipped cream or cool whip.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!