Name: Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; Ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water; 1 package (3 oz) red gelatin (strawberry or cherry); 1 cup boiling water (divided); 1/2 cup cold water; 1 package (3 oz) green gelatin (lime); 1 cup boiling water (divided); 1/2 cup cold water; 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping; Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint for garnish

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing holiday dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than this Christmas Poke Cake. With vibrant red and green stripes running through impossibly moist white cake, crowned with a cloud of whipped topping and a flurry of festive sprinkles, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any seasonal gathering. Kids love the colors, adults love the nostalgia, and everyone loves how easy yet magical this sweet treat is.

Christmas Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Poke Cake is purposefully chosen to create a dessert that’s as flavorful as it is visually stunning. The real secret behind the magic is how these simple pantry staples combine to give you layers of color, festive flavors, and irresistible texture.

White cake mix: The perfect blank canvas—its fluffy texture soaks up all that colorful gelatin beautifully.
Eggs, oil, water: These are usually what your cake mix requires—don’t skip any, as they create the cake’s structure and keep it moist.
Red gelatin (strawberry or cherry): Dazzling ruby streaks and a burst of sweet berry flavor that screams Christmas spirit!
Green gelatin (lime): The ultimate festive contrast—tangy, cheerful green that pairs perfectly with the red.
Boiling water: Absolutely essential for dissolving the gelatin powders; be sure it’s piping hot.
Cold water: Helps cool the gelatin enough so that it sets properly within the cake’s nooks and crannies.
Whipped topping: Creamy, fluffy, and oh-so-easy, it’s the classic, cloud-like finish on top.
Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint: This is where you have fun! Choose your favorite for that final, joyful flourish.

How to Make Christmas Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Mix the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with nonstick spray or a touch of butter—this helps the cake pop out cleanly after baking. Whip up the white cake mix according to the package instructions, adding in the eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick emerges clean (about 30 minutes).

Step 2: Cool and Poke the Cake

Give the cake a 15-minute rest after baking. Then, take the handle of a wooden spoon or a sturdy skewer and poke holes all over the surface, spacing them roughly an inch apart. You want those holes deep enough to welcome all the colorful gelatin later on!

Step 3: Mix the Gelatins

Set up two bowls—one for each gelatin flavor. Pour one cup of boiling water into each and stir well to completely dissolve the gelatin crystals. Now, add 1/2 cup cold water to each bowl to cool them down just enough so they won’t melt the cake.

Step 4: Pour and Color

Carefully pour the red gelatin over one half of the poked cake, then the green gelatin over the other half. Try to aim directly into the holes, but don’t stress—some color running over the top only adds to the pizzazz. These vibrant waves will be a feast for the eyes with every slice.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial, letting the gelatin fully set and infuse the cake with its merry red and green stripes.

Step 6: Frost and Finish

Once completely chilled, spread a thick layer of whipped topping over the cake. For the last festive step, shower with holiday sprinkles or a handful of crushed peppermint. Now your Christmas Poke Cake is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Christmas Poke Cake

Garnishes

The crowning touch to any Christmas Poke Cake is its garnish. Go wild with cheerful holiday sprinkles, tiny edible stars, or a snowy layer of crushed peppermint candies. Try adding a few red and green mini M&Ms for extra crunch and color if you’re serving a younger crowd!

Side Dishes

Because this cake is cool, moist, and sweet, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh coffee, hot cocoa, or even a mug of salted caramel tea. For something extra special, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve with a bowl of mixed winter berries on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake is stunning straight from the pan but you can also cut it into neat squares and arrange on a snowy white platter, topped with a sprig of fresh mint. Layer individual slices in clear glasses for a trifle effect, or try using cookie cutters to make fun holiday shapes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Christmas Poke Cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer leftover slices to an airtight container. The cake will stay moist and fresh for up to four days—perfect for snacking by the tree!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Christmas Poke Cake! For best results, freeze before adding the whipped topping and garnishes—just wrap the cake (whole or sliced) in two layers of plastic wrap followed by foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert—it’s best served cold straight from the fridge! If it’s been in the freezer, let it thaw fully in the refrigerator for several hours before topping and serving to preserve its fabulous texture.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade white cake instead of the box mix?

Absolutely! Your favorite homemade white cake recipe will work beautifully as the base. Just aim for a fluffy, neutral cake that will soak up the gelatin colors nicely.

How do I get the gelatin colors more vibrant?

If you want extra-bold stripes in your Christmas Poke Cake, you can slightly increase the amount of gelatin or use a bit less water when preparing it. Just don’t overdo it, or the texture may get a bit rubbery.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes—this is one of the most kid-friendly baking projects out there! Let kids poke the holes, mix the gelatin, or shower on the sprinkles. Just be sure to handle the hot water and baking steps yourself.

Is there a whipped topping alternative?

If you prefer, freshly whipped cream or a homemade stabilized whipped topping will make a delicious substitute. Just keep it chilled so it holds up on the cake.

How far ahead can I make Christmas Poke Cake?

You can make this cake a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge, making it a perfect low-stress dessert for your holiday festivities!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Poke Cake truly brings the spirit of the season to your holiday table, combining fun, flavor, and a pop of color in every bite. I hope you’ll make it part of your family’s festive traditions and enjoy both baking and sharing it as much as I do. Happy holidays—and happy baking!

Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate the holiday season with this colorful and delicious Christmas Poke Cake. A festive dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

White Cake:

1 box white cake mix
Ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water

Red Gelatin Mixture:

1 package (3 oz) red gelatin (strawberry or cherry)
1 cup boiling water (divided)
1/2 cup cold water

Green Gelatin Mixture:

1 package (3 oz) green gelatin (lime)
1 cup boiling water (divided)
1/2 cup cold water

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix and bake the white cake according to package directions.
Poke Holes: Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then poke holes all over the cake using a wooden spoon handle or skewer.
Prepare Gelatin: Dissolve each gelatin flavor in boiling water, then add cold water to each. Pour red gelatin over half the cake and green gelatin over the other half to fill the holes.
Chill and Top: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. Spread whipped topping over the cake and garnish with sprinkles or peppermint before serving.