If you’re on the hunt for a festive dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe will quickly become a beloved tradition. With layers of moist, tender white cake infused with vibrant red and green gelatin, topped with fluffy whipped topping and adorned in holiday sprinkles and crushed candy canes, this treat perfectly captures the joyful spirit of the season. It’s fun, colorful, and wonderfully simple — a sure way to brighten any holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe is a breeze, thanks to the straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item has a special role, from lending the perfect fluffy texture to painting the cake in eye-catching holiday colors. Let’s check out what you’ll need:
- 1 box white cake mix: The base of our cake, chosen for its light flavor and great crumb, making it perfect for poking and soaking.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These standard mix-ins bring moisture and structure to your cake batter.
- 1 (3 oz) box red gelatin: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, fruity note that contrasts beautifully with the white cake.
- 1 (3 oz) box green gelatin: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor and a festive pop of green to match the Christmas theme.
- 2 cups boiling water (divided): Essential for dissolving the gelatin fully so it can seep perfectly into the cake’s holes.
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping: The silky, creamy layer that crowns the cake and balances the sweet and tangy gelatin flavors.
- Red and green sprinkles: A charming way to add extra holiday cheer and delightful crunch to your presentation.
- Crushed candy canes: Infuse a festive peppermint kick and add a crunchy texture on top.
- Holiday-themed candies (optional): Mini marshmallows or chocolate chips offer fun little surprises hidden in the frosting.
How to Make Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the White Cake
Begin by preparing the white cake mix according to the directions on the box using eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, then bake as instructed until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to the next steps — this is key to ensuring the gelatin won’t melt or slide off.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once the cake is fully cooled, take a wooden spoon handle or a similar tool and gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. This will allow the gelatin to soak into the cake, creating moist pockets bursting with festive flavor with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin
In two separate bowls, dissolve each gelatin box in one cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let both mixtures cool slightly, but don’t let them start to set. If the gelatin is too hot when poured, it can cause the whipped topping to melt later on.
Step 4: Pour Gelatin Over the Cake
Pour the red gelatin carefully over one half of the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Then pour the green gelatin over the other half. This dual-color technique brings that signature Christmas look right into your dessert and makes for a fun surprise when sliced.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Refrigerate the cake for at least four hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the gelatin to fully set and infuse the cake with its festive flavors.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Once chilled and set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Immediately decorate with festive red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and any holiday-themed candies you love. The toppings not only add texture but amp up the seasonal cheer.
How to Serve Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are where you can get creative and make your Christmas Poke Cake Recipe truly your own. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of green and a refreshing scent, while edible glitter or festive sugar decorations bring extra sparkle. Don’t shy away from adding crushed peppermint bark or candies shaped like stars or snowflakes to delight guests visually and with taste.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lemon curd can bring in balance and elevate the dessert experience. Warm beverages like spiced tea, hot cocoa, or mulled wine also make excellent companions to this joyful dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider serving this poke cake in individual clear cups or jars to showcase the colorful layers. Alternatively, cut it into festive shapes using cookie cutters for kid-friendly servings. You can also create a trifle by layering cake cubes with whipped cream, gelatin, and candies in a large glass bowl, giving your Christmas Poke Cake Recipe a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Christmas Poke Cake Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day! Store it tightly covered in the fridge to keep the whipped topping fresh and the cake moist. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days if refrigerated properly.
Freezing
While this poke cake is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze it if necessary. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and decorating as usual to preserve the flavor and texture.
Reheating
Since this cake features gelatin and whipped topping, reheating isn’t recommended as it can affect the texture and appearance. It’s best served chilled straight from the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday festivities.
FAQs
Can I use other gelatin flavors for this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Red and green are traditional for the holidays, but you can experiment with other colors and flavors like orange and blue or berry blends to suit your preference or occasion.
Is it possible to make this cake from scratch instead of a box mix?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade white cake recipe. Just ensure the cake is sturdy enough to be poked and soaked without falling apart for the perfect texture.
How do I ensure the gelatin doesn’t melt the whipped topping?
Let your gelatin cool to room temperature before pouring it over the cake. This prevents the whipped topping from melting when added later.
Can I use fresh fruit in place of gelatin?
While fresh fruit adds lovely flavor, it won’t create the same soaked effect as the gelatin in a poke cake. You can certainly add fruit on top as a garnish or in the whipped topping.
What is the best pan size for this recipe?
A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal for even baking and enough surface area for plenty of holes to be poked and filled with gelatin, giving the cake that signature poke cake texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe. It’s fun to make, visually stunning, and full of holiday cheer with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because you love festive treats, this cake will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new holiday tradition!
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Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Poke Cake is a delightful and colorful dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Using a classic white cake base, it’s infused with vibrant red and green gelatin flavors by poking holes and pouring the gelatin mixtures into them. Topped with fluffy whipped topping, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and holiday-themed candies, it offers a fun and visually appealing treat that is both easy to make and sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
Gelatin
- 1 (3 oz) box red gelatin (strawberry or cherry flavor)
- 1 (3 oz) box green gelatin (lime flavor)
- 2 cups boiling water, divided
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- Red and green sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- Holiday-themed candies (e.g., mini marshmallows, chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the white cake mix box to prepare the batter, including adding eggs, oil, and water as specified. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake according to the package instructions, usually around 25-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Gelatin Mixtures: In separate bowls, dissolve one box of red gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Repeat this with the green gelatin in another bowl using the remaining 1 cup of boiling water. Let the gelatin mixtures cool slightly but not set.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart down to the bottom of the cake.
- Pour Gelatin into Holes: Alternate pouring the red and green gelatin mixtures into the holes, evenly distributing the colors. The gelatin will sink into the holes and infuse the cake with flavor and color. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.
- Add Toppings: Once the gelatin has set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake. Decorate with red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and holiday-themed candies like mini marshmallows or chocolate chips for festive flair.
- Serve: Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy this colorful, flavorful Christmas treat!
Notes
- You can substitute other gelatin flavors or colors to customize the cake for different occasions.
- For best results, ensure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes and adding gelatin to prevent melting the gelatin.
- Feel free to experiment with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting as an alternative topping.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
