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
Scale
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