Name: Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) box white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box; 1 (6 oz) box strawberry jello; 1 (6 oz) box lime jello; 2 cups boiling water; 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup milk; 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; Red and green sprinkles or decorations

There’s something about the festive colors and fruity flavors that just brighten up the holidays, and that’s exactly why I love the Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe. It’s delightfully moist with bursts of jello that make every bite exciting — truly a showstopper on any holiday dessert table!

The image shows a slice of festive cake held by a woman's hand, lifted from a white dish on a white marbled surface. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer contains a soft, sponge-like texture with green and red coloring swirling through a pale yellow base, and the top layer is about half the thickness of the sponge layer, with smooth white frosting. The frosting is decorated with scattered red and green round sprinkles, along with tiny green and red sugar crystals, giving it a holiday look. The larger dish behind holds the rest of the cake cut into square pieces, each topped with the same festive decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe is one of those nostalgic treats that combines simplicity with festive flair. I remember making it with my family growing up, and the joyful anticipation while poking the cake holes and watching the jello fill them still brings a smile to my face. Whether it’s your first time or a holiday tradition, this cake never disappoints.

Fun texture: The poke technique creates juicy pockets of jello that pop with flavor and moisture in every slice.
Vibrant colors: The red and green jello layers make it festive and perfect for Christmas celebrations with no extra decorating stress.
Easy to make: Using a box cake mix and instant pudding makes this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap flavors or toppings to suit your family’s taste or dietary needs.

The image shows a single square slice of a colorful cake on a white plate with a red and white cloth underneath. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is a light sponge with bright green and red spots that look soaked with syrup, creating a wet texture with small holes. On top, there is a thick layer of smooth white frosting decorated with small round green and red sprinkles scattered evenly. The cake looks moist and soft, and the background is a white marbled texture with blurred shapes giving it depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe has a reason to be there—it’s about balancing flavor, texture, and that vibrant holiday look we all crave. Here’s a quick rundown of why I love these staples and some tips for buying or prepping them:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cake mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red strawberry gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green lime gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth vanilla pudding mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole white milk, a small white ceramic bowl of fluffy thawed whipped topping, a neat pile of red and green round sprinkles, and two clear whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White cake mix: Using a box mix saves time but still yields a soft, even crumb that’s perfect for poking holes.
Strawberry and lime jello: The classic red and green combo adds festive colors and fruity flavor; I like to use good quality packets for a bright, clean taste.
Boiling water: Essential for dissolving the jello powder completely, ensuring it sinks well into the cake holes.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: This thickens the topping nicely and adds creamy sweetness without extra fuss.
Milk: To whisk with the pudding mix — whole milk works great, but use whatever you have.
Frozen whipped topping (thawed): Gives the cake a light, fluffy finish that contrasts the fruity jello perfectly.
Red and green sprinkles or decorations: These add a cheerful, festive touch on top, making it look as joyful as it tastes.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe my own by experimenting with different jello flavors or topping add-ins — it’s a fantastic base for holiday creativity. You can really play around and still end up with a crowd-pleaser.

Variation: Once, I swapped lime jello for lemon and added fresh berries on top for a tangy twist — it was a hit at the party!
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk pudding mix and non-dairy whipped topping to make it friendlier to those avoiding dairy.
Spice it up: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the pudding topping for a warm holiday flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake with Care

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or whatever your cake box says). Grease a 9x13 baking dish—trust me, butter works better than spray here for flavor. Prepare your white cake mix just as the package directs and pour it in. Bake it fully, but watch out—don’t overbake. A perfectly cooked cake will spring back lightly when you press the center. Overbaking means dry cake, and you want those jello pockets juicy!

Step 2: Poke with Purpose

Once your cake is out and has cooled about 15 minutes (not completely cold), gently poke holes all over using a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon about 1 inch apart. This is so fun! Those holes allow the jello to seep deep inside, turning every bite into a burst of flavor. Don’t skip cooling—too hot and the jello will melt or run off; too cold and it won’t soak in as nicely.

Step 3: Jello Magic

Mix strawberry and lime jello powders each with 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved. I like to pour them in alternating rows over the cake, letting the colors mix naturally inside those holes. You probably won’t use all the jello — just enough to fill the holes but not drown the cake. Let it chill for about 15 minutes so it sets inside the cake.

Step 4: Whipped Pudding Topping

While the jello chills, whisk your instant vanilla pudding mix with milk until smooth and thickened. Gently fold in your thawed whipped topping for that dreamy creamy finish. Spread this evenly over the chilled cake and pop it back in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and textures firm up beautifully.

Step 5: Festive Finishing Touches

Right before serving, scatter red and green sprinkles on top for that extra festive holiday vibe and crunch. Then slice up and enjoy the colorful magic you just made!

Top Tip

Having made this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe countless times, I’ve learned little tricks that make all the difference between a good cake and a truly memorable dessert.

Perfect poking technique: Don’t press too hard—just enough to reach the bottom so jello fills the cake deeply for juicy bites.
Let the cake cool properly: Poke when it’s warm but not hot, so the jello doesn’t melt away or pool unevenly on top.
Chill patience: The topping tastes best and holds form when chilled long enough. Plan ahead to give it those 2 hours minimum in the fridge.
Sprinkle timing: Add sprinkles right before serving to keep them crisp and colorful—not soggy or faded.

How to Serve Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Christmas Jello Poke Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always stick with classic red and green sprinkles because they pop visually and add just the right crunch. Sometimes, for a more elevated look, I add tiny edible silver balls or fresh mint leaves for that hint of greenery that screams Christmas.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with simple sides like spiced eggnog or a peppermint mocha — the creamy drinks complement the fruity, sweet cake brilliantly. If you want to keep desserts light, serve alongside fresh fruit salad to balance richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this poke cake in clear glass trifle dishes for a fun layered effect. You can also cut it into festive shapes using cookie cutters or create mini poke cakes in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover Christmas Jello Poke Cake refrigerated in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days — though it’s often gone sooner in my house!

Freezing

I personally don’t recommend freezing this cake because the jello texture can change, becoming a bit grainy or watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

No need to reheat this one — it’s splendid served cold right out of the fridge. The textures and flavors make it a refreshing dessert, especially during winter gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cake flavors for this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Yellow or white cake mixes work best because they let the jello flavors shine, but you can experiment with lemon or even spice cake for a twist. Just make sure it has a light crumb to soak up the jello.

What’s the best way to ensure the jello doesn’t just pool on top?

Poke holes evenly and pour the jello slowly in rows, giving it a chance to sink into the holes. Chilling the cake a bit before adding the topping helps set the jello neatly. Also, don’t pour too much jello—just enough to fill those holes—this avoids puddling.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake actually tastes better if made ahead because the flavors meld as it chills. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add sprinkles right before serving for the best look and texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of this Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe?

Definitely! Use a dairy-free cake mix or check your mix ingredients, then swap the instant pudding and whipped topping with nondairy versions, like coconut milk pudding mix and coconut whipped topping. It turns out wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe is a blend of simplicity, nostalgia, and festive fun that always brings people together. Every year, as I poke the little holes and pour in that vibrant jello, I’m reminded of holidays past and the joy of sharing sweets with loved ones. Give it a go—once you taste it, I bet it’ll become one of your holiday favorites too.