Description
This festive Christmas Poke Cake combines a moist white cake infused with vibrant red and green jello flavors and topped with creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping, making it a delightful holiday dessert that's easy to prepare and visually stunning.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 (15 oz) box white cake mix
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Jello
- 1 (6 oz) box strawberry jello
- 1 (6 oz) box lime jello
- 2 cups boiling water
Topping
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F or the temperature specified on your cake mix box. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with the ingredients listed on the package (usually eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to package directions, usually about 30 minutes.
- Cool and poke holes: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart all over the cake. Allow the cake to cool further while making the jello.
- Prepare the jello: In two separate bowls, dissolve each jello flavor (strawberry and lime) in 1 cup of boiling water by stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add jello to cake: Carefully pour the red and green jello in alternating rows over the cake, allowing the liquid to seep into the holes. You may not use all the jello mixture. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for about 15 minutes to set the jello.
- Make the topping: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until combined.
- Top and chill: Spread the pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over the chilled cake. Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 2 hours to fully set.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish the cake with red and green sprinkles or holiday decorations to enhance the festive look. Slice and enjoy your Christmas Poke Cake!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is cooled before poking holes to prevent crumbling.
- You can substitute lime and strawberry jello with other complementary flavors if desired.
- For easier cleanup, line the baking dish with parchment paper before greasing.
- If you prefer, use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping for a lighter taste.
- This cake should be stored in the refrigerator and is best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
