Jello Poke Cake is perfect to serve for special events. If you’re hosting a crowd with kids, this dessert will be a hit. Between my two boys, it’s usually gone within a few days.
Jello Poke Cake is versatile; depending on the event you are hosting, you can switch out the jello flavors. For the 4th of July, we like to do red and blue, for bright birthday parties, we mix up several colors. Top off the jello cake with fruit on top for extra flavor and garnish.
What is the Jello Poke Cake
The Poke Cake is a sponge cake. Once baked, the cake is poked with holes all over the top and poured with jello liquid over the holes. The top is then decorated with Cool Whip or whipping cream.
What Do You Use to Poke Holes in Jello Poke Cake?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes into your cake. Leave about a ½ inch in between holes. When you get to pouring your jello mixture, make sure you fill each hole! This is what creates the signature marbling of the cake.
Tips for Making the Jello Poke Cake
- Make homemade whipped cream or just use the store bought Cool Whip to simplify the process.
- To simplify the process you can use the boxed cake mix, although I like to use my old time favorite homemade sponge cake recipe.
- Adjust the jello color and flavor for each event. Add different fruits on top to color coordinate.
- For best results, let the cake rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips for Storing Jello Cake
Does Jello Poke Cake Need to be Refrigerated?
To store leftover cake, use plastic wrap to cover it tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Do not store at room temperature. Your cake will become a soggy mess.
Can You Freeze Jello Poke Cake?
To freeze a jello poke cake, follow the recipe all the way through pouring the jello mixture atop the cooked cake. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and store for up to a month in the freezer. Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator. Then, add whipped cream right before serving.
Can You Make the Jello Cake in Advance?
You already know that it is wise to let your cake rest in the refrigerator for a couple of hours prior to serving. This helps the jello and whipped cream set and allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
If you can, make your cake a day in advance and let it rest in the fridge overnight. I found that this yields the best texture and flavor.
Other Jello Cake Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Jello Cake Dessert – This creamy jello cake is layered with fresh strawberries, strawberry jello and creamy Cool Whip. One of my kids’ absolute favorite summertime treats!
- Jello Fruit Cake Dessert – This recipe is a blast from the past! Bundt cake-shaped, this treat is packed with fresh, colorful fruits suspended in tropical jello.
- Ptichye Moloko – Russian Jello Cake – Also known as “Bird’s Milk Cake”. his treat contains moose-like layers that are smothered in chocolate ganache.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 6 oz strawberry jello package
- 2 cups Cool Whip
Instructions
- Combine eggs together with sugar; whisk mixture until it’s light and airy.
- Using a spatula, in small portions, fold in flour to the egg mixture. Use the folding motion to keep the mixture airy. Grease a 9×13 baking sheet and pour the cake batter into the baking sheet.
- Bake the sponge cake at 350F for 30 minutes. Once the cake is ready, the toothpick should come out clean from the cake. Let the sponge cake cool to a room temperature and poke holes in it. Prepare the jello according to the package instructions.
- Once the jello fully cools to the room temperature, pour the jello mixture over the sponge cake. Cover the top of the cake with Cool Whip.
- Let the cake rest for at least a few hours before serving.
Looks yummy. I’m assuming I can cut the recipe in half, right? I always like to try a new recipe but cut it in case it doesn’t work so I’m not wasting ingredients.
Hey Melanie, yes, you can definitely cut it, just get a smaller pan for it. Enjoy
I feel like I didn't add enough Jello this time can I add more Jello mix even tho its already been in fridge for a few hours?
It will just create a layer of jello on top if the other jello has hardened. I think it would work if you are looking for more jello flavor.
Want to try it for my Saturday dinner. Can I use other jello flavors?
Hey Irene, yes, you definitely can.
I just tried it. All my family loved it yumm..
Linda, thank you! I am so happy to hear this!
Hello! My name is Sara Bruestle and I am the features editor of The Daily Herald in Everett, Washington. I'm writing a story about Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, and was hoping I could run your photos with it. (With the coronavirus outbreak, we don't have the budget for me to make the cake myself. But I've made it many times before.) Would you be so kind as to email me your photos to go with the story? I would need them ASAP. Thanks!
I will email you, thank you!
For some reason this sponge cake turned out flat like a pancake! Dont know what I did wrong. Too dense to poke so I was sad!
There could b two factors, the eggs were not beat for long enough or they were overmixed after you added flour. Do you think that could be an issue?
So pretty, Natalya. This would be a great dessert for a special event. 🙂
Thank you! Yes, my kids love jello cakes so anytime we make it, it turns into special event 🙂
I love that the although there are only 5 ingredients in this strawberry jello poke cake, the cake is made from scratch. This is something I could totally make with my kids!
Yes, your kids will love it. Especially the eating part 🙂
I can't believe it's only 5 ingredients for this strawberry jello cake! We love strawberries in any form.
Awesome, we also love strawberries. Glad the season is around the corner!
This jello poke cake looks like such a beautiful treat for kids birthday parties! I love that it's an easy, no fuss recipe too!
Thank you! Yes for sure. My kids love Jello Cakes. We have 11th Birthday coming up for Jacob, it will be on the menu for sure.