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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.

Slice of Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

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. 

Slice of Strawberry Jello Poke 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

Slice of Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

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Servings
12 servings
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
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.

Ingredients

US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Combine eggs together with sugar; whisk mixture until it’s light and airy.
    Sponge cake ingredients
  • 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.
    Cake batter in the making
  • 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.
    Sponge cake on a baking sheet with jello
  • 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.
    Sponge cake with jello and whipping cream
  • Let the cake rest for at least a few hours before serving. 
    Slice of Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 152 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 83mg28%
Sodium 40mg2%
Potassium 55mg2%
Carbohydrates 27g9%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 140IU3%
Calcium 27mg3%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted October 30, 2019

About Author

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.