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Jello Christmas Cake

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Layers of moist white cake soaked with vivid red and green Jello, finished with whipped cream and cheerful decorations. Simple, colorful, and festive for Christmas.

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Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 17:13:15 GMT
A vibrant red and green layered dessert topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for the holidays. Pin it
A vibrant red and green layered dessert topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for the holidays. | cookingkitchn.com

Yuletide Jello Poke Cake

I stumbled upon this eye-catching Jello Poke Cake ages ago and now it's my go-to holiday party showstopper. Guests always gasp when they spot those cheerful red and green layers peeking out. What's awesome? It looks super impressive but needs just basic stuff like boxed cake mix and Jell-O, so you can pull it off even when your December calendar's packed.

What Makes This Treat Special

Here's why this cake steals the show every time:

  • The red and green streaks turn it into a slice of holiday cheer
  • Each bite stays super juicy thanks to the Jell-O that soaks through
  • You can whip it up in no time between holiday errands
  • Prep it a day ahead and just finish the top when guests arrive

What You'll Need

  • White Cake Mix: This neutral base lets our holiday colors really pop and keeps prep simple.
  • Lime Jell-O: Delivers those stunning green streaks that scream holiday fun.
  • Cherry Jell-O: Adds those vibrant red stripes for that unmistakable holiday vibe.
  • Whipped Topping: A fluffy snow-like finish that crowns your creation beautifully.
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Tiny festive bits that bring that extra touch of celebration.
  • Boiling Water: Needed to melt the Jell-O so it can sink into the cake.
  • Cold Water: Cools the Jell-O mixture so it won't set too fast or too slow.

Simple Making Method

Bake Your Base Cake
Get a box mix ready according to the package. Pour everything into a greased 9x13 dish and bake it up. Let it sit out for around 20 minutes until it's just slightly warm to touch.
Prepare Your Jell-O Mixtures
While waiting for the cake, get both Jell-O flavors going. Pour hot water over each packet and stir until everything dissolves completely. Add your cold water and let them cool a bit but watch they don't start setting up too much.
Create Your Cake Tunnels
This is where things get fun. Grab a straw or the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all across your cake. Put them roughly an inch apart, going deep but not touching the bottom. More holes mean more flavor in every bite.
Add Your Colorful Mixtures
Here comes the cool part. Slowly pour each color over half the cake. Watch as the liquid vanishes into your holes. If some puddles form, just guide it toward nearby holes with your spoon.
Chill It Thoroughly
Wrap your creation with plastic and tuck it into the fridge. Give it at least 6 hours, though leaving it overnight works even better. This time lets everything soak in properly and set up.
Add The Finishing Layer
Right before you want to serve, spread that fluffy whipped topping all over the top in a smooth layer. Scatter your sprinkles on top however you like. Go wild, this part catches everyone's eye first.

Handy Hints

Using white cake really makes those holiday shades pop

  • Try different Jell-O flavors if you want to switch things up
  • A longer chill time gives you cleaner slices
  • Wait until serving day to add the topping for the freshest look
A vibrant layered dessert features green, red, and white sections topped with festive sprinkles and whipped cream, set against a backdrop of holiday decorations. Pin it
A vibrant layered dessert features green, red, and white sections topped with festive sprinkles and whipped cream, set against a backdrop of holiday decorations. | cookingkitchn.com

Keeping It Fresh

Store your cake in the fridge with a cover and it'll stay yummy for about 3 days. Want to make it super early? Don't add the topping yet, wrap it tightly and pop it in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight in your fridge then add the creamy top before bringing it out.

A Holiday Table Showstopper

Whenever this cake appears at my December get-togethers, it vanishes faster than Christmas morning presents. Something about those bright colorful stripes and that fluffy white top just brings out smiles all around. Pair it with some warm cocoa or festive punch and watch as your holiday party comes alive!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is less cold water used?

It makes the Jello richer for a stronger flavor in the cake.

→ Can it be prepared early?

Sure, making it the day before helps the Jello fully set.

→ Why cool the cake before adding Jello?

Cooling keeps the cake intact, avoiding crumbles when adding the Jello.

→ Is homemade cake an option?

Absolutely! Use any simple white cake recipe for the base.

→ Is fresh whipped cream okay?

Yes, but Cool Whip lasts longer on the cake when served.

Jello Christmas Cake

Bright layers of red and green Jello in a soft white cake, topped with a fluffy cream layer, perfect for holiday cheer.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8 oz of thawed Cool Whip.
02 A box of white cake mix with its needed ingredients.
03 One 3 oz box of cherry Jello.
04 One 3 oz box of lime Jello.
05 Red and green-colored sprinkles.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix the white cake as the box says, double-checking your ingredient amounts.

Step 02

Grease a 9x13-inch pan thoroughly. Then pour the batter in and make sure it's spread out evenly.

Step 03

Cook the cake as directed on the package. Check with a toothpick—you’ll know it's done if it comes out clean.

Step 04

Rest the cake for 20 minutes or until it’s warm but not hot to the touch.

Step 05

Use something like a straw or the back of a wooden spoon to make holes all over the top of the cake.

Step 06

Combine 1 cup of boiling water and 1/2 cup of cold water into the lime Jello. Stir completely to dissolve everything.

Step 07

Do the same thing as the lime Jello for the cherry Jello using the same water amounts.

Step 08

Pour the green Jello mixture carefully over one side of the cake, making sure it goes into the holes.

Step 09

Pour the red Jello mixture over the remaining half of the cake, completely filling the holes too.

Step 10

Place the cake in the fridge for at least 6 hours or leave it overnight, so the Jello sets.

Step 11

Take the cake out of the fridge and spread the thawed Cool Whip all over the top evenly.

Step 12

Sprinkle red and green bits across the top in a fun and festive way.

Step 13

Keep it in the fridge until you're ready to slice. Cut into squares and clean your knife after each cut.

Step 14

Put any leftovers back in the fridge with a cover to keep it fresh.

Notes

  1. Perfect to make ahead of time.
  2. A hit at gatherings.
  3. Looks super festive and fun.
  4. Kids will absolutely love it.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • A wooden spoon or something similar.
  • Standard measuring cups.
  • A couple of mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from the Cool Whip.
  • Eggs used in the cake ingredients.
  • Includes wheat in the cake mix.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 121
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 2 g