Christmas Poke Cake Recipes are a delightful way to celebrate the holidays. I remember the first time my son, Jake, helped me make one for a family gathering. He was so excited to poke the cake and pour the colorful jello over it, and that joy is what these festive treats are all about!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re easy to make and perfect for gatherings.
- You can customize them with your favorite flavors.
- They look beautiful and taste amazing!
Pure Comfort
There’s something so comforting about a poke cake. The moist texture and sweet flavors bring back warm memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer.
What You Need
- 1 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz) – Use any brand you prefer.
- 3 3 large eggs – Room temperature eggs work best.
- 1 1 cup water – You can substitute with milk for a richer flavor.
- 1 1 cup strawberry jello (3 oz) – Feel free to use any flavor you like.
- 1 1 cup boiling water – This will dissolve the jello.
- 1 1 cup whipped topping (8 oz) – You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute.
- 1/2 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced – Other berries work well too.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You want it ready for that delicious cake.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix until smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick and creamy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden.
- While the cake is baking, dissolve the jello in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. This colorful mixture will add a festive touch.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, poke holes all over the top with a fork. This is where the jello will soak in.
- Pour the jello mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let it cool completely, about 1 hour.
- Spread the whipped topping over the cooled cake. It should look fluffy and inviting. Top with fresh strawberries for a pop of color.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Slice and serve! Enjoy the smiles as your family digs into this festive treat.
Make It Perfect
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cake batter.
- Make sure to poke the holes deep enough for the jello to soak in.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step, but it tastes better when it’s cold.
Mix It Up
- Try using lime jello for a refreshing twist.
- For a chocolate version, use chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding instead of jello.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.
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FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
It’s best not to freeze poke cakes, as the texture may change.
What can I substitute for jello?
You can use flavored gelatin or pudding for a different taste.
What if I don’t have whipped topping?
You can use homemade whipped cream or even a cream cheese frosting.
Conclusion
Christmas Poke Cake Recipes are a festive treat that brings joy to any gathering. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, they're sure to be a hit at your holiday celebrations. So grab your ingredients and start poking!

Christmas Poke Cake Recipes for Festive Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Combine cake mix, eggs, and water in a large bowl and mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Dissolve jello in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Cool cake for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over with a fork.
- Pour jello mixture evenly over the cake to soak into the holes and cool completely for about 1 hour.
- Spread whipped topping over the cooled cake and top with sliced fresh strawberries.
- Chill cake in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Slice and serve.