Description
This festive Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake combines the light texture of a white cake with vibrant cherry and lime gelatin flavors dotted throughout. Topped with creamy whipped topping and decorated with holiday sprinkles and crushed candy canes, it’s a perfect joyful dessert for seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Gelatin Filling
- 1 (3 oz) box red gelatin (e.g., cherry or strawberry)
- 1 (3 oz) box green gelatin (e.g., lime)
- 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per gelatin flavor)
Topping and Decoration
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other festive decorations
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, incorporating the optional vanilla extract for added flavor. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, carefully poke holes about 1 inch apart across the entire surface of the cooled cake. These holes will serve as pockets for the gelatin flavors.
- Prepare Gelatin Filling: Dissolve each box of red and green gelatin separately in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Allow the gelatin to cool slightly but not set.
- Fill the Holes with Gelatin: Carefully spoon the red gelatin into half of the holes and the green gelatin into the remaining holes. Pour slowly to avoid overflow and ensure the colors stay distinct.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the gelatin to set firmly within the cake holes, creating a colorful, festive pattern.
- Add Topping: Once the gelatin is set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire cake surface to add a creamy layer.
- Garnish: Decorate with holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other festive decorations to enhance the holiday spirit and add textural contrast.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract along with vanilla.
- Be sure to allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes to prevent it from crumbling.
- The spacing of holes can be adjusted depending on how much gelatin filling you want throughout the cake.
- Use a variety of holiday-themed sprinkles to personalize the presentation.
- This cake is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
