Description
This festive Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake combines a moist white cake with vibrant red and green gelatin filling, topped with fluffy whipped topping and decorated with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Perfect for celebrations, this easy-to-make dessert offers a colorful and delicious treat that captures the spirit of the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 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 & Decorations
- 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 white cake mix according to the package instructions, adding vanilla extract if desired for extra flavor. Pour the batter into the prepared baking 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 moving on.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the surface of the cooled cake. These holes will hold the gelatin, creating a colorful and flavorful filling inside the cake.
- Prepare Gelatin Filling: In two separate bowls, dissolve each box of gelatin (red and green) in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir each until fully dissolved. Let them cool slightly but not set.
- Fill the Cake: Carefully spoon or pour the red gelatin mixture into half of the holes and the green gelatin mixture into the other half. Fill each hole gently to avoid overfilling or spilling on the cake surface.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to set firmly within the cake holes.
- Add Topping: Once the gelatin has set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire cake surface, covering all the holes and gelatin.
- Garnish: Decorate the cake with festive holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other decorations to enhance the seasonal look and add texture.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture, making a delightful centerpiece for holiday celebrations.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent crumbling.
- Use a gentle hand when pouring gelatin into the holes to avoid tearing the cake.
- Feel free to use other gelatin colors or flavors according to your holiday theme or preferences.
- This cake is best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- For dairy-free option, substitute whipped topping with coconut whipped cream.
