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Jello Poke Cake

This Jello poke cake is creamy, refreshing, and fun. It's an old Southern recipe passed down by my grandmother. You can top this Jello cake with berries or sprinkles if you like!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 3368.3 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Pan
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Electric Mixer
  • 1 Skewer or Fork For poking holes
  • 1 Medium Bowl For gelatin preparation

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 15.25 ounce package yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • 1 3 ounce package strawberry-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 8 ounce container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Instructions
 

  • Gather the ingredients, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
  • Combine cake mix, water, eggs, and oil in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 24 to 29 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 30 minutes. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
  • Pour cold water into a bowl. Sprinkle gelatin mix on top. Let stand until softened, about 1 minute. Add boiling water and stir constantly until granules are completely dissolved. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
  • Poke holes all over the cake using a skewer or a fork; pour gelatin mix into the holes. Refrigerate cake until gelatin is set, about 1 hour or up to 6 hours. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
  • Spread whipped topping over cake. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
  • Enjoy! ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA

Notes

Ensure the cake is cooled completely before poking holes and pouring the gelatin. Warm cake will absorb the gelatin poorly and may become soggy. For best results, use a thin skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon for poking holes, creating channels deep enough for the gelatin to penetrate without tearing the cake excessively. Experiment with different Jell-O flavors to customize the cake. Consider making homemade whipped cream for a richer, less processed topping, or add a touch of vanilla extract to the store-bought variety. Garnish with fresh berries or sprinkles just before serving for enhanced visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor.