Name: Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) box white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box; 1 (6 oz) box strawberry jello; 1 (6 oz) box lime jello; 2 cups boiling water; 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup milk; 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; Red and green sprinkles or decorations

There’s something truly magical about a dessert that’s as colorful as your holiday spirit and as delicious as Grandma’s secret recipe. The Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe hits all the right notes — vibrant layers of jello weaving through a soft white cake, topped with creamy pudding and whipped topping. It’s a showstopper you’ll be proud to bring to any holiday gathering.

The image shows a slice of colorful sponge cake on a white plate. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is light yellow with sections of red and green sponge mixed inside, looking soft and airy with many small holes, while the top layer is white creamy frosting with a smooth texture. On top of the frosting, there are small round sprinkles in red and green colors evenly scattered. The background surface is a white marbled texture, and a red and white cloth is under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every Christmas, I look forward to this poke cake because it’s easy to make yet impressive enough to steal the dessert spotlight. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that practically decorates itself in festive reds and greens? Here’s why it’s quickly become a go-to.

Simple but Stunning: With just a boxed cake mix and some jello, you create a festive masterpiece without stressing over complicated techniques.
Moist & Flavorful: The jello seeps into the cake holes, infusing it with bursts of fruity flavor and a wonderfully tender texture.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Bright colors and creamy toppings make it a hit with both young and old guests alike.
Customizable Decorations: Red and green sprinkles or holiday candies let you personalize the look to match your festive mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe lies in the way simple, store-bought ingredients come together effortlessly. Each component plays an essential role, so take a moment when shopping to pick the freshest pudding and whipped topping you can find!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cake mix powder, two clean whole eggs with smooth brown shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red strawberry gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green lime gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth instant vanilla pudding mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl of soft, fluffy thawed whipped topping, and a scattering of tiny red and green round sprinkles arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White Cake Mix: The neutral flavor is perfect for showcasing the layered jello and topping; plus, it’s easy and consistent.
Strawberry Jello: Adds a sweet, festive red color and complements the cake with fruity notes.
Lime Jello: The zesty green jello balances sweetness with a fresh twist and makes the colors pop.
Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the jello powder quickly and evenly.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, rich layer that contrasts with the fruity cake center.
Milk: Activated the pudding mix and helps achieve that silky texture.
Frozen Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and fluffiness to the pudding layer, making the overall dessert heavenly.
Red and Green Sprinkles: Not just for looks — they add a subtle crunch and festive cheer to the final presentation.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to put my personal spin on this Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe depending on who’s coming over and what's in season. Don’t be shy about experimenting—you might discover your new holiday favorite version!

Variation: I once swapped lime jello for lemon for a slightly sweeter and tangier bite—it turned out great and added a little zing that everyone enjoyed.
Dietary Twist: If you’re serving folks who avoid dairy, try using a non-dairy whipped topping and milk alternative; the texture stays surprisingly close!
Seasonal Changes: Beyond Christmas, you can swap the red and green jellos and sprinkles for other colors to match birthdays or summer barbecues.
Extra Touch: For adults, a splash of flavored liqueur stirred into the pudding can add a sophisticated holiday flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

A baked rectangular cake with a smooth golden brown base layer, topped with a colorful checkerboard pattern of red and green glossy patches evenly spread across the surface. The cake's surface shows small holes aligned in rows, adding texture to the vibrant colors. The edges of the cake are rounded and slightly darker than the center, and the whole cake rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bake the Perfect Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or follow the cake mix instructions). Grease a 9x13-inch pan—I like to use butter because it adds flavor, but a nonstick spray works fine too. Mix your white cake mix according to the box directions, pour into the pan, and bake as directed. The key here is not to overbake—keep an eye on that golden-brown color and test with a toothpick near the center.

Step 2: Poke Those Holes (Gently!)

Once the cake’s out and cooled for about 15 minutes, grab a fork or the handle end of a wooden spoon. Poke holes evenly across the surface about every inch. This step lets the jello sink into the cake—don’t skip it! I find a gentle but firm poke works best to avoid tearing the cake apart.

Step 3: Create the Colorful Jello Layers

Mix your strawberry and lime jellos separately with boiling water until fully dissolved. Then, alternating between red and green, pour the jello in rows over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. You probably won’t pour all the jello mixtures, which is totally fine as you don't want the cake soggy. Pop the cake into the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the jello set slightly.

Step 4: Whip Up the Pudding Topping

While the cake chills, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding and milk until smooth—this comes together so fast. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping for a light, creamy texture. Spread the pudding mixture over your slightly set cake, smoothing it evenly. Return it to the fridge for at least two hours to let everything meld and chill properly.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Before serving, sprinkle red and green holiday sprinkles (or your favorite festive decorations) generously over the creamy top. The eye-catching color contrast makes the dessert irresistible. Then slice and serve—you’ll love the moist, fruity surprise inside each bite.

Top Tip

From making this Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned the little details make all the difference between so-so and spectacular. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve that perfect festive look and luscious flavor.

Don’t Skip Cooling: Make sure the cake is warm but not hot when you poke holes—too hot and the jello melts, too cool and it won’t soak in well.
Pour Jello Slowly: Alternating the pouring helps prevent the colors from bleeding into each other for those striking red and green layers.
Whip the Pudding Just Right: Fold gently to keep the topping light and fluffy rather than dense.
Patience is Key: Allow the full chill time before serving to ensure the jello and pudding set properly for neat slices.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Festive Christmas Poke Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple but festive—bright red and green sprinkles are my go-to because they add a cheerful crunch and tie the whole Christmas vibe together. Sometimes I sprinkle a few crushed peppermint candies on top too, which adds a fun twist and a hint of minty freshness.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is quite rich and sweet, I like serving it with light seasonal fruit like orange slices or a mixed berry salad. A hot cup of spiced tea or cappuccino balances the richness nicely when you’re settling in to savor each bite with friends and family.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I sometimes use individual clear dessert cups for single servings. It looks elegant, everyone can grab their own, and it showcases those wonderful jello layers beautifully. Another fun idea is topping each slice with a small peppermint candy cane for a whimsical touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days, and the flavors actually meld more, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this cake because the jello texture changes once thawed, becoming less firm, and the whipped topping can weep. If you must freeze it, wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge, but expect a slight difference in texture.

Reheating

Since it’s a cold dessert, I recommend serving it chilled straight from the fridge. If it’s been out too long, just let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temp to soften slightly—it should never be heated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix for this poke cake?

Absolutely! Homemade white cake works beautifully. Just be sure it’s moist and fully cooled before poking holes and adding jello to avoid sogginess.

What’s the best way to prevent the jello from mixing colors?

Pour the jello slowly in alternating rows and allow the cake to chill briefly before spreading the next color. Using cool but liquid jello (not hot) helps keep the colors distinct.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead lets the flavors develop and the jello set perfectly. Just cover it and refrigerate until serving.

How do I get clean slices when serving this poke cake?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to ensure clean, neat slices that showcase the vibrant jello layers inside.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe holds a special spot on my holiday dessert table year after year. Its vibrant colors, fun textures, and easy prep make it one of those happy treats that feels homemade yet impressively special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s nothing quite like sharing a slice surrounded by loved ones and holiday cheer.