Can I Make Christmas Jell-O Poke Cake the Night Before?

Yes. In fact, this dessert is ideal for preparing ahead because it needs several hours to chill. Making it the night before allows the gelatin to set completely and leaves very little work for the day of your celebration.

Why Use White Cake Mix?

White cake provides a pale background that makes the red and green gelatin especially visible. Vanilla or French vanilla cake can also work, but the colors may appear slightly less vibrant.

Do I Have to Add Food Coloring?

No. Red and green food coloring are optional. They simply intensify the existing colors of the strawberry and lime gelatin.

Easy Christmas Jell-O Poke Cake

Name: Christmas Jell-O Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; Egg whites, vegetable oil, and water as required on the cake mix box; 1.5 ounces lime Jell-O mix (1/2 box); 1.5 ounces strawberry Jell-O mix (1/2 box); 1 cup boiling water, divided; 1/2 cup cold water, divided; Green food coloring, optional; Red food coloring, optional; 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed; Christmas sprinkles, as needed

Description

Christmas Jell-O Poke Cake is an easy and festive holiday dessert made with fluffy white cake, colorful strawberry and lime Jell-O, creamy whipped topping, and Christmas sprinkles. The red and green gelatin creates beautiful holiday colors throughout every moist slice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box white cake mix
Egg whites, vegetable oil, and water as required on the cake mix box
1.5 ounces lime Jell-O mix (1/2 box)
1.5 ounces strawberry Jell-O mix (1/2 box)
1 cup boiling water, divided
1/2 cup cold water, divided
Green food coloring, optional
Red food coloring, optional
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
Christmas sprinkles, as needed

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Instructions

Prepare and bake the white cake mix according to the package directions using the required egg whites, oil, and water. Let the baked cake cool for about 5 minutes.
Using the rounded handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake about 2 inches apart.
Place the lime Jell-O mix in one heatproof bowl and the strawberry Jell-O mix in a separate heatproof bowl.
Divide the boiling water evenly between the two bowls and whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Divide the cold water evenly between the bowls and whisk again until combined.
Add green food coloring to the lime gelatin and red food coloring to the strawberry gelatin, if desired.
Carefully pour the red and green gelatin mixtures into alternating holes in the cake, keeping the colors somewhat separate.
Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to allow the gelatin to cool and set.
Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
Return the cake to the refrigerator for another 2 hours.
Decorate with Christmas sprinkles, slice, and serve chilled.

Notes

White cake mix gives the brightest contrast for the red and green gelatin colors.
Cherry Jell-O can be substituted for strawberry Jell-O if preferred.
Food coloring is optional but helps create more vibrant Christmas colors.
A measuring cup with a spout or small funnel makes it easier to direct the gelatin into individual holes.
Do not use the full packages of both Jell-O flavors because too much gelatin can make the cake overly wet.
Keep the finished cake refrigerated when not serving.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 224 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 345 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: Not provided
Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
Trans Fat: Not provided
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: Not provided