Name: Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 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

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a dessert that’s bursting with color and flavor. This Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe delivers that wow factor with its vibrant jello layers and creamy vanilla topping—perfect for gathering around the table and making memories.

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

From the moment you poke those holes in the warm cake and drizzle the red and green jello down, this recipe becomes a festive celebration in your kitchen. I’ve made this cake at countless holiday parties, and it never fails to impress and delight guests — including those who don’t usually go for traditional Christmas desserts.

Easy to assemble: It starts with a simple white cake mix but ends up looking like a stunning homemade dessert.
Bright and festive colors: The red and green jello make it perfect for Christmas celebrations without any fussy decorating skills.
Delicious layers of flavor: The vanilla pudding and whipped topping add a creamy richness that balances the fruity jello perfectly.
Great make-ahead dessert: You can prepare it ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about on the big day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe plays its part to create something truly joyful. Starting with a quality white cake mix ensures a moist, tender base, while the strawberry and lime jellos soak right into the cake holes for fruity pops of color and flavor. The vanilla pudding and whipped topping create that luscious, creamy final layer that makes everyone ask for seconds.

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: Starting with a box mix is a lifesaver during the holidays—it bakes up fluffy and holds moisture well, which is perfect for poking holes and absorbing jello.
Strawberry and lime jello: These colors are iconic Christmas shades, and their fruity flavor cuts through the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Boiling water: Essential to fully dissolve the jello powders so they can seep into the cake’s holes evenly.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds a creamy, rich texture to the topping and enhances the overall dessert flavor.
Milk: Used to make the pudding, balancing creaminess without weighing down the cake.
Frozen whipped topping: Lightens the pudding layer to give it that cloud-like softness everyone loves.
Red and green sprinkles: A fun and festive finish that makes this cake perfect for holiday parties.

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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

One of the things I enjoy most about this Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to amp up the flavors, swap in different jello combinations, or make it suitable for dietary needs, you can tailor it to your family's tastes with very little extra effort.

Variation: I sometimes swap the strawberry jello for raspberry for a deeper berry flavor. Both work beautifully and still keep that festive red color.
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free pudding mix and coconut whipped topping for a delicious plant-based twist.
Extra zing: Mixing a splash of lime zest into the pudding layer can brighten the whole cake wonderfully.

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 white cake base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, or follow your cake mix box instructions. Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking—trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier! Mix your white cake batter according to the package and pour it evenly into the pan. Bake just like the box says, usually around 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for about 15 minutes—this still-warm cake is perfect for the next step.

Step 2: Poke holes and add the jello magic

Using the end of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes about an inch apart all over the cake while it's still warm. This is the fun part—I love imagining all those colorful jello juices soaking into every bite! Prepare the red and green jello separately by dissolving each box in one cup of boiling water. Pour the jello carefully over the cake in alternating stripes, making sure the liquid fills all the holes. You might not use it all, but that's okay. Pop the cake in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the jello soak in and set a little.

Step 3: Whip up the creamy pudding topping

While the cake chills, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with milk until smooth. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping—this creamy layer is what transforms your cake from tasty to downright irresistible. Once the cake has cooled and the jello has set, spread this topping evenly over the top. Return to the fridge for at least 2 hours so everything can firm up nicely.

Step 4: Add festive sprinkles and serve

Just before serving, sprinkle red and green decorations on top for that classic Christmas look. Then slice it up and enjoy! Every bite bursts with fruity jello, soft cake, and creamy topping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough to whip up even when you’re juggling holiday preparations.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that make this Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe come out perfectly every time. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and impress everyone at your holiday gathering.

Use a fork or wooden spoon handle for even holes: A fork's tines might make smaller holes, but a wooden spoon handle makes perfect ½-inch holes that let the jello seep in without making the cake soggy.
Don’t overfill with jello: Pour slowly and let the jello soak in. If you add too much liquid, the cake can become mushy.
Chill long enough: The pudding topping needs at least 2 hours to set properly—trust me, this patience pays off in texture and flavor.
Room temperature cake is best: For smooth pudding spreading, make sure the cake isn't too cold or warm to avoid lumps or melting topping.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Christmas Poke Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with red and green sprinkles—sometimes I add crushed peppermint candies for an extra pop of holiday spirit and a slight crunch. Fresh mint leaves can also add a nice touch if you want a bit of subtle green and aroma.

Side Dishes

This poke cake pairs wonderfully with warm holiday drinks like hot cocoa or spiced cider. I also enjoy serving it alongside simple sugar cookies or a festive fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try slicing the cake into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter. You could even layer it in a trifle bowl to showcase the colorful layers for a centerpiece-worthy dessert that guests will be drawn to.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always cover leftover poke cake tightly with plastic wrap or move it to an airtight container before popping it back in the fridge. It keeps great for up to 3 days and honestly tastes even better after a day when the flavors have melded.

Freezing

Freezing poke cake can be tricky because of the jello and whipped topping. If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so without the topping layer and adding the creamy topping fresh when you thaw and serve it.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn't necessary. If you prefer a warmer dessert, try serving it at room temperature instead, but don’t microwave as it will melt the jello and pudding layers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use flavored cake mix instead of white?

Using a white cake mix keeps the flavors balanced so the jello stands out clearly, but you can try vanilla or almond cake mixes for subtle variations. Avoid anything too heavily flavored so it doesn’t clash.

Can I make this without the pudding topping?

Yes! You can skip the pudding and whipped topping if you prefer a lighter dessert, but the creamy layer really adds richness and helps to balance out the fruity jello.

How long does it take for the jello to set in the cake?

It usually takes about 15 minutes in the fridge for the jello to soak into the holes and begin setting, but I recommend chilling the entire cake with the topping for at least 2 hours for the best texture.

Can I use other jello flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite colors and flavors. Just keep in mind the overall Christmas vibe if you want to stick with holiday colors like red, green, or white.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe is one of those holiday treats that feels both special and approachable. The beautiful colors, the playful texture of jello soaking into cake, and the creamy topping make it a standout dessert at any holiday party. I love how it brings joy to the table with minimal effort, and I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. So grab your favorite festive sprinkles, get poking, and let the holiday magic begin!