Description
This festive Christmas Poke Cake combines classic white cake with vibrant red and green gelatin layers, creating a colorful and delicious holiday dessert. Topped with whipped topping, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and holiday-themed candies, this poke cake is a joyful and easy-to-make treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
Gelatin Layers
- 1 (3 oz) box red gelatin (like strawberry or cherry)
- 1 (3 oz) box green gelatin (like lime)
- 2 cups boiling water (divided)
Toppings
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Red and green sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- Holiday-themed candies (e.g., mini marshmallows, chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the white cake mix box instructions. Prepare the cake batter by following the package instructions, including adding the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically about 25-30 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Make the Gelatin Mixtures: While the cake is baking, dissolve each box of gelatin separately in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir each until fully dissolved. Allow to cool but not set.
- Poke the Cake and Add Gelatin: Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart, going about halfway through the cake. Pour the red gelatin evenly over one half of the cake and the green gelatin over the other half, allowing the gelatin to seep into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set completely in the holes.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, covering the gelatin and cake surface smoothly.
- Decorate: Sprinkle red and green sprinkles over the whipped topping. Add crushed candy canes and scatter holiday-themed candies like mini marshmallows and chocolate chips to add festive charm and extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy this colorful, festive dessert with family and friends during the holiday season.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cake to ensure an even batter.
- Be sure to let the gelatin cool slightly before pouring over the cake to avoid melting the cake too much.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the amount of crushed candy canes.
- This cake should be kept refrigerated due to the gelatin and whipped topping.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite holiday candies.
