This Jello Poke Cake was a popular dessert in the 1970s, and I remember well making it with my mom and Nanny in my Mom's kitchen. We'd poke the holes in the cake and pour the jello gelatin over the top together, then slide the jello-soaked cakes in the fridge to cool.
A cousin to the pudding poke cake, the fun part is when you cut into it and see all the color from the jello. It's a great cake for birthdays or any get together.
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Key Ingredients
White cake mix: Use your favorite brand- this is the easy base we always used.
Black cherry and lime jello: I stick to standard Jell-O brand. It's what Mom and Nanny used, and it gives the best retro color.
Boiling water: to dissolve the gelatin
Whipped topping: a quick, no fuss frosting - or see my homemade whipped cream version below.
Tips for the Best Poke Cake
- Don't rush the cooling! If the cake is still hot, the Jell-O will just turn the whole thing into mush instead of filling the neat little holes.
- Pour slow: Use a tablespoon and take your time so the gelatin actually goes into the holes instead of pooling all over the top.
- Chill the cake overnight for best results. The gelatin needs that time to fully set before you frost it.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator up to 4 days, covered.
Substitutions and Variations
- Homemade whipped cream: Mom and Nanny always used Cool Whip, and I usually do too, but sometimes I'll make my own whipped cream instead to top the cake.
- Lime and Raspberry: one reader says she's used lime and raspberry jello for years instead of cherry and lime - worth a try if you want a different combo.
- Use strawberry gelatin and add fresh sliced strawberries between the layers for a fruity twist.
- Try orange and lemon gelatin for a citrus combo.
- Use different gelatin flavors for a rainbow poke cake effect - especially fun for kid's birthdays.
- Add a thin layer of cherry pie filling between the cake layers for a more intense cherry flavor.
Serve with..
Cake always goes great with ice cream! Try this recipe for Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream!
More Cakes You May Like
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Jello Poke Cake
Equipment
- 2 round 8 inch cake pans
- Wooden skewer or chopstick for poking holes
- 2 small mixing bowls (one for each jello)
- Tablespoon
- Frosting spatula
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Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 3 ounces black cherry gelatin
- 3 ounces lime gelatin
- 2 cups hot boiling water
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping
Instructions
- Make the white cake mix in a large bowl per box directions, following directions for baking in round cake pans. Let cakes cool completely.
- Poke holes in the cooled cake using the wide end of a chopstick. Push the chopstick through the cake all the way to the bottom of the cake. Repeat several times on the cake layer. Set cakes aside.
- Place the black cherry jello powder and lime gelatin powder in two separate mixing bowls. Pour 1 cup hot boiling water over each bowl of jello powder, stirring until gelatin has dissolved. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Using a tablespoon, pour jello over 1 round of cake and then the lime gelatin over the second round. Cover cake with plastic wrap and store overnight in the refrigerator to allow gelatin to set.
- At least 1 hour before serving, layer and frost cake with cool whip. Keep the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Store any leftovers in refrigerator.
Julie says
How fun!!!
-Julie @ Texan New Yorker
Lauren Everson says
I've never had a poke cake before, but this looks like such a fun way to color coordinate for any party!
Bobbi Burleson says
I can't believe I have never had a poke cake!! Yours is so pretty I just want to grab it off my screen 🙂
Nora@SunnyDaysWithMyLoves says
I haven't had poke cake since I was a kid- I bet my daughter would love this!
Valerie Cathell Clark says
I helped my mom make this cake a few times! Brings back memories and it's still a light and refreshing dessert! Great post!
Mary Ellen says
I love a good poke cake and I shouldn't be surprised that Grumpy does too. LOL. Had a great time with you last weekend!
Cindy Kerschner says
Great colors, gives me hope for spring!
Laura Hunter says
I have never heard of jello poke cake. Bet my daughter would love to help make this.
Wendy Klik says
I like how you used two different flavors of gelatin on your cake. Very pretty.
Sue Lau says
Jello cake brings back many memories working as the Baker's assistant. This kind of cake was always popular, and we liked that because it was very easy too!
Diana @DandelionGreens says
How fun... and pretty! Loved desserts like this when I was young.
Heather King says
Poke cakes are so much fun because of the colors and flavors.
Camilla Mann says
I had never heard of a poke cake till I lived in Oklahoma for a year. I don't think I've ever seen one though. I LOVE the colors.
Laura Dembowski says
What a pretty, colorful cake! I'm all about things with bright colors.
Deanna Samaan says
My mom never made a poke cake! I did not know what one was until Paula Deen! Now I know I really missed out as a kid! This looks amazing!
Stacy says
I love your cake with the two layers and the different colors in each, Shelby! I've had this before but it was a sheet cake. Yours is so much prettier!
Teresa Rose says
Been making this cake for years
I use lime and raspberry jello.
Liz Berg says
This is such a delicious blast from my past! My mom would bake this one in a 9 x 13 and I think she'd ice it with Cool Whip, too! I think my kids (and hubby) would love your cake 🙂
Renee says
Oh all the fun flavor and color possibilities of this cake. No wonder it has been so popular since it was created.