Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Poke Cake featuring a moist white cake layered with red and green gelatin, topped with fluffy whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and holiday-themed candies for a delightful and fun dessert that serves 12.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients as per box instructions, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Gelatin Layers:
- 1 (3 oz) box red gelatin (strawberry or cherry flavor)
- 1 (3 oz) box green gelatin (lime flavor)
- 2 cups boiling water, divided
Topping and Decorations:
- 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 the Cake Batter: Follow the directions on the white cake mix box, typically combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake according to the package instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke evenly spaced holes all over the cake surface for the gelatin to seep into.
- Prepare Red Gelatin: Dissolve the red gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add Red Gelatin to Cake: Slowly pour the red gelatin evenly over half of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for about 10-15 minutes to allow the gelatin to set slightly.
- Prepare Green Gelatin: Dissolve the green gelatin in the remaining 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add Green Gelatin to Cake: Carefully pour the green gelatin over the other half of the cake, filling the holes and covering the surface evenly. Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until the gelatin is fully set.
- Apply Whipped Topping: Once the gelatin is set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
- Decorate the Cake: Sprinkle red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and holiday-themed candies like mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the whipped topping for a festive look.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is cooled before poking holes to prevent breaking apart.
- Use a spoon handle or wooden dowel for uniform holes to evenly distribute gelatin.
- Keep the cake refrigerated after adding gelatin to help it set properly.
- Whipped topping can be substituted with fresh whipped cream for a less processed option.
- Customize toppings with your favorite holiday candies or nuts.
