Christmas Poke Cake

Let’s bring on the holiday vibes with this ridiculously fun and festive Christmas Poke Cake! This cake is like a Christmas party in every bite—think fluffy white cake soaked in vibrant red and green stripes that shout “holiday cheer!” With just a few easy steps, you’ll transform a plain boxed cake into a dessert that’ll have everyone asking, “How did you make this magic happen?”

Ingredients For Christmas Poke Cake

White cake mix boxes (and the ingredients listed on the box), Strawberry Jello Mix, Boiling water Cold water, Green food dye, Cool Whip, Christmas Sprinkles

Why Each Ingredient is Needed

White cake mix – This is our fluffy, light base that soaks up all that colorful Jello and lets those holiday hues shine through! Plus, box mixes make life easier during the busy holiday season.

Strawberry Jello mix – Adds a festive red color and a hint of fruity flavor, making every bite feel like a celebration. Boiling water – Helps dissolve the Jello mix perfectly for smooth pouring.

Cold water – Sets the Jello, giving it the perfect texture to soak into the cake without making it mushy.

Green food dye – Because what’s Christmas without red and green? This brings the holiday look full circle!

How Do You Make This Holiday Poke Cake?

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix boxes. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, prepare 2 boxes of white cake mix and pour it into the prepared baking pan.  In another mixing bowl, prepare one box of white cake mix and add green food dye to achieve the desired shade.

Pour the green cake batter on top of the white cake, drizzling throughout then using a  butter knife to drag the green through the white, creating designs. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry Jello mix with ½ cup of boiling water and stir until dissolved.

Add ½ cup of cold water and stir to combine. Carefully pour the Jello mixture over the white parts of the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to set the Jello. Spread a layer of Cool Whip over the top of the chilled cake. Decorate with Christmas sprinkles.

Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!

FAQ

What is a poke cake? A poke cake is exactly what it sounds like—a cake that you poke holes in after baking! Those little holes are the perfect vessels for pouring in liquid Jello, which adds bursts of color, flavor, and extra moisture, giving the cake a cool layered look and a taste that’s super juicy and fun.

Can I use a different flavor of Jello? Absolutely! Strawberry gives a sweet fruity flavor that works well with the festive theme, but feel free to swap it for cherry, raspberry, or even lime if you want a different color or flavor twist.

Can I make this poke cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better when it has time to chill, letting the flavors really soak into the cake.

Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed cake mix? Totally! If you’re feeling ambitious, go for it. Just keep in mind that the box mix gives a consistent result and is the simplest for this kind of quick holiday dessert.

Fun Places to Serve This Cake

Holiday Potlucks – Bring this cake to your family or work potluck, and it’s guaranteed to disappear before the ugly sweater contest starts.

Christmas Brunches – This cake is ideal for an afternoon treat or for a sweet surprise at a holiday brunch. It’s light enough to follow a big holiday meal.

Cookie Exchange Parties – Not everyone expects cake at a cookie party, so this will be a unique twist! (Plus, it’s way easier than rolling and frosting cookies.)

How to Store Leftovers (If Any Are Left!)

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This cake actually gets even better the next day when the Jello has soaked in even more. It’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days—if you can resist for that long!

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

Let them poke the holes! Kids love getting involved, and this step is safe, easy, and totally satisfying.

Stirring the Jello – The color transformation is so fun to watch, especially if you’re working with young kids.

Adding the green dye – Drop by drop, let them turn the cake into a holiday masterpiece. It’s a great way to practice “less is more” with food coloring!

Decorate the top – Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or even little holiday candies if you’re feeling extra festive. This cake is a blank canvas for their imaginations!

One year, I was in charge of the Christmas dessert and decided to make a fancy yule log. I was so proud—until it completely cracked in half right in front of my family. We laughed, decorated it like nothing happened, and still ate every crumb. But after that, I switched to simpler holiday desserts. A cake like this poke cake is now my go-to because it’s impossible to mess up and always makes the holiday table look magical, even if it’s less fancy than a “yule log.”

Why This Recipe Works

This cake combines everything you need in a holiday dessert—it’s simple, festive, and customizable. The white cake is soft and light, which makes it perfect for soaking up the Jello without getting soggy. Adding in the colors gives it a seasonal, joyful look that makes it feel special with minimal effort. Whether you’re an expert baker or a newbie, this Christmas Poke Cake delivers holiday vibes without the holiday stress.

Here are some more amazing Christmas recipe to try: