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Easy Christmas Jello Poke Cake with Red and Green Layers

Close-up of a moist slice of christmas poke cake featuring layers of colorful jello and whipped cream topping.

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Create a festive and moist Christmas Jello Poke Cake featuring bright red and green layers. This simple recipe uses everyday ingredients and guarantees a show-stopping, no-fuss holiday dessert perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box for preparation)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3 ounces red gelatin (like Jell-O)
  • 3 ounces green gelatin (like Jell-O)
  • 1 cup cold water (divided)
  • 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the white cake according to the package directions, but use only the required water, oil, and eggs. Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. While the cake cools, prepare the gelatin. In separate bowls, dissolve the red gelatin in 1/2 cup of boiling water each. Stir until completely dissolved.
  3. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the red gelatin mixture and stir. Pour the red gelatin evenly over half of the cooled cake surface. Repeat this process for the green gelatin, pouring it over the remaining half of the cake.
  4. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
  5. Once the gelatin is firm, use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing the holes about 1 inch apart. Poke all the way through the cake layer.
  6. Gently pour the remaining liquid gelatin (if any has separated) over the top to fill the holes slightly, or simply proceed to the next step if the gelatin has fully set.
  7. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
  8. Garnish immediately with white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, if using.
  9. Keep the cake refrigerated until you are ready to serve. Slice and enjoy your festive Christmas dessert.

Notes

  • For the most vibrant red and green colors, use a high-quality brand of gelatin.
  • You can substitute the whipped topping with cream cheese frosting for a richer texture.
  • If you want a deeper infusion, use sweetened condensed milk to pour into the holes before adding the gelatin.
  • This is a great potluck Christmas dessert because it travels well when kept chilled.

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