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Easy Christmas Jello Poke Cake: Festive Dessert Made in Minutes

Close-up of a layered Christmas poke cake slice featuring white cake, red and green gelatin, whipped topping, and crushed peppermint.
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Create a stunning, moist Christmas poke cake using bright red and green Jello. This easy holiday cake is perfect for potlucks and requires minimal effort to achieve a festive centerpiece dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3 ounces red gelatin (Jello)
  • 3 ounces green gelatin (Jello)
  • 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, baking it in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Let the cake cool slightly, about 15 minutes, while you prepare the gelatin.
  2. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  3. Prepare the red gelatin: Pour the red gelatin powder into a bowl. Add 1 cup of boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup of cold water. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
  4. Carefully pour the cooled red gelatin mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
  5. Prepare the green gelatin: Repeat step 3 using the green gelatin powder and the remaining 1 cup of cold water. Let this mixture cool to room temperature.
  6. Once the red gelatin has mostly set (about 30 minutes in the refrigerator), pour the green gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, again aiming for the holes.
  7. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
  8. When ready to serve, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the set gelatin layer.
  9. Garnish the top with white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies for a festive look. Slice and serve this moist Christmas dessert.

Notes

  • For an extra festive look, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the whipped topping before serving.
  • You can substitute the Jello with a can of sweetened condensed milk mixed with a few drops of red and green food coloring for a creamy, non-Jello poke cake variation.
  • Make this ahead of time; the cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully melded.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/christmas-poke-cake/