Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that could instantly boost holiday cheer, sparkle with festive colors, and delight dessert lovers of every age, this Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake is about to become your new go-to recipe. The magic starts with a soft, fluffy cake canvas, then takes a vibrant leap with ribbons of red and green gelatin soaked into every bite. Crowned with billowy whipped topping and a generous shower of sprinkles, it truly tastes (and looks) like a celebration in every slice. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or an office holiday party, this cake brings together easy prep and show-stopping results—the sweetest way to spread joy!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making a Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake is that you can find all the ingredients at your local supermarket, and each one plays an important role in creating the cake’s irresistible taste and festive flair. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you’ll love each component!

• Box white or yellow cake mix: The perfect blank slate—go with your favorite brand for moist and soft layers that soak up all the colorful goodness.
• Eggs, oil, and water: These come with the cake mix territory and ensure your base bakes up light and tender.
• Red gelatin mix (3 oz): Creates those striking scarlet ribbons and brings a hint of fruity flavor—cherry or strawberry work beautifully.
• Green gelatin mix (3 oz): Adds the iconic Christmas green; lime-flavored gelatin is classic and looks super fun in each slice.
• Boiling water (2 cups): Dissolves the gelatins quickly and evenly, so you can infuse the cake easily.
• Cold water (1 cup): Helps cool down the gelatin before it soaks into your cake, preventing any melting mishaps.
• Whipped topping (8 oz): The dreamy, creamy finish—spread it on thick for a “snowy” touch that everyone will love.
• Holiday sprinkles: The final festive touch—pick your favorite red, green, and white shapes to really set the scene on your Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake!

How to Make Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preparing your favorite white or yellow cake mix according to the package instructions, using the recommended eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick slides out clean, usually about 25–30 minutes. Take just a moment to enjoy the amazing cake aroma—it’s already the smell of celebration!

Step 2: Cool and Poke

Let your cake cool for about 15 minutes after baking—just enough so it’s warm but safe to handle. Now comes the fun part: use the rounded handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface, about 1 inch apart. The more evenly you poke, the prettier your colors will appear when you cut into the finished cake.

Step 3: Mix the Gelatins

Grab two small bowls and dissolve each gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir carefully to make sure every grain is dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water into each bowl. This not only sets the flavors, but cools everything down just enough, so the hot gelatin won’t melt your cake base.

Step 4: Pour and Chill

Spoon or gently pour the red gelatin over half of the cake and the green over the other half, allowing it to fill the poked holes and seep beautifully down into the cake. Go slow to maximize the “tie-dye” effect! Once you’re done, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you want perfectly vivid colors and crisp layers. The waiting is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s so worth it.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Once the gelatin is fully set, spread the whipped topping all over the top of your cake, creating soft swoops or a perfectly smooth finish—it’s up to you! Finish with a handful (or more!) of holiday sprinkles for the ultimate Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake flourish. Keep the cake refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, so every slice is cool, creamy, and perfectly festive.

How to Serve Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake

Garnishes

The classic choice is a blizzard of holiday-themed sprinkles—think sparkling sugar crystals, snowflakes, or classic red and green confetti. For an extra fancy touch, try some white chocolate curls or even a scattering of sugared cranberries. The goal is to make your Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake look as inviting as possible from the very first glance!

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a simple mug of hot cocoa or holiday coffee, or make it the sweet finish to a festive potluck. If you love contrasting flavors, a bowl of fresh, slightly tart berries (like raspberries or pomegranate seeds) on the side can balance out the sweetness and complement the cake’s fruity notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the cake into squares and serve in colorful cupcake liners for easy-to-grab bites. Dress up a dessert platter with candy canes or peppermint sticks for a whimsical touch. Or, for a showstopper centerpiece, add a circle of whipped cream swirls around the edges and nestle in extra sprinkles or maraschino cherries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Just cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and pop it in the fridge. The Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days, and some say it’s even better the second day as the flavors meld together!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze without the whipped topping, then add a fresh dollop and sprinkles after thawing. The poke cake can be frozen for up to one month.

Reheating

Since this cake is meant to be served chilled, there’s no need to reheat! Simply let thawed slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes if coming from the fridge, or 30 minutes from the freezer, before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use different flavors or colors of gelatin for other holidays?

Absolutely! Swap in blue and orange for Halloween, pink and yellow for spring celebrations, or whatever colors match your festive mood. The Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake is endlessly adaptable to every holiday and occasion.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Chill the cake thoroughly (overnight if you can), and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. It helps if the whipped topping is very cold and set, so everything stays in place for beautiful presentation.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes—this dessert is perfect for prepping ahead. In fact, making your Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake a day in advance helps the gelatin set and the flavors deepen. Just wait to add the whipped topping and sprinkles until the day you plan to serve.

Is there a dairy-free option for the whipped topping?

Definitely! There are several dairy-free whipped topping brands in the freezer section of most grocery stores. They whip up just as light and yummy—just check the packaging to be sure it’s dairy-free.

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?

Of course! If you have a favorite scratch-made white or yellow cake recipe, feel free to use it in place of the box mix. Anything that bakes up light and airy is perfect for soaking up the red and green gelatin.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a dish that looks as joyful as it tastes. I hope you’ll add this Holiday-Inspired Poke Cake to your festive baking traditions—it’s the kind of treat that gets everyone smiling around the dessert table. Whip it up for your next celebration and watch as friends and family reach for seconds (or thirds)! Happy baking and happy holidays!

Print