featured 54198

Jello Poke Cake Recipe: Moist Layered Dessert with Fruity Gelatin

Jello poke cake is a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s ideal for summer gatherings. Made with simple ingredients, it combines bright lemon cake with sweet strawberry gelatin for a refreshing, colorful treat.

If you enjoy strawberry gelatin desserts, try the no-bake strawberry pie and strawberry pretzel bars for more easy, summery treats.

A square of jello poke cake topped with a strawberry half on a plate.

Table of contents

  • Why You Will Love Poke Cake With Jello
  • Ingredients
  • How To Make a Poke Cake With Jello
  • Tips & Variations
  • Recipe FAQ
  • Storing

Why You Will Love Poke Cake With Jello

  • Simple to prepare. This recipe is perfect for beginners and comes together quickly.
  • Only six ingredients. A short, straightforward shopping list makes this an easy bake.
  • Very versatile. Swap the gelatin flavor to create different color and flavor combinations.
  • Moist, flavorful cake. The combination of lemon cake and strawberry gelatin yields a tender, juicy texture and bright flavor.
Ingredients on the table to make poke cake with jello.

Ingredients

  • Lemon cake mix: Any lemon-flavored box mix works; Duncan Hines® Lemon Supreme is a great option.
  • Lemonade: Adds liquid and boosts the lemon flavor.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
  • Vegetable oil: Use a neutral baking oil.
  • Strawberry-flavored gelatin: This creates the marbled color and strawberry flavor.
  • Whipped topping: A light finish that complements the cake.
img 54198 3

How To Make a Poke Cake With Jello

  1. Bake the cake. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan. Mix the cake mix with lemonade, eggs, and oil, then beat for about 2 minutes. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (about 21–26 minutes).
  2. Poke holes. While the cake is still warm, use a fork to poke holes across the top so the gelatin can seep in.
  3. Make the gelatin. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, stir in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved, then add 1/4 cup cold water.
  4. Pour and chill. Pour the gelatin mixture over the poked cake so it sinks into the holes. Refrigerate until the cake is completely cool and the gelatin has set, at least 1 hour.
  5. Frost and serve. Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake, slice, and enjoy.
Overhead view of poke cake squares on plates with the baking dish next to the plates.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap gelatin flavors. Try blue raspberry, orange, lime, or cherry for different looks and tastes.
  • Allow time for setting. The gelatin needs time to soak into the cake and mellow; don’t rush the chilling step.
  • Garnish with fresh fruit. Add strawberry halves or thin lemon slices for a bright presentation.
  • Serve chilled. This cake is most refreshing straight from the refrigerator.
A square of strawberry and lemon cake on a plate topped with whipped cream frosting.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes. Fill lined muffin cups with the batter and bake according to the mix directions. Once baked, poke a few holes in the tops, pour the prepared gelatin over each cupcake, chill, then top with whipped cream and a strawberry.

Why is it called poke cake?

The name comes from the technique of poking holes in the baked cake so flavored gelatin can be poured in and create a marbled effect while adding moisture and flavor.

A fork cutting into a corner of a piece of strawberry lemonade poke cake.

Storing

  • Refrigerate. Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for up to three days.
  • Freeze. For longer storage, wrap an unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw before frosting. If freezing a frosted cake, freeze uncovered until solid, then wrap and store.

More Cake Recipes

Cinnamon Cake
The Best Banana Cake Recipe
Orange Cream Cake

More sprinkles, please! Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly meal planning and follow on social media for behind-the-scenes and new recipes.

A piece of strawberry jello poke cake with whipped cream frosting on a plate.
5 from 1 rating
Servings: 16

Jello Poke Cake

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 30
Refrigerate: 1
Jello poke cake is an easy dessert that’s perfect for summer parties. It comes together quickly using simple ingredients and balances strawberry and lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 15.25 ounce package lemon cake mix (such as Duncan Hines® Lemon Supreme)
  • 1 cup lemonade
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 3-ounce package strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • 1 8-ounce tub cool whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Beat cake mix, lemonade, eggs, and oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Pour batter into the prepared dish.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 21–26 minutes. Use a fork to poke holes all over the cake; set aside.
  • Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved, then mix in 1/4 cup cold water. Pour evenly over the cake and refrigerate until completely cool, at least 1 hour.
  • Frost with whipped topping and serve.

Notes

  • Change the flavors. Swap gelatin flavors to customize color and taste.
  • Allow setting time. The gelatin needs time to soak and meld with the cake for best texture.
  • Garnish. Top with fresh strawberries for a bright finish.
  • Chill to serve. This dessert is best served cold.
  • Storage. Keep refrigerated and covered for up to three days.
  • Freezing. Freeze unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to three months; thaw and frost before serving. For frosted cake, freeze uncovered until solid, then wrap.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 179kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g
Cuisine: American
Course: Cake, Dessert
Author: Jennifer
Tried this recipe?Mention the recipe source on Instagram or tag it with the recipe hashtag.

Some links in the original content may have been affiliate links.