Rainbow Jell-O Poke Cake

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of poke cake ! ever find yourself craving a dessert that's both ridiculously easy and a total crowd pleaser? honestly, that's where this absolute gem comes in.

I tell you, i've been making it for years!

Ready for the Easiest Poke Cake Recipe Ever?

This isn't just any cake; it's a trip down memory lane. think school fetes, village hall celebrations, and those family gatherings where the retro dessert recipes stole the show.

This strawberry jell-o poke cake is dead easy! it uses a simple cake mix recipe as its base. then filled with jiggly, colourful jello poke cake .

All About the Jell-O Poke Cake

This classic american dessert, the jell-o poke cake , is the party piece. the method is super straightforward! bake a cake, poke holes in it, and fill those holes with flavour! it's ridiculously customisable and takes next to no time.

This recipe yields about 12-16 slices of pure joy.

Why You'll Love This Easy Poke Cake Recipe

This easy poke cake recipe is more than just a sweet treat. each slice is a burst of flavour and a nostalgic hug.

It makes for fun cake recipes ! perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or even just a tuesday night pick-me-up.

What makes it special? it's the look on people's faces when they see that vibrant, jiggly filling!

Now, let's talk ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Stellar Poke Cake

Right, let's dive into what you'll actually need to create this magical poke cake . honestly, it’s not rocket science, mostly stuff you probably already have.

It's a retro dessert recipe so it will be fun for you.

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you'll need to create the Jell-O poke cake :

• Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) white or yellow cake mix. Use whatever brand you like! Quality wise, honestly, they're all pretty similar. But if you're feeling fancy, go for a brand known for their moistness.
• Water: As indicated on the cake mix box. Don't skimp!
• Oil: As indicated on the cake mix box. Canola or vegetable oil works fine.
• Eggs: As indicated on the cake mix box.
• Jell-O: 3 boxes (3 oz / 85g each) in different colors. I love Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cake , lime, and blue raspberry for that rainbow effect.
• Boiling Water: 3 cups (710ml) . You'll need this to dissolve the Jello poke cake .
• Cold Water: 1 1/2 cups (355ml) .
• Whipped Topping: 1 container (8 oz / 227g) Cool Whip, thawed. Or make your own if you're feeling ambitious.

Seasoning Notes

This easy poke cake recipe isn't about fancy spices!

• The Jell-O flavors themselves are the star. No need to add cinnamon or anything wild.
• Vanilla extract: A splash in the cake batter can’t hurt, about 1 tsp (5ml) .
• For a Pina Colada Poke Cake twist, consider adding coconut extract to the whipped topping. Ooh la la!

Equipment Needed

Don’t stress, you probably have all this already!

• 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking pan: Essential. Glass or metal works.
• Mixing bowls: A couple of different sizes will be handy.
• Electric mixer: Handheld or stand mixer, whatever you've got.
• Wooden spoon (or spatula handle): For poking those all-important holes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Obvs.
• Whisk: For dissolving the Jell-O.

There you have it! All the gear you need to bake our poke cake.

Rainbow Jell-O Poke Cake : A Slice of Fun!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good poke cake ? it's like a party in every bite! this rainbow jell-o poke cake is a fun, retro dessert, perfect for a burst of color and flavour.

The tender vanilla cake is poked with holes and filled with vibrant fruit flavored jell-o , and topped with a fluffy whipped topping.

It's a nostalgic treat that's as delicious as it is eye-catching the perfect way to channel your inner child and impress your mates! some of my fondest memories are enjoying a poke cake with my family, so i always make sure to keep the recipe for a later date.

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is key. get your cake mix, jell-o , and whipped topping ready. grease and flour your 9x13 inch pan.

This avoids sticking. trust me. for time saving, measure everything beforehand! set out all your bowls and spoons before you start.

You'll thank me later. please remember, boiling water is hot! be careful when dissolving the jell-o . seriously.

The Rainbow Road: step-by-step

1. Bake the Cake: Make cake batter per box. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until a toothpick comes out clean, roughly 30- 35 minutes . Let it cool slightly.
2. Jell-O Prep: Dissolve each flavour of Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well. Add ½ cup cold water to each.
3. Poke Time: Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
4. Fill 'er Up: Pour each Jell-O flavor into the holes. Alternate colors for a rainbow effect!
5. Chill Out: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours , or overnight. This is crucial.
6. Top It Off: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake.
7. Sprinkle Magic: Garnish with sprinkles, if you're feeling fancy! Cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Poke

Expert trick: don't overbake the cake! a slightly underbaked cake absorbs the jell-o better. common mistake? not chilling long enough! the jell-o needs to set.

For make-ahead, bake the cake and add the jell-o the day before. then add the topping just before serving. oh my gosh, i had a disaster trying to do it all at once!.

This is a super easy easy poke cake recipe , or if you want some poke cake recipes , check online for more.

This strawberry jell-o poke cake is a fun way to have dessert recipes with cake mix , and is part of the fun cake recipes .

The retro dessert recipes is part of a classic! so, grab your apron, turn up the tunes, and get ready to poke! this pina colada poke cake is a fantastic dessert.

Cake mix recipes are generally quite simple. now, off you pop and bake!

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Poke Cake

Right then, let's chew over some notes to really nail this poke cake , shall we? these are the bits and bobs that can take your jello poke cake from "meh" to "oh my gosh, did you make this?!" honestly, even the best easy poke cake recipe can be leveled up with a bit of know how.

Serving Suggestions: Plating the Dream

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous strawberry jell-o poke cake . don’t just plonk it on a plate! think pretty. a dusting of icing sugar looks fab.

Try a little fresh mint or a scattering of berries. it’s all about making it look as good as it tastes.

Complementary sides? a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream goes a treat, or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream if you're feeling fancy.

To drink, a light sparkling wine or even a simple glass of lemonade works wonders.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

This poke cake is best enjoyed fresh, you know? however, leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days.

Make sure you cover it well with cling film to stop it from drying out. i wouldn't recommend freezing it; the texture of the jell-o can change.

If you must freeze it, wrap it tightly and thaw it slowly in the fridge. reheating isn't really necessary, as it's best served cold.

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Fancy a twist? you can totally make a pina colada poke cake ! use coconut cake mix, pineapple jell-o, and a rum-flavored whipped topping.

Or if you are health conscious, use sugar-free cake mix, jell-o, and light whipped topping! and when it comes to seasonal swaps, think about using seasonal fruits in the whipped topping or even infusing the jell-o with fruit purees.

It’s about making it your own! some might consider the poke cake a retro dessert recipes as a fun cake recipes , using any cake mix recipes .

If you're looking for dessert inspiration, consider a jello poke cake , a fantastic addition to dessert recipes with cake mix .

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Right, let's be honest, this isn't exactly health food, is it? but hey, everything in moderation, as they say! it’s mostly carbs and sugar, so it’s a treat.

The key health benefit? well, it's a sure fire way to cheer someone up! that’s a valid health benefit in my book!

So there you have it! A few little pointers to really make your poke cake recipes shine. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Now go get baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a poke cake ahead of time? It's for a garden party on Sunday, and I'd love to get a head start like Nigella would!

Absolutely! In fact, poke cake is often better when made a day or two in advance. The chilling time allows the Jell-O (or pudding) to fully set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just make sure to store it covered tightly in the fridge so it doesn't dry out.

What's the best way to store poke cake, and how long does it last? I don't want to end up on The Great British Baking Show for having soggy bottoms!

To keep your poke cake in tip-top condition, store it covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 3-4 days. After that, the cake might start to get a bit soggy, especially if you're using Jell-O, as it can release moisture over time. So, eat it up - no soggy bottoms allowed!

Can I use something other than Jell-O to fill a poke cake? I'm not a huge fan of the stuff.

Definitely! You can swap the Jell-O for instant pudding. Prepare the pudding according to package directions and pour it into the holes just like you would with the Jell-O. Chocolate, vanilla, or even banana pudding would be brilliant choices. You could even try a custard for a richer filling.

What kind of cake works best for a poke cake? And can I use a homemade cake recipe?

A simple vanilla or white cake mix is traditionally used as it lets the Jell-O or pudding flavors shine through, but a yellow cake also works well. And yes, you can absolutely use your favorite homemade cake recipe! Just make sure the cake isn't too dense, as you want it to absorb the filling nicely.

My poke cake is a complete disaster! The filling is running everywhere. What went wrong?

Oh dear, sounds like a bit of a kitchen catastrophe! Firstly, ensure your cake has cooled completely before poking holes and adding the Jell-O or pudding. Secondly, make sure the Jell-O is slightly thickened but not fully set when you pour it in.

If the cake is too warm or the filling is too runny, it won't absorb properly. And lastly, be gentle with the pouring!

Is poke cake a healthy dessert option? Asking for a friend...

Let's be honest, poke cake is more of a fun, nostalgic treat than a health food! It's typically high in sugar and carbohydrates. However, you can make some healthier swaps, like using sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free Jell-O, and light whipped topping.

But remember, it's all about balance and enjoying a slice every now and then. Treat yourself!