Jell-O Poke Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A light and fruity dessert featuring fluffy cake infused with strawberry jello, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (9x13) white or yellow cake, baked and cooled
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 pkg strawberry jello
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 (12 oz) Cool Whip
  • 1 carton frozen strawberries, thawed

Instructions

  1. Prick the cooled cake with a large two-pronged fork at 1/2 inch intervals.
  2. Dissolve the strawberry jello in boiling water.
  3. Add cold water to the jello mixture.
  4. Spoon the jello mixture evenly over the pricked cake.
  5. Chill the cake for 4 hours to set the jello.
  6. Mix Cool Whip with thawed strawberries.
  7. Frost the chilled cake with the strawberry Cool Whip mixture.
  8. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a vibrant flavor, consider using raspberry or cherry jello as a substitution for strawberry. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a reduced-fat Cool Whip or Greek yogurt instead. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes, as this will help the jello soak in evenly. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the jello mixture for a zesty twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Jell-O poke cake is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks, as it pairs beautifully with Summertime Iced Tea. Serve it as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal or alongside light snacks. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Jell-O poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, it's best to serve it cold, as the jello texture is best enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing, as the jello and Cool Whip may separate upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jell-O Poke Cake contains roughly 64 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value).

64 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 13.3g 5% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 95.7mg 4% DV
Potassium 85.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.3mcg
Vitamin C 16.7mg 19% DV
Calcium 34.4mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is great for making ahead of time. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its delicious flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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