Jello Poke Cake

There’s something magical about a jello poke cake—it’s nostalgic, playful, and downright delicious. Whether you grew up with this retro dessert at family gatherings or are discovering it for the first time, this orange-flavored jello poke cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The soft, tender cake soaked with vibrant orange Jello and topped with a creamy vanilla pudding frosting is a dessert that feels like a sweet trip down memory lane. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, just a fun weekend treat, this jello poke cake is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Let’s dive into this beloved recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation!

You may also enjoy our jello cake recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible jello poke cake:

Looking for something similar? Try our strawberry pie recipe with gelatin.

• 1 15.25-ounce box cake mix (Duncan Hines yellow cake mix)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 3-ounce box orange jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 3.4-ounce box vanilla instant Jello pudding
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 8-ounce tub Cool Whip
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Recommended Tools You’ll Need

• silicone spatula
• large mixing bowl

Cook Time

Prep Time	Cook Time	Setting Time	Total Time
20 minutes	23 minutes	1.5 hours	2 hours 13 minutes

This jello poke cake comes together quickly, but it does need time to cool and set in the fridge for the best texture.

You may also enjoy our gelatin powder in desserts.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Sugar	Fiber
1 serving	~280 kcal	~25g	~0.5g

This dessert is a sweet treat, enjoy it in moderation. Each slice is rich in flavor but light in texture.

You may also enjoy our orange jello.

How to Make jello poke cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan with a pastry brush or paper towel coated with vegetable oil.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Use an electric hand mixer on low speed to mix the ingredients.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Then, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes.
5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch cake pan. Use a silicone spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.
6. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 23 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; should come out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool on a wire cooling rack on the counter for about 20 minutes.
8. In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in the microwave.
9. In a small bowl, combine the orange Jello with the boiling water. Use a whisk to stir until all the Jello is fully dissolved.
10. Use a metal chopstick or the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the top of the cooled cake.
11. Slowly pour the liquid orange Jello evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Let the cake cool and absorb the Jello for about 30 minutes.
12. In a clean large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla instant pudding and 1 cup of cold milk. Use a whisk to mix for about 1 minute until smooth.
13. Add the Cool Whip and vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. Use the whisk to blend until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
14. Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting over the top of the cake.
15. Place the cake in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to set before slicing.
16. Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the cake into 12 even pieces. Serve each slice with a mandarin orange on top.

Expert Tips

For the best jello poke cake: 1) Let the cake cool completely before poking holes to prevent crumbling. 2) Use a skewer or chopstick for even holes that allow the Jello to soak in properly. 3) Chill the cake thoroughly before serving to ensure clean slices. 4) For extra flavor, try brushing a thin layer of simple syrup on the cake before adding the Jello.