The Jello Poke Cake, a quintessential dessert from the 1970s, is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence! This iconic cake, often called a “poke cake” for its unique preparation method, is a brilliant way to infuse a simple cake with vibrant color, intense fruit flavor, and an incredible moistness. Our Raspberry Jello Poke Cake combines a tender white cake base with bright, tangy raspberry gelatin that seeps into every crevice, creating a stunning visual effect and a burst of refreshing flavor in every bite. Topped with a creamy, dreamy whipped topping, it’s a cool, easy, and undeniably fun dessert perfect for any occasion.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a cake that’s both stunning to look at and incredibly simple to make? This Raspberry Jello Poke Cake hits all the right notes for me. The magic lies in the “poke” method, where the warm gelatin soaks into the cake, transforming its texture and infusing it with a juicy, fruity flavor that a regular cake could never achieve. The chilled nature of the cake makes it an ideal dessert for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or simply a refreshing treat after a meal. It’s surprisingly light despite its creamy topping, and the vibrant red hue makes it a showstopper on any dessert table. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe that often starts with a boxed cake mix, proving that convenience can still lead to truly delicious results!
List of Ingredients
To create this delightful Raspberry Jello Poke Cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually water, vegetable oil, and eggs)
For the Jello Infusion:
- 1 (3-ounce) box raspberry flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O brand)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
For the Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional Garnish: Fresh raspberries, mint leaves
Swaps and Notes
- Cake Mix: A white or vanilla cake mix is highly recommended as its light color allows the vibrant red of the raspberry Jello to show through beautifully. You could experiment with a lemon or even chocolate cake mix for different flavor combinations, but the visual effect won’t be as striking.
- Jello Flavor: While raspberry Jello is featured here for its classic flavor and vibrant color, you can easily swap it out for any other flavor! Strawberry, cherry, or even berry blue (for a fun “blue raspberry” twist) are popular choices.
- Jello Consistency: The ratio of boiling to cold water for the Jello is crucial for ensuring it’s liquid enough to soak into the cake but still sets properly. Stick to the amounts specified.
- Whipped Topping: Frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip) is the easiest and most stable option for this cake, as it holds up well when chilled. If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream, but ensure it’s stabilized (e.g., by adding a little powdered sugar and a touch of cream cheese or gelatin) so it doesn’t weep or deflate as quickly.
- Optional Add-ins for Topping: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can fold 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese into the whipped topping, or sprinkle a few finely crushed vanilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs on top for a subtle crunch.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Making a Jello Poke Cake is a straightforward process that mainly requires patience for chilling!
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the white or vanilla cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 28-33 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Do not cool completely yet.
- Prepare the Jello Infusion:
- While the cake is cooling, in a medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup, add the raspberry flavored gelatin powder.
- Carefully pour 1 cup of boiling water over the gelatin powder. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until the gelatin powder is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of cold water and whisk again until fully combined. Set aside.
- Poke and Pour:
- Once the cake has cooled for 15-20 minutes (it should still be warm), use the handle of a wooden spoon, a skewer, or the tines of a sturdy fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Aim for holes about 1 inch apart, going almost all the way to the bottom of the cake.
- Slowly and carefully pour the prepared liquid raspberry Jello mixture evenly over the entire cake, making sure to get into all the poked holes.
- Refrigerate: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the Jello to fully set and infuse into the cake.
- Top and Serve:
- Once the Jello is completely set and the cake is thoroughly chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
- If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries and/or mint leaves.
- Slice and serve cold.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Over-Cool Cake Before Jello: The cake needs to be warm enough for the Jello to absorb effectively, but not so hot that it “melts” the cake. Cooling for 15-20 minutes is the sweet spot.
- Poke Generously: Make plenty of holes! This ensures the Jello permeates throughout the cake, creating those vibrant streaks and adding maximum moisture.
- Don’t Over-Soak Jello: Use the exact amount of boiling and cold water specified. Too much water will result in a soggy cake that doesn’t set properly; too little, and the Jello won’t infuse as well.
- Chill Time is Crucial: Do not rush the chilling process. The cake needs ample time (at least 3-4 hours, ideally overnight) in the refrigerator for the Jello to fully set within the cake.
- Thaw Whipped Topping Properly: Thaw your frozen whipped topping in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours. Do not microwave to thaw, as this can affect its texture.
- Serve Cold: This cake is designed to be served chilled. The cold temperature enhances the refreshing quality of the Jello and whipped topping.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Raspberry Jello Poke Cake is a versatile dessert, perfect for many occasions:
- Summer Dessert: Its cool, refreshing nature makes it ideal for warm weather gatherings, BBQs, and potlucks.
- Celebrations: The vibrant color and fun presentation make it great for birthdays, baby showers, or holiday parties (e.g., red for Valentine’s Day or patriotic holidays).
- Simple Sweet Treat: Enjoy a slice with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a casual, delightful dessert.
- Ice Cream Alternative: Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
Nutritional Information
A single serving of Jello Cake (Raspberry Poke Cake), approximately 1/12th of a 9×13-inch cake (without garnish, as these calories vary greatly):
- Calories: Approximately 250−350 calories
- Fat: Approximately 10−15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40−50g
- Protein: Approximately 3−5g
- Fiber: Approximately <1g
- Sodium: Approximately 200−300mg
Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on the specific brand of cake mix and Jello, precise measurements, and any additional garnishes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Jello Poke Cake is a great make-ahead dessert!
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Jello Poke Cake tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Freezing: This cake does not typically freeze well once the Jello has been added, as the texture can become icy or watery upon thawing. It’s best consumed within a few days of making.
- Un-frosted Cake: If you want to prepare ahead and don’t plan to serve within a few days, you can bake the cake and infuse it with Jello, then freeze the Jello-infused cake (without the whipped topping) tightly wrapped. Thaw in the refrigerator, then add the whipped topping just before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Jello Poke Cake is more than just a retro fad; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a clever technique can create a truly memorable and delicious dessert. This Raspberry Jello Poke Cake, with its vibrant color, moist texture, and refreshing flavor, is guaranteed to bring smiles and a touch of nostalgic fun to any table. It’s a fantastic choice for when you want a delightful cake without the fuss.
Have you ever made a Jello Poke Cake before? What’s your favorite flavor combination? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac.com for more easy and delightful dessert recipes!
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