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Hey there, cake buddies! Today, I’m letting you in on my Jello Cake—it’s like a party in your mouth with every bite!
Picture this: a fluffy white cake soaked with sweet strawberry jello, topped with a big cloud of cool whip frosting. Jello Cake sounding tasty yet?
This is one cake that I can’t get enough of. One bit and you’ll see exactly why. It’s about as moist as you can possibly make a cake to be.
It’s like a cake and a magic show rolled into one. “How did you do that??” you’ll hear people ask. Tell them it was magic and they might just believe you. HA!
This recipe is super easy, even if it’s your first time baking. It’s one of those poke cake recipes that’s been around forever—like a vintage recipe your grandma might’ve made, but with a strawberry twist.
You don’t need to be a pro—just mix, bake, poke, and chill. I love how the jello mixture seeps into the cake, making it a moist cake that’s bursting with strawberry flavor.
It’s the perfect summer dessert for hot days when you want something cool and yummy.
So, grab your baking dish, and let’s whip up this strawberry jello poke cake recipe. Save that recipe card. This Jello Cake will be popular!!
Some of our other favorite CAKE RECIPES we have on our site include: Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Sour Cream Glaze, Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe, and Best Cream Puff Cake Recipe.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE JELLO CAKE:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- CAN I USE A DIFFERENT JELLO?
- CAN I ADD A DIFFERENT TOPPING?
- ANY OTHER ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Easy Strawberry Jello Cake Recipe
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy Peasy – Starts with a box cake mix, so it’s quick and foolproof!
- Super Moist – The jello liquid soaks in, making every bite juicy and delicious.
- Fun to Make – Poking holes and pouring jello is like a silly science experiment that tastes amazing!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- White cake mix
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Egg whites
- Strawberry jello mix
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Whipped topping
HOW TO MAKE JELLO CAKE:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Add the cake mix, pudding mix, water, oil, and egg whites in a large bowl.
- Stir together with an electric hand mixer at low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes, scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the cake batter to the baking dish and bake for 26-31 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer, fork, or wooden spoon handle.
- Whisk the boiling water and jello mix for 2 minutes, then add the cold water.
- Use a measuring cup with a spout to add the jello to the holes; it will spread, and that’s okay.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Top with thawed cool whip, slice, and serve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT JELLO?
Yep! Swap the strawberry gelatin for cherry jello, lemon jello cake, or even orange jello cake.
Any flavor of jello works—just pick your fave!
Heck, mix and match if you like. Nothing says you have to stick with the original.
CAN I ADD A DIFFERENT TOPPING?
Sure thing! Instead of cool whip, try fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of fresh berries, or even a little vanilla extract drizzle if you’re feeling fancy.
Check out my list below if you want any other ideas.
ANY OTHER ADDITIONS?
As cakes go, this one is really easy to change up. Find your own way of making it!
- Fresh strawberries (slice ‘em up for the top!)
- Fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries
- Whipped cream for extra fluff
- A few crushed cookies for crunch
- Sprinkles for a colorful dessert vibe
- A dollop of strawberry shortcake frosting
- Banana slices for a fruity twist
- Chocolate chips (because why not?)
- A cherry jello swirl on top
- A little bit of coconut for a tropical kick
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
You better believe it. Please go to the comments and let me know how yours turns out.
- Use yellow cake mix instead of white cake mix for a richer taste.
- Try chocolate cake mix instead of white for a wild combo with strawberry jello.
- Swap vegetable oil with melted butter for a yummy flavor.
- Use heavy cream instead of whipped topping—just whip it up yourself!
- Replace cold water with cold milk in the jello mix for a creamier soak.
- Swap strawberry jello mix with any flavor of gelatin—like lemon or orange!
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator
Cover it with plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container.
It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days—perfect for leftover cake snacking!
Freezer
Wrap it tight in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and add fresh cool whip frosting before serving.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Poke Lots – Use the handle of a wooden spoon to make big holes so the jello sinks deep!
- Cool It – Let the cake cool on a wire rack before pouring jello, or it’ll get mushy.
- Mix Fast – Whisk that boiling water and jello quick so it’s smooth, not lumpy.
- Chill Long – Give it enough time in the fridge (overnight’s best) for the perfect dessert set.
- Scoop Smart – Use a big spoon to serve so you get all the layers in every bite.
- Taste Test – Sneak a tiny piece before topping—it’s too good to wait!
There you go, friends— Jello Cake that’s sweet, wiggly, and oh-so-fun!
It’s an easy dessert recipe that’s stood the test of time, perfect for family gatherings or just a chill day at home.
Slice it up, dig in, and enjoy this delicious cake—it’s a classic cake with a strawberry jello twist!
Easy Strawberry Jello Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large egg whites
- 3 ounce box strawberry jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3/4 cup cold water
- 16 ounces whipped topping thawed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Add the cake mix, pudding mix, water, oil, and egg whites in a large bowl.1 box white cake mix, 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 4 large egg whites
- Stir together with an electric hand mixer at low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes, scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the cake batter to the baking dish and bake for 26-31 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer, fork, or wooden spoon handle.
- Whisk the boiling water and jello mix for 2 minutes, then add the cold water.3 ounce box strawberry jello mix, 1 cup boiling water, 3/4 cup cold water
- Use a measuring cup with a spout to add the jello to the holes; it will spread, and that’s okay.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Top with thawed cool whip, slice, and serve.16 ounces whipped topping
Notes
- Poke Lots – Use the handle of a wooden spoon to make big holes so the jello sinks deep!
- Cool It – Let the cake cool on a wire rack before pouring jello, or it’ll get mushy.
- Mix Fast – Whisk that boiling water and jello quick so it’s smooth, not lumpy.
- Chill Long – Give it enough time in the fridge (overnight’s best) for the perfect dessert set.
- Scoop Smart – Use a big spoon to serve so you get all the layers in every bite.
- Taste Test – Sneak a tiny piece before topping—it’s too good to wait!
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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