A Poke Cake is a fun dessert where you poke holes in a baked cake and fill them with something delicious (pudding, Jell-O, fruit puree, or sweetened condensed milk), then top with whipped cream or frosting. Here’s a classic version:
🍰 Poke Cake (Classic Jell-O Version)
Ingredients
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1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients on box)
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1 box (3 oz) flavored Jell-O (strawberry, raspberry, lime, or your favorite)
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1 cup boiling water
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½ cup cold water
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1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
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Optional toppings: fresh fruit, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or chocolate drizzle
Instructions
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Bake cake – Prepare cake mix according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Let cool slightly.
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Poke holes – Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake (about 1 inch apart).
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Make Jell-O – Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water, then stir in cold water.
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Pour Jell-O – Slowly pour over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight).
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Top – Spread whipped topping evenly over chilled cake. Add fruit or decorations on top if desired.
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Serve cold — slice and enjoy!
✨ Popular Variations
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Pudding Poke Cake: Pour prepared pudding into holes instead of Jell-O, then chill.
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Oreo Poke Cake: Use chocolate cake, fill holes with chocolate pudding, and top with Cool Whip + crushed Oreos.
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Strawberries & Cream Poke Cake: Fill holes with strawberry Jell-O, top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Would you like me to write out a chocolate caramel poke cake version (with condensed milk + caramel sauce) too?