Few desserts scream holiday cheer quite like a beautifully sliced Christmas poke cake recipe. With its vibrant red-and-green swirls, fluffy topping, and irresistibly moist crumb, this classic holiday cake is a guaranteed showstopper at Christmas dinners, potlucks, office parties, and cozy family gatherings. Best of all, it looks impressive while being incredibly easy to make—even for beginner bakers.

What makes a Christmas poke cake so special is its playful simplicity. A soft cake base is poked with holes, filled with colorful, flavorful liquid, and topped with a creamy layer that seals in all that festive goodness. Every slice reveals a surprise inside, making it a dessert that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a large holiday crowd or bringing dessert to a party, this cake never fails to impress.

Unlike complicated layer cakes or delicate pastries, this holiday poke cake is forgiving, flexible, and perfect for busy schedules. You can make it ahead, decorate it in countless ways, and adapt it to suit your Christmas theme. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks bakery-worthy without the stress. If you’re searching for an easy yet eye-catching Christmas dessert, this recipe deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Table of Contents

What Is a Poke Cake and Why It’s Perfect for Christmas

A poke cake is exactly what it sounds like—a baked cake that’s poked with holes and then filled with a liquid such as flavored gelatin, pudding, or a sweet drizzle. As the filling settles into the cake, it adds moisture, color, and flavor throughout every bite. Once chilled, the cake is topped with a creamy layer that balances everything beautifully.

This method became popular decades ago and has stood the test of time for good reason:

It’s easy to prepare
It stays moist for days
It’s endlessly customizable
It looks stunning when sliced

For Christmas, poke cakes truly shine. Using red and green fillings creates a festive pattern inside the cake, turning a simple sheet cake into a holiday centerpiece. A Christmas Jell-O poke cake, for example, delivers bold colors that pair perfectly with snowy-white whipped topping and cheerful sprinkles.

Ingredients Overview (Simple & Flexible)

Before you start, gather these basic components. Exact measurements can be adjusted based on your pan size and preferences.

Cake Base

White cake mix (or homemade white cake)
Eggs, oil, and liquid as directed on the box

Filling

Red gelatin (strawberry or cherry)
Green gelatin (lime)
Hot and cold water (reduced slightly for a stronger set)

Topping

Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
Optional cream cheese frosting for a richer finish

Decorations (Optional but Fun!)

Red and green sprinkles
Crushed candy canes
Mini marshmallows
White chocolate curls

Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy equipment to make this festive poke cake. Here’s what to have on hand:

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Wooden spoon handle or straw (for poking holes)
Measuring cups and spoons
Offset spatula for spreading topping

Optional but useful:

Piping bag for decorative swirls
Cake carrier for transport

Christmas poke cake with red and green layers topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles

Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions
Pour into a greased 9×13 pan
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Let the cake cool for about 15–20 minutes

Step 2: Poke the Holes

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw
Poke holes evenly across the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart
Go deep, but don’t poke all the way through the bottom

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Dissolve each gelatin flavor separately in hot water
Add cold water (slightly less than directed)
Stir until fully dissolved

Step 4: Fill the Cake

Carefully pour red gelatin into half the holes
Pour green gelatin into the remaining holes
Pour slowly to prevent colors from mixing

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2–3 hours
This allows the filling to fully set

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake
Add festive decorations just before serving

Decorating Ideas for a Festive Finish

Decorating your Christmas poke cake dessert is where creativity really shines.

Try these ideas:

A blanket of red and green sprinkles
Piped whipped cream swirls topped with candy pearls
Crushed candy canes sprinkled lightly on top
Mini marshmallows for a snowy look

If you want inspiration for sprinkle techniques, check out this guide on decorating cakes with sprinkles:

https://sugarandsparrow.com/how-to-decorate-a-cake-with-sprinkles/

Make-Ahead Tips

This make-ahead Christmas dessert is perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Bake and fill the cake up to 24 hours in advance
Keep covered in the refrigerator
Add whipped topping and decorations a few hours before serving

This approach keeps the cake fresh and stress-free.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about a holiday poke cake is how customizable it is.

Popular Christmas Variations

Peppermint poke cake with chocolate base
Red velvet poke cake with white filling
Funfetti Christmas poke cake with festive sprinkles
White chocolate pudding poke cake for a creamy twist

Simply swap flavors and decorations while keeping the same method.

Serving Suggestions

For clean slices:

Use a sharp knife
Wipe between cuts
Serve chilled for best presentation

This cake pairs beautifully with:

Hot chocolate
Coffee
Holiday punch

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftover Christmas poke cake covered in the refrigerator.

Keeps well for 3–5 days
Best stored chilled
Add fresh topping if needed before serving leftovers

Freezing is possible without the topping, but this cake is best enjoyed fresh during the holidays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the cake
Pouring filling while the cake is too hot
Using too much liquid
Frosting before the cake is fully chilled

Avoiding these ensures perfect texture and clean slices.

FAQs About Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?

Yes! A sturdy vanilla or white cake works perfectly.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely. Stabilizing it helps maintain structure.

How far ahead can I make this cake?

Up to one day in advance is ideal.

Can I change the colors?

Yes—just swap the gelatin colors to match other holidays.

Can this be made in a different pan?

Yes, but baking time and slicing will vary.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas poke cake recipe is everything a holiday dessert should be—festive, easy, and guaranteed to delight. With its colorful interior, creamy topping, and endless customization options, it’s a dessert you’ll come back to year after year. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or coworkers, this cake delivers joy in every slice.

Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Author: Velma
Total Time: PT2H00M
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Christmas Poke Cake is a festive, ultra-moist holiday dessert made with a fluffy cake base poked and soaked with creamy pudding, then topped with whipped topping and cheerful Christmas decorations.

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

– Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions

– Pour into a greased 9×13 pan

– Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

– Let the cake cool for about 15–20 minutes

Step 2: Poke the Holes

– Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw

– Poke holes evenly across the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart

– Go deep, but don’t poke all the way through the bottom

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

– Dissolve each gelatin flavor separately in hot water

– Add cold water (slightly less than directed)

– Stir until fully dissolved

Step 4: Fill the Cake

– Carefully pour red gelatin into half the holes

– Pour green gelatin into the remaining holes

– Pour slowly to prevent colors from mixing

Step 5: Chill

– Refrigerate the cake for at least 2–3 hours

– This allows the filling to fully set

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

– Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake

– Add festive decorations just before serving

Notes

Use chocolate cake + vanilla pudding for a festive contrast.
For a red-and-green effect, divide the pudding and tint each color before pouring.
Add a drizzle of chocolate or white chocolate sauce for extra richness.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Category: Desserts
Method: Baked + Chilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 330 Kcal
Sugar: 36g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Christmas Poke Cake Recipe: 7 Festive Steps for a Show-Stopping Holiday Dessert