Easter Poke with Vanilla Gelatin (Printable)

Colorful vanilla cake soaked in fruity gelatin with whipped cream topping, ideal for spring gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs

→ Gelatin Infusion

05 - 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
06 - 1 box (3 oz) lemon gelatin
07 - 2 cups boiling water, divided
08 - 2 cups cold water, divided

→ Whipped Topping

09 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
10 - 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Assorted pastel sprinkles or jelly beans (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - Combine vanilla cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
03 - Allow cake to cool for 15 minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle or skewer, poke holes evenly across the entire cake surface, spacing approximately 1 inch apart.
04 - In separate bowls, dissolve strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water and lemon gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir each until completely dissolved, then add 1 cup cold water to each bowl.
05 - Carefully pour or spoon gelatin mixtures into separate halves of the cake, alternating colors for a marbled effect. Ensure all liquid is absorbed into the holes.
06 - Cover cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow gelatin to set completely.
07 - Using an electric mixer, whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
08 - Spread whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Decorate with pastel sprinkles or jelly beans if desired. Slice and serve cold.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The cake stays incredibly moist because the gelatin seeps into every single poke hole
  • Its like eating two desserts in one bite with creamy whipped topping and fruity pockets throughout
  • You can customize the colors for any holiday just by switching gelatin flavors
02 -
  • Warm cake absorbs gelatin much better than cool cake does
  • Pouring slowly over the back of a spoon prevents the liquid from pooling on top
  • The cake needs those full two hours of chilling time or the texture will be weirdly soft
03 -
  • Set your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream
  • Use gel food coloring in the whipped cream to match your gelatin colors

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